Moroccan hash has a long-standing reputation for its diverse range of qualities and production methods. In this article, we will delve into the various types and qualities of Moroccan hash, providing insights into their production techniques and characteristics.
- Black Hash:
Black hash can either be of high quality or poor quality. When it is of good quality, it is made by extracting resin from live cannabis plants by rubbing them between the fingers. This method produces an incredibly flavorful hash. On the other hand, low-quality black hash can result from either adulterating commercial hash to mimic charas (a high-quality hash) or mishandling the curing process. An example of the latter is paraguayan hash known as “pretinho uva” in Brazil. - Mousse:
Mousse, a slang term from France, refers to commercial-grade dry sift Moroccan hash. Generally, mousse hash is what you might find when purchasing from street vendors or lesser-known sources. While it is not necessarily bad hash, there are higher-quality options available. Mousse hash often has a greenish appearance and tends to break apart easily. - Dry Hash:
Dry hash, also known as dry-sift hash, is produced by filtering cured cannabis buds. This process involves either beating the buds or gently shaking them over a filter. The quality of dry hash can vary significantly, and mousse hash falls into this category. The quality of dry-sift hash depends on the number of filtration rounds and the size of the filter’s holes. Using filters with smaller holes results in a hash with fewer plant materials and a higher concentration of trichomes, providing a taste that reflects the original aroma of the cannabis. - Static Hash:
Static hash represents the highest quality of dry hash available. It is crafted by using static electricity to selectively extract trichome heads from already dry-sifted material. The resulting hash offers pure flavor and potency, making it an enjoyable choice for dabbing or smoking. - Bubble/Ice-Water Hash:
Bubble hash, also known as ice-water hash, involves using water to extract trichomes from cannabis. Trichomes do not dissolve in water, allowing them to freeze and cleanly separate from the plant material when the cannabis is dipped in cold water. Filters are used to separate the trichomes from the rest of the plant material. The quality of the hash depends on the size of the filters used, similar to the dry-sift method. After drying, the trichomes are pressed to form hash. This process often utilizes a washing machine with ice due to its efficient water flow.
In modern times, Moroccan hash is categorized into three to four different qualities. The majority of hash available in Europe is produced in Morocco, resulting in similar production techniques across the board. The lowest quality hash is known as blonde hash. It is made from pollen collected from wild plants native to Moroccan soil. These plants have low and impure trichomes, giving the hash a bleached yellowish appearance. Blonde hash is relatively inexpensive due to its minimal production costs and is typically priced around 250 to 400€ per plate.
Dry hash, made from cultivated crops rather than wild flowers, is the next quality level. The pollen is separated from the plant by hitting the plants over a micron screen, typically ranging from 2-300 microns. Machine pressing enhances the appearance of the hash plates and simplifies the curing process. Common hash in this range includes banana zkittlez, pink runtz, and trufflez, with prices ranging from 550 to 700€.
Filtered hash is produced by extracting pollen from the plant using a similar method as lower quality hash, but with trichomes sifted through a tighter micron screen (ranging from 120 to 73u). This range showcases the true beauty of hash, with super potent flavors and effects. The consistency of filtered hash is hard on the outside but becomes powdery when pressed with fingers. Expect to pay anywhere from 850 to 1100€ per plate in this category.
The best hash plates in the world are made using a process called static sifting. This technique involves separating the higher quality trichomes from the lower quality ones using static energy. The trichomes are sifted and re-separated using static energy. Plant material is often frozen immediately after cutting to preserve the quality of the trichomes. Smoking this type of hash is similar to smoking
