Hash or hashish is a substance that comes from Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plants. Plants grown from pure sativa seeds for sale or from indica plants can be used to make hash.
is usually available in dried oily solid blocks. The characteristics of these blocks will determine the name of the specific type of hash rather than the name of the weed or pot. The common names for hash include black, redseal black, goldseal and Morrocan.
To use hash, the blocks are cut according to the amount you will be using and these are warmed, crumbled and then rolled. It is usually rolled together with tobacco so that it could be smoked in wrapping paper, in a bong, pipe or a chillum.
The Different Types of Hash
To be able to recognize hash, you must learn about its different types. The colors of hash vary from dark brown to black. Some are in varying shades of brown while some have a dirty yellow color.
The overall appearance of the hash may also vary. Some hash may look very dark and shiny just like the appearance of licorice while some have a dull surface and lighter color. Still, there is a hash that looks very dry and hard compared while there is a hash that’s bendable, pliable and with the consistency of modeling clay.
Similar to weed, hashish has a distinctive smell and taste. The aroma and smell are two ways to easily identify marijuana in most cases. Some consumers are tricked to buying plain licorice while they are looking for a hash. This is because they did not use the sense of smell when looking for a hash.
What is Hashish Oil?
Aside from being available in block form, you may also purchase hash in oil form. Hash oil or hashish oil is known as one of the most potent forms of marijuana. It is also the least commonly used. Hashish oil is commonly used to produce the effects of indica or sativa and only a small amount of oil is used. Hash oil is often smoked on its own or painted on joints or cigarette for an added kick.
The Properties of Hash Sativa
Cannabis comes in three types: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis sativa plants are known for their classic structure with the body of the plants being tall and lanky with large thin leaves.
Sativas also have unique effects. Sativa strains are known for being stimulating and energizing. If the hash is made from sativa or hash oil is from sativa strains, you can expect that this would have the same effects as sativa strains.
The Effects of Sativa Strains
Sativa strains will energize while indicas will sedate. However, with never and better strains in the market, expect that this traditional belief is no longer the norm. There are now indica strains that have the capability of stimulating consumers while there are sativas that can cause relaxation and sleep. Therefore, it is all about the number of cannabinoids in the strain and not the type of cannabis (indica or sativa).
Medical Benefits of Hashish from Sativa
Hash made from sativa may also exhibit sativa’s diverse medical effects. The following are just the tip of the iceberg.
Sativa to Reduce Chronic Pain
Most of the consumers of sativa strains are able to relive forms of pain including chronic pain. Pain is known as the leading cause of disability in the United States and this affects 25 million adults.
Marijuana is used to relieve chronic pain with the cannabinoids binding to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain which relieves chronic pain including muscle pains, headaches, and body pains. Sativa can also stop toothaches and even arthritis pain.
Sativa to stop Symptoms of Depression, PTSD and Anxiety
Cannabis sativa may be used by patients who are suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. But the study says that it is not a treatment or may not be used as a treatment for conditions such as psychosis and bipolar disorder.
Cannabis sativa may alleviate symptoms like social anxiety but irresponsible and higher doses may lead to increased anxiety.
Cannabis Sativa to Reduce Cancer
Oral preparations of cannabis sativa may be effective in the relief of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. Some studies have revealed that smoked or vaporized cannabis can stop the side effects of chemotherapy.
There are studies that focus on the effects of cannabis sativa on cancer cells. These have revealed that the cannabinoids in this strain can slow down the development of cancer cells or could kill cancerous cells.
Cannabis Sativa on Epilepsy
Epidolex was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for two kinds of severe epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This only happened in 2018 but many think that this is a milestone in the quest for marijuana’s medicinal use.
Epidolex is made from a purified form of CBD and patients who took the drug had reduced symptoms. There was another study that was released in 2017 that revealed that the use of CBD can reduce seizures due to Dravet syndrome than taking a placebo. The seizures in Dravet syndrome are prolonged, repetitive and sometimes life-threatening. In the study of this condition, it was revealed that one in five children will not reach their 20th birthday.
Cannabis Sativa can help Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Cannabis sativa taken orally may improve the symptoms related to multiple sclerosis. The test subjects who took part in the study have revealed that there was an improvement in the symptoms of spasticity but some good effects were quite easily seen from the patients.
Side Effects of Sativa
Just like indica strains, cannabis sativa also has side effects. Take note that most side effects are more pronounced in people new to the strain. The negative effects may be too strong when you are new to consuming marijuana altogether.
Possible Respiratory Problems due to Cannabis Sativa use
Smoking cannabis sativa by smoking and vaping may be linked to the chronic cough. However, it is not yet proven as to whether smoking cannabis will make lung function better or worse. It does not show that there is a possible increase in the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.
A study done in 2014 has revealed the link between lung disease and the use of marijuana. The study said that it was possible for smoking marijuana to lead to result in lung cancer. A study was published saying that there is evidence that regular smoking or vaping of cannabis is safe. However regular heavy users could suffer from various respiratory problems.
Studies have pointed out that the use of medicinal cannabis may not be harmful to the respiratory system when taken in low doses however, the set amount or limit must be defined so that users may easily follow the recommendations.
Also, the recreational use of cannabis sativa is not similar to medicinal use and this must not be endorsed.
Cannabis Sativa use can lead to Mental Health Conditions
Regular use of cannabis sativa is said to worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has revealed that in patients with no history of bipolar disorder there is no relationship with cannabis use and the presence of symptoms of bipolar disorder.
There are studies that say regular cannabis users will develop negative emotions and thoughts similar to suicidal thoughts. Possible depression is also seen in patients using cannabis sativa.
Studies also show the increase in the risk of psychosis in a person who has been diagnosed schizophrenia. There are findings that users with mental conditions as well as other psychoses who have used marijuana will experience improved performance on different tests for learning and memory.
Evidence in the Development of Testicular Cancer
According to experts, there is no evidence between marijuana use and an increase in the development of cancer. The National Academies of Sciences says that there is a possible increase in the risk for the development of a slow-progressing kind of testicular cancer.
How to use Hash
As mentioned earlier, the hash is usually in block form. It is sold in marketplaces or in dispensaries by the pound.
You need a sharp knife to cut the block into smaller pieces so you can use this for a smoke. To cut the block, take only the amount you need. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut and when you’re done, cover the block once more with plastic or with the wrapping paper that comes with it.
To smoke hash in a pipe or in a bong, take a small amount, warm it up with your hands and then crumble it with your fingers. You may use a latex glove to crumble the piece so the oily substance won’t touch your hands.
Place the hash in the bowl of your bong and smoke it. Take only a small amount or the amount recommended to you by your doctor. Never overindulge or suffer the strain’s side effects.
