Bubble Hash: An Introduction

Published initially on potguide.com---- April 30, 2021

In the 1980s, Bubble Hash—named for the way it bubbles when lit- was the purest form of cannabis in the concentrate market at the time. While it initially gained popularity in Canada and Amsterdam, it is only now starting to gain some headway in the ever-changing cannabis concentrate market overall due to its potency, health benefits, and the way it is made.

Bubble Hash is composed of trichomes that have been separated from the cannabis plant by agitating it in ice water and filtering it using a sifter. During this process, the resin from the trichomes freezes and breaks off the plant. Then, they sink to the bottom of the sifter, which is usually layered between mesh screens. 

This technique was created by the owner of the first cannabis seed bank, Neville Schoenmaker; however, it was popularized in the United States by Sadhu Sam of Santa Cruz, CA. Sam proved that bubble hash could be made easily at home by using cannabis flower, a 3-gallon bucket, a paddle or wooden spoon, a mesh filter, and ice water. When the technique was first founded, owners of cannabis businesses in Amsterdam and Canada took notice and started selling bubble bags. 

Bubble bags are put inside the bucket, which allows the trichrome heads to sink to the bottom once it is filled with ice water. The plant material is then discarded, and the trichrome heads that made it through the mesh filter are refined, dried, and stored.  

While simple, this method is considered ancient in today’s cannabis industry. New techniques include using bubble hash machines and freeze-drying. Bubble hash machines automate the agitation stage, allowing the manufacturer only to change the bags after each successful process. These machines may cut downtime in production, but freeze-drying reduces the amount of time originally needed to wait for the finished product to dry. Also automated, it enables one to produce large quantities of bubble hash in just a few hours. This method is primarily used by professional extractors due to its expense. Nonetheless, it results in a higher quality product by enhancing the overall taste and aroma.  

Bubble hash differs from most concentrates in that there are no chemical solvents used when extracting the THC from the plant. Most other concentrates are extracted with butane, CO2, alcohol, and/or propane. Because of this, some have claimed that smoking bubble hash may be a healthier alternative when compared to smoking concentrates that are made with solvents. Further, users have reported a higher euphoric, surreal, and clear sensation than their counterparts. Some also said that when they came down from the high, they were less likely to feel lethargic, have a headache, or have brain fog after smoking large amounts. 

All of this is most likely due to bubble hash being free of added chemicals and the fact that it is made of trichrome heads and nothing more. Additionally, it may be an alternative product for those who enjoy concentrates but have difficulties tolerating high levels of THC. While the THC percentage is still considered to be high, bubble hash’s THC content typically ranges from 30-60%, whereas solvent-based products tend to have a THC content of 80-99%. 

Today, there are new and better ways to produce high-quality concentrates, so bubble hash has been pushed aside. However, its appeal may also lie with those who want to experiment with creating cannabis products and avoid paying dispensary prices. Additionally, its popularity could be demographic, particularly in lower-income communities, because the basic materials to make bubble hash are inexpensive and can be purchased at a local superstore.

The more people who make their own bubble hash, the more it could affect the licensed businesses that create concentrates down the line. However, for now, it is seen as a niche market, and the demand is not high enough for licensed manufacturing facilities to produce it. But as its popularity grows, bubble hash could have the potential to saturate the cannabis market in the future.