Ice water hash is a popular cannabis extract that is preferred for its purity and potency. Produced using a solventless extraction method, ice water hash has been around for decades. As the popularity of cannabis products is increasing and enthusiasts are curious about this cannabis concentrate, this guide is for you.
In this article, we will explore what ice water hash is and everything else, from production techniques to consumption methods.
Ice water hash is a cannabis concentrate produced by using ice water to separate trichomes (resin glands) from plant material. Agitation is used to freeze and separate trichomes, which is why it is also known as bubble hash or water hash. As trichomes are brittle, they break off easily in cold water. As only water is used for extraction, ice water hash is one of the purest forms with no chemical solvent residue. It also preserves the natural terpene profile, offering a more flavorful product.
How to Make Ice Water Hash: Step-by-Step Process
The ice water hash extraction process is simple; here’s a step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prepare the Right Material
The efficiency of the ice water hash extraction process significantly depends on the quality of the start material. For high yield, properly cured cannabis (harvested and immediately frozen) is best for preserving terpenes. Also, larger buds are broken into smaller pieces for better extraction.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ice Water Bath
A cold water bath is prepared with plenty of ice to maintain extremely cold temperatures. Then, filtration bags are placed in the ice water. A standard ice water hash production setup includes 25 to 220-micron bags.
Step 3: Agitate Gently
Cannabis material is placed into the filtration bags and then gently agitated for 10-15 minutes. This agitation breaks the now-brittle trichomes from the plant material. Caution should be taken so as not to over-agitate, as it can introduce unwanted plant matter and chlorophyll into your hash.
Step 4: Filter with Micron Bags
Remove each filtration bag in sequence as each will contain a hash of different qualities – the smallest micron bags (25-45μ) typically contain the highest quality hash. Resin is carefully collected from each bag by gently scraping them.
Why Cold Temperatures Are Crucial
The entire ice water hash extraction process depends on cold temperature. As trichomes are sensitive to temperature when cannabis is submerged in ice water, the trichome heads become brittle and easily separate from the plant. Additionally, cold temperatures help preserve the delicate terpene profile, giving ice water hash distinctive aromas and therapeutic benefits.
Drying Your Hash the Right Way (Prevent Mold)
Freshly extracted hash is wet; it is crucial to dry it correctly to prevent mold and terpene loss. Two recommended methods include:
- Air Drying:
Collected ice water hash is spread on a clean, non-stick surface as a thin layer. Air drying extracted hash in a cool, dark environment with low humidity is ideal. Break any larger clumps into smaller pieces to ensure even drying and prevent mold formation.
- Freeze Drying (Best):
Commercial producers use freeze drying to remove moisture from wet ice water hash. The pressure uses freeze dryers to remove moisture through sublimation, preserving terpenes and preventing oxidation.
How Ice Water Hash Is Graded (1–6 Star System)
Stars | Quality | Best Use |
1–2 | Cooking-grade | Edibles |
3–4 | Mid-grade | Bowls, joints |
5–6 | Full melt | Dabs, rosin |
Full melt hash (5–6 stars) leaves little to no residue when dabbed.
Factors That Affect Ice Water Hash Quality
- Strain genetics
The yield of the ice water hash extraction process is dependent on cannabis strains. Not all strains produce the same quantity or quality of trichomes. Using cannabis strains specifically bred for resin production yields more hash with better melt quality.
- Trichome size
The age at which cannabis plants are harvested affects ice-water hash production. Fully mature, swollen trichome heads contain more cannabinoids and terpenes. Harvesting plant material at peak ensures optimal potency and flavor.
- Water purity
The purity of the water used for the extraction process significantly impacts the hash’s quality. Clean, filtered water free from minerals and contaminants ensures top-quality hash production.
- Agitation
The intensity and duration of agitation are other factors that dramatically affect quality. Agitating the water-cannabis solution too little won’t release enough trichomes, while excessive agitation can break plant material into tiny pieces, contaminating hash.
How to Use Ice Water Hash
1. Dabbing
Dabbing is an excellent way to smoke ice-water hash. High-quality full melt hash (5-6 star) is best for dabbing, offering immediate effects and full flavor expression. For the best experience, dabbing hash at a lower temperature is recommended, as it preserves terpenes for better flavor.
2. Smoking
Another way to consume quality ice water hash is smoking. Traditionally, smoking hash joints is a popular way to experience benefits. Smoking is best for 3-4-star quality ice water hash, which requires more heat to release THC.
3. Press into Rosin
Ice water hash is also a key ingredient to make solventless rosin. Hash is placed between parchment paper, and then heat is applied with pressure using a rosin press or hair straightener. This produces fresh rosin from hash.
4. Edibles
Cooking-grade (1-2 star) ice water hash can be easily consumed by adding edible products. It provides potent effects as cooking decarboxylates the hash, adding flavors and THC effects to the food.
Best Strains for Ice Water Hash (High-Yielding Washers)
Some of the widely used cannabis strains for producing exceptional ice water hash yields include:
- GMO Cookies (Garlic Cookies) are a popular strain for heavy resin production
- Papaya strain produces large, easily separated trichome heads
- Wedding Cake is a marijuana strain that has an excellent terpene profile
- Bubble gum is a classic strain with sticky, resinous buds ideal for hash-making
These strains are chosen because their trichomes easily separate during the washing process.
Conclusion
Whether you are an enthusiast or a recreational user, ice water hash remains a popular choice. For novices, it is essential to understand what an ice water hash is to master its extraction process and use it for maximum effect. From dabbing full-melt hash to incorporating cooking-grade hash into edibles, ice water hash offers versatility and potency that few other concentrates can match.
