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I recently stumbled upon a fascinating and straightforward technique for producing hashish, detailed in the exceptional book ‘Hashish‘ by renowned cannabis researcher Robert Connell Clarke.
The method, initially introduced to the world by ‘Sadu Sam,’ is a fundamental water extraction process that is both efficient and cost-effective.
The water extraction method employs simple materials such as water, coffee filters, and a few additional items, making it accessible to anyone interested in producing hashish.
The process is particularly noteworthy due to its ability to extract hash from cannabis that has been affected by mold, which can save a potential disaster for cultivators or enthusiasts.
Delving into the scientific aspects of this technique, the water extraction process utilizes the differences in solubility between the various compounds found within the cannabis plant.
The trichomes, which contain the majority of the cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its unique properties, are non-polar and hydrophobic. This means that they will not dissolve in water, which is a polar solvent. By contrast, mold and many other contaminants are water-soluble, allowing them to be easily separated from the valuable trichomes.
The process begins by thoroughly mixing the cannabis plant material with cold water. The low temperature helps to preserve the delicate cannabinoids and terpenes while further reducing the solubility of unwanted contaminants.
After a period of agitation, the mixture is passed through a series of coffee filters, which serve as a mechanical barrier to separate the trichomes from the plant material and water-soluble impurities. The end result is a collection of trichomes on the filters, which can be dried and processed into hashish.
Clarke’s book ‘Hashish’ is a treasure trove of information on the history, culture, and production techniques of hashish across the globe. It provides a comprehensive overview of various extraction methods, including the water extraction method mentioned above, as well as more advanced techniques such as dry sieving, mechanical drumming, and solvent extractions.
The book delves into the science behind the psychoactive compounds in cannabis, the role of terpenes, and the differences between various strains and landraces.
The water extraction method introduced by Sadu Sam and detailed in Robert Connell Clarke’s ‘Hashish’ is a simple, effective, and accessible technique for producing hashish from cannabis, even when contaminated by mold.
The process leverages the differences in solubility between the valuable trichomes and water-soluble impurities to create a high-quality end product. The book itself is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and science of hashish production.
We completely love your site! Is is highly educational (literally), interesting and always fun to read. We have learnt a lot about vaporisers from here as well as UK cannabis law, which came in very helpful. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing all the wonderful information!
Glad you like it, thanks for the kind words