Hashish

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hashish
Hashish, American pressed.jpg
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File:Récolte de la résine de cannabis, Uttarakhand, Inde 288x512.ogv Hashish is a cannabis product composed of compressed or purified preparations of trichomes (the active ingredient of cannabis). It contains the same active ingredients as marijuana, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but often in higher concentrations. Hashish is consumed by smoking, typically in a pipe, bong, vaporizer, or joint, or sometimes via oral ingestion.

History[edit | edit source]

The use of hashish dates back to at least the 12th century in the Middle East and Central Asia. It was popularized in the Western world in the 19th century, particularly in France, where it was associated with the Club des Hashischins, a Parisian group dedicated to the exploration of drug-induced experiences.

Production[edit | edit source]

Hashish is produced by collecting and compressing the trichomes of the cannabis plant. The methods of production can vary, but they generally involve sieving the cannabis plant material to separate the trichomes, which are then pressed into blocks or balls. The quality and potency of hashish can vary significantly depending on the method of production and the quality of the cannabis used.

Types of Hashish[edit | edit source]

There are several types of hashish, including:

  • Dry Sift Hashish: Made by sieving dried cannabis through fine screens to collect the trichomes.
  • Bubble Hash: Made using ice water to separate the trichomes from the plant material.
  • Charas: A type of hashish made by hand-rubbing the cannabis plant to collect the resin.

Consumption[edit | edit source]

Hashish can be consumed in various ways:

  • Smoking: Often mixed with tobacco or cannabis and smoked in a joint, pipe, or bong.
  • Vaporizing: Using a vaporizer to heat the hashish to a temperature that releases the active ingredients without burning the material.
  • Oral Ingestion: Hashish can be infused into food or drinks, although this method is less common due to the difficulty in controlling dosage.

Effects[edit | edit source]

The effects of hashish are similar to those of marijuana but are often more intense due to the higher concentration of THC. Common effects include euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. However, it can also cause adverse effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired memory and coordination.

Legal Status[edit | edit source]

The legal status of hashish varies widely around the world. In some countries, it is legal for medical or recreational use, while in others, it is strictly prohibited. The United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 classifies cannabis and its derivatives, including hashish, as Schedule I drugs, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Hashish Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD