What Is Hash (Hashish)? Effects, Side Effects, & Abuse

Hashish, often called hash, is a drug made from the cannabis plant. It’s a concentrated form of marijuana that has been used for centuries for its strong effects on the mind and body. Hash contains high levels of THC, the main chemical in cannabis that causes the euphoric high.

While some people use it medically or recreationally, it can lead to serious side effects, abuse, and addiction. This guide explores what hashish refers to, what is hash, how it’s different from marijuana, its effects, and the risks involved in using it.

What Is Hashish?

Hashish, commonly known as hash, is a potent drug made from the cannabis plant. It is created by collecting and compressing the resin, a sticky substance from the flowers. This resin is packed with high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis [1]. 

Unlike marijuana, which comes from the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, hashish is a concentrated form of cannabis [2]. It’s usually pressed into small, solid blocks or balls that range from dark brown to greenish-yellow. Hashish is typically smoked, vaporized, or eaten when added to baked goods or teas. It produces a more intense high than regular marijuana because of its higher THC content. 

Hashish has been used for centuries, especially in the Middle East, India, and North Africa. Today, it remains popular in many parts of the world, although marijuana is more commonly used in the U.S. As laws around cannabis have changed in recent years, hashish has also become more widely available, but with its increased use comes a greater risk of addiction and health problems. 

Hash vs Marijuana: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between hash and weed, then? While both hashish and marijuana come from the cannabis plant, they are quite different in their form, potency, and how they are made.

• Source: Both hash and marijuana come from the same plant – Cannabis sativa [3] or Cannabis indica [4] – but they are prepared differently. Marijuana is made from the dried flowers, leaves, and stems. Unlike weed, hash is made from the plant’s resin, which contains a much higher concentration of THC.
• THC content: One of the biggest differences between hash and marijuana is the amount of THC. Marijuana typically contains anywhere from 10% to 30% THC, while hash can contain up to 60% THC, depending on how it’s made. This makes hash much stronger, leading to more intense effects.
• Appearance: Marijuana is dried plant material – shredded green or brown leaves and flowers. Hashish is often darker in color and comes in a solid, compact form that can look like small blocks or balls. Its texture can range from soft and sticky to hard and brittle, depending on how it’s processed.
• How they are used: Both hash and marijuana can be smoked, but hashish is often more difficult to burn on its own, so it’s sometimes mixed with tobacco or marijuana. Hash can also be vaporized or dabbed using special tools. Additionally, both marijuana and hash can be added to food and consumed as edibles [5].
• Effects: Because hashish contains more THC, it tends to produce stronger psychoactive effects than marijuana. People may feel a more intense high, including a deeper sense of relaxation, heightened sensory experiences, and a greater distortion of time and space. However, this also means that people who use cannabis hash are at a higher risk for negative side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, or even hallucinations.

So, when comparing hash vs weed, both come from the same plant and have similar uses, but hashish is a much stronger and more concentrated form of cannabis. This means that it comes with increased risks, both in terms of its immediate effects and long-term health impacts.

Other Names of Hash THC

Hashish has many names, especially on the streets or in casual conversation. These names vary based on location and the form of hash. Some of the most common names include:

• Hash: This is the most widely used and recognized name for hashish.
• Keef (kief): Often used to describe the fine, powdery substance made from the dried resin of the cannabis plant. Keef can be pressed to make hash.
• Charas: Hand-made hash produced in parts of India and Nepal.
• Dabs: While more commonly used to refer to concentrated cannabis products like wax and oil, dabs can also refer to hashish in some areas [6].
• Hemp: While this word generally refers to industrial cannabis plants, it can sometimes be used to refer to hash or cannabis in casual conversation.
• Shish: A shortened form of hashish used informally.
• Moroccan hash: A pale hashish commonly found in Morocco. 

Because hash is made from THC-rich resin, it’s sometimes referred to by slang names that highlight its potency or the high it produces. These names may change from place to place, but they all refer to the same substance, hashish, which is known for its strong effects on the body and mind.

How Is Hashish Made?

Hashish is made by collecting and compressing the sticky resin that forms on the cannabis plant. This resin is filled with tiny crystals called trichomes, which contain high levels of THC and other cannabinoids that produce psychoactive effects [7]. Here’s how hashish is made:

The process begins with drawing out the plant’s essence, where the delicate crystals that coat the flowers are gently separated. These fragments are then refined to isolate their purest form, creating a foundation for further transformation. Once gathered, the material is shaped and molded, solidified into a form that can be soft or firm, influenced by the forces applied and time allowed to mature. Beyond traditional paths, evolving methods harness advanced techniques, turning the plant’s essence into various concentrated forms.

Regardless of the method, the goal is always the same: to collect as much THC-rich resin as possible and compress it into a form that is easy to use and store. Hashish has been made this way for centuries, and while the methods have evolved, the basic process remains the same.

What Is Cannabis Resin?

Cannabis resin is the sticky, sap-like substance that forms on the surface of the cannabis plant, particularly on the flowers and leaves. This resin is where most of the plant’s active compounds, including THC and other cannabinoids, are found. Resin plays a key role in making hashish and other concentrated cannabis products. 

Resin is a natural secretion from the trichomes of the marijuana plant. Tiny, hair-like structures covering the plant’s surface, trichomes contain the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC (which causes the high) and CBD (which has medicinal effects). The resin acts as a protective barrier for the plant, helping to defend against pests and harsh weather, but for humans, it’s the source of the potent effects associated with cannabis.

In hashish production, the resin is carefully separated from the plant material. Once separated, it’s either used in its raw form or processed into different products like hash, hash oil, and other cannabis concentrates. The most common way to gather resin is by rubbing the cannabis plant or using a sieve to shake off the trichomes. The resin can also be extracted using solvents, which result in a more concentrated product. 

There are different types of cannabis resin, depending on how it’s collected and processed.

• Keef: This is the loose powder that comes from the sifted resin. It’s often sprinkled on top of marijuana to increase potency.
• Bubble hash: Made using ice water to freeze and break off the trichomes, this type of hash is considered purer because it doesn’t use chemicals.
• Live resin: A more recent type of cannabis concentrate, live resin is made by freezing the cannabis plant immediately after harvest, preserving more of the plant’s natural compounds for a more flavorful and potent product. 

Cannabis resin contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids, the compounds responsible for the drug’s effects [8]. When people use cannabis, whether it’s marijuana or hashish, they are mostly consuming the resin, either by smoking or ingesting it. The quality of the resin often determines the strength of the product, which is why hashish, made from pure resin, is typically stronger than regular marijuana.

Effects of Smoking Hashish

Smoking hashish has strong effects on both the body and mind because of its high THC content. These effects can be pleasant or harmful, depending on how much is used and the person’s experience with cannabis. When hash is smoked, the effects are usually felt within minutes and can last several hours. Many people feel relaxed, euphoric, and more aware of their surroundings, but smoking hashish can also lead to unwanted side effects. 

Physical Effects

Hashish affects the body in many ways because of the concentrated amount of THC. Some of the most common physical effects include:

• Increased heart rate: People may notice their heart beating faster shortly after smoking hash. This can make some people feel uneasy or anxious.
• Dry mouth and throat: Many people experience a dry mouth after smoking hashish, which can make it difficult to talk or swallow.
• Red eyes: Bloodshot eyes are another common side effect. This happens because THC causes blood vessels in the eyes to expand.
• Increased appetite: Hashish can make people hungry, causing them to eat more than usual. This is known as the munchies.
• Lung irritation: Smoking hashish can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to coughing or shortness of breath, especially in those who use the drug regularly. This may provoke more serious respiratory problems like bronchitis or lung infections. 

These physical effects can vary from person to person, and while some may find them mild, others might feel uncomfortable or even scared, especially if they’re not used to the strong effects of hashish. 

Mental & Emotional Effects

The mental and emotional effects of hashish are often what draws people to use it. These effects can make people feel euphoric, relaxed, and more connected to their thoughts and surroundings. However, hashish can also lead to negative mental experiences, especially in large doses or for those prone to anxiety.

• Euphoria: Many people feel a heightened sense of happiness or euphoria after smoking hash. They may laugh more easily or feel more connected to the people around them.
• Altered perception: Hashish can change the way people experience the world. Colors may seem brighter, sounds more intense, and time may feel like it’s moving slower or faster.
• Anxiety and paranoia: In some cases, hashish can cause feelings of anxiety or paranoia, especially if the person is in an unfamiliar setting or takes too much of the drug. This can lead to racing thoughts, fear, and even panic attacks.
• Difficulty focusing: Hashish can make it harder to concentrate or think clearly, which can be a problem for people who need to focus on tasks like schoolwork or their job. 

Negative Side Effects of Hash Drug

While some people use hashish for its relaxing effects, it comes with a range of negative side effects, particularly when used in large amounts or over a long period. These side effects can impact both the body and mind. 

• Memory problems: One of the most common side effects of smoking hashish is trouble with short-term memory. People might find it hard to remember things that just happened or focus on tasks.
• Respiratory issues: Smoking hashish, like smoking tobacco, can damage the lungs over time. Chronic use may trigger a persistent cough or chest colds and lung infections.
• Mental health problems: Long-term use of hashish has been linked to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and in some cases, psychosis [9]. Some people may even experience hallucinations or delusions, especially at high doses.
• Lack of motivation: Regular use of hashish causes people to lose interest in goals or activities they once cared about. This can affect their school performance, work, and relationships.

Addiction & Abuse Risk

Like other drugs, hashish has the potential for abuse and addiction, especially when used frequently. While not everyone who uses hashish will become addicted, regular use can lead to physical and psychological dependence [10]. 

• Tolerance: Over time, people may need to consume more hashish to get the same effects. This is called tolerance, and it’s one of the first signs of potential addiction.
• Withdrawal symptoms: People who try to stop using hashish after regular use may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and cravings for the drug.
• Cravings and compulsive use: Once addicted, individuals may find it hard to stop using hashish, even if it’s causing problems in their lives. They may feel strong cravings for the drug and continue using it despite negative consequences. 

Overdose Risk

Although it’s not possible to fatally overdose on hashish, consuming too much can still cause serious problems. A hashish overdose occurs when someone consumes more THC than their body can handle, leading to intense, unpleasant symptoms. 

• Extreme paranoia: An overdose of hashish can cause severe paranoia or panic, where people may feel like something terrible is about to happen.
• Delusions and hallucinations: In high doses, hashish can cause people to see or hear things that aren’t there. This can be frightening and disorienting.
• Nausea and vomiting: Overdosing on hashish can make people feel extremely nauseous or sick. They may vomit or feel like they’re going to pass out.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Too much THC can cause a rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with heart conditions.

So, while hashish can offer pleasurable effects for some people, it also comes with a range of risks, from addiction and abuse to serious physical and mental health problems. Even casual use can lead to negative consequences. 

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Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/

[2] https://drugfree.org/drugs/what-is-hashish/

[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cannabis-sativa

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604179/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260817/

[6] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana-concentrates

[7] https://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12870-021-02840-x

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556062/ 

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425748/

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538131/