Hash is a psychoactive compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a different form of the classic cannabis, marijuana. Although both marijuana and hash are derived from the same plant and share many properties, they differ in potency and in other significant ways.
This article will highlight what hash is, how it’s made, how it differs from marijuana and weed, the short- and long-term effects of hash abuse, and more. If you are using hash or contemplating using it, it’s worthwhile to read through this article so that you can make informed choices about the drug.
What is Hashish?
Hashish is another name for hash. It is also known on the street as hasheesh, dab, shish, keef or kief, boom, and gangster. Hash is more potent than marijuana, which is also derived from the Cannabis sativa plant.
The Cannabis sativa plant contains THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric ‘high’ and dissociative and mind-altering effects which hash users experience. Hash has a higher concentration of THC than marijuana, making the user experience more intense and pleasurable.
The Cannabis sativa plant has long been used in ancient religious tribes for spiritual, medicinal and recreational purposes. Today, the powerful effects of cannabis-derived drugs are widely known, including the dangerous potency of hash.
What is hash?
- From Cannabis sativa plant
- Sticky resin from flowers and leaves
- Higher concentration of THC than marijuana
- More potent than marijuana
- Psychoactive and dissociative effects
- Appears dark yellow, green, or brown
What is Hash Made Of?
Hash is made of the resinous trichomes found on the leaves and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a sticky substance that is compressed into a paste and sold as a brick or a ball. It is ingested through food or brewed drinks, or smoked in a pipe or joint.
What Does Hash Look Like?
Hash is usually dark in color- either dark brown, dark yellow, or green. Although hash is normally pure, it is sometimes combined with solvents to create hash wax or hash oils.
Differences Between Marijuana and Hash Drug
The hashish vs marijuana’s difference is mostly in the potency of the drug. As mentioned, hash is created from the sticky resin found on the flowers and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana is formed from the dried leaves, stems, and flowers of the same plant.
The dried parts of the plant contain significantly lower levels of THC, the psychoactive compound which gives cannabis its psychoactive effects. To compare in numbers, marijuana usually contains between 10%-30% THC, while hash can contain up to 60% THC.
Whereas both marijuana and hash can be smoked, hash is difficult to smoke on its own, so it is often mixed with tobacco or other substances. Marijuana and hash are also both easily distinguishable by their appearance. Marijuana looks like dried, torn-up leaves and flowers, while hash is sold as a hard brick or ball.
Hashish vs marijuana’s difference:
|
Hash |
Marijuana |
|
Resin from flowers and leaves |
Dried flowers and leaves |
|
60% THC |
10%- 30% THC |
|
More potent |
Less potent |
|
Smoked with other substances |
Smoked alone |
The Similarities of Hash vs Weed
There are many similarities between weed vs hash, the obvious being that they are both derived from the same Cannabis sativa plant. Another similarity between pot vs hash is that they are both eaten with food, smoked in pipes, or dabbed.
Additionally, both weed (another name for marijuana) and hash cause psychoactive and dissociative effects. They cause a sense of pleasure and euphoria, a distorted sense of time and space, a lack of inhibition, and relief from stress and other unpleasant emotions.
Similarities between weed vs hash:
- Derived from Cannabis sativa plant
- Eaten with food, smoked, or dabbed
- Cause psychoactive effects
Legal Status of Hash
Hash has been classified as a Schedule I drug by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) since it does not serve any medicinal purpose and has a high potential for abuse. This means that it is illegal to use, buy, trade, or sell hash in any form.
Short-Term Effects of Hash
The short-term effects of hash differ for every person, depending on the dosage of hash taken, the length of hash abuse, genetics, co-occurring mental disorders, and other factors.
Physical short-term effects of hash misuse:
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased appetite
- Decreased cognitive function
- Lack of coordination
- Attention deficiency
Psychological short-term effects of hash misuse:
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
Long Term Effects of Hash
People who misuse hash for an extended period of time usually suffer more serious long-term effects, in addition to the short-term effects.
Physical long-term effects of Hash:
- Respiratory issues
- Drug dependency
- Cognitive impairment
Psychological long-term effects of Hash:
- Addiction
- Exacerbation of mental health issues like depression and anxiety
Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
If you or a loved one is struggling with any form of cannabis use disorder- whether it’s weed/ marijuana/ pot or hash- know that you don’t have to go at it alone. The physical and psychological side effects are debilitating, and the emotional price is exorbitant.
You can choose to live a life of recovery, where addiction does not dictate your thoughts, actions, and emotions. All you have to do is is find the help you need. Contact our admissions team today to receive a free evaluation, and expert guidance. We have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addiction, and we can help you too! Reach out to Avenues Recovery Center today so you can begin your journey to recovery, peace, and serenity.