What is Bubble Hash & How is it Made?

Bubble Hash

Also: Ice Water Hash, Ice Hash

Bubble hash is a solventless cannabis concentrate made by mixing cannabis flower with ice water in a large container, then stirring the mixture and filtering it through a series of mesh screens. The combination of the cold temperature and agitation separates trichomes from the flower so they can be collected and pressed into hash.

Bubble hash, also known as ice water hash, is a solventless cannabis concentrate that contains a high concentration of trichomes, the resinous glands that produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The final product is the live resin, which takes the form of a soft, pliable hashish that ranges in color from blonde to brown depending on the quality and cannabis strain used.¹ 

The terms ‘bubble hash’ and ‘ice water hash’ are used interchangeably to describe the same product. One is a nod to the water temperature and the other references the bubbly foam that sits on top of the water while the mixture is stirred.

Bubble hash is made using ice water extraction, a process that involves agitating frozen cannabis and ice water to dislodge the trichomes for collection. The icy water helps preserve the resin quality during extraction. The trichomes are collected from the various filter bags and air-dried into a soft, pliable concentrate. Strains with a high trichome density work best for optimal bubble hash yields.²

While this process has been popular since the 1980s (and even advertised in 1987 in High Times Magazine), manufacturers and DIY extractors have been inventing new techniques to improve ice water extraction methods.³ This is how we eventually got the extraction system known as Bubble Bag. These bags make it easy to catch the trichomes that come off of the flower when it’s agitated.³

Unlike solvent-based extractions that use butane, making bubble hash is safe and easy to do at home. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Cannabis flower

• Ice

• Bucket

• Wooden spoon or trim bin tool

• Filter bags of varying micron sizes (73u, 90u, 120u, etc.)
  
  

Fill the bucket with ice water and add your cannabis. The ice and cold water help to make the trichomes brittle and easier to separate.

Use the wooden spoon or bin tool to agitate and mix the cannabis and ice water together for 10-15 minutes. This knocks the trichomes off the plant material.

Let the mixture settle slightly, then gently pull the bags up and out of the ice water one-by-one, allowing them to drain.

Once all the resin glands have been collected in the smallest micron bag, gently press the water out and allow it to fully air dry into bubble hash.

All cannabis concentrates aren’t the same. While ice water hash shares some similarities, other cannabis concentrates offer variations in concentration levels, texture, extraction methods, and taste. Here are some examples.

What’s the difference between ice water hash and bubble hash? They’re actually the same thing: both terms refer to the same solventless concentrate produced through ice water extraction. Ice water hash is also sometimes referred to as ice wax and cold water hash.

While both hash and bubble hash are made from extracted trichome concentrates, they are not the same. Not only do they look different, the extraction processes are different for each: hash is more compressed and is made by extracting resin glands from the plant, and bubble hash is created using ice water to separate the resin glands. Both offer higher concentration and high purity levels.

Both are made from resin, but the difference between the two is the extraction methods. Kief is the collection of live resin trichomes through sifting or grinding, while bubble hash uses ice water and agitation to extract the resin.

Not all bubble hash is created equal! In fact, there are six different grades of ice hash–known as star ratings–that are based on how well the finished product melts.³ Here’s a breakdown of how the rating system works.

Cooking grade bubble hash typically has quite a bit of leftover plant matter in it, meaning it doesn’t burn well on its own.³ But don’t throw it away! This product is best used to make edibles or topping flower in a pipe or bong.

When the bubble hash only melts halfway, it’s called half melt. This can also be used to add potency to flower, as well as smoked in a dry herb vaporizer.³

Full Melt bubble hash is the highest grade, meaning it leaves little-to-no residue behind when it’s burned. To get to this quality of hash, you’ll need very fine mesh screens and a lot of patience.⁴

Smoking bubble hash allows you to appreciate the flavors and aromas of the product. In general, there are three ways most cannabis enthusiasts enjoy bubble hash. They include:

• Dabbing: Dabbing is probably the most popular way of consuming bubble hash. All you need is a dab rig rig or dab pen. The bubble hash is placed on the hot nail and the vapor is inhaled.
  
  
• Infusing a pre-roll: Turn your DIY joint into an infused pre-roll by adding ice water hash. You can sprinkle it over the flower before you roll it up or simply dip the tip into the hash before lighting it.
  
  
• Adding to flower: If you prefer smoking flower from a pipe or bong, you can still enjoy bubble hash. Simply add a bit of the bubble hash to the ground flower in your bowl. Then, light it and enjoy.
  
  

As cannabis enthusiasts learn about bubble hash, we get a lot of questions. Here are just a few that we regularly answer:

Is bubble hash stronger than typical concentrates?

Bubble hash can be very potent, with THC levels that can sometimes be tested at over 50%. However, its potency depends on the quality of the starting material and specific micron bag used.

Is ice water hash the same as dry sift?

No, both of these are different extraction processes. Dry sift refers to using a series of screens to separate trichomes, while ice water hash separates the trichomes using ice, water, and agitation.

Is full melt the best?

Full melt bubble hash is considered the highest quality, suitable for dabbing, vaping, and pressing into rosin.⁴

Do you dab ice water hash?

Yes, you can dab ice water hash. In fact, it’s one of the preferred methods of consuming hash.

Purchasing Bubble Hash

When it comes to bubble hash, you have two options: purchase it premade from your favorite dispensary or make it at home. If you make it at home, you’ll still need to purchase flower, but it can be a fun way to create your own cannabis product. If that feels like too much work, talk to your budtender. They’ll take the work out of enjoying bubble hash by showing you what they have in stock to purchase that’s ready to be consumed.