Cannabis
Introduction
The concept of “terroir” – the unique environmental factors that influence a crop’s character – is deeply rooted in the wine industry. (Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terroir) This French term emphasises how soil, climate, and local practices combine to create distinct flavors and aromas in wines from specific regions. While initially applied to wine, the concept of terroir resonates strongly within the cannabis community, highlighting the profound impact of environment and cultivation methods on the final product.
South Africa: A land of terroir
South Africa boasts a renowned wine industry, celebrated for its diverse terroirs across various regions. From the cool climate of the Cape to the warmer climates of the interior, each region imparts unique characteristics to the grapes, resulting in wines with distinct flavors and aromas. This concept of regional specificity, where the environment directly influences the final product, can be directly applied to cannabis cultivation.
Cannabis terroir: More than just soil
Cannabis, like grapes, expresses the nuances of its environment. Factors such as:
- Soil composition: Different soil types (sandy, loamy, clay) offer varying nutrient profiles, impacting the plant’s growth and the development of its terpene profile.
- Climate: Temperature, humidity, sunlight, and rainfall significantly influence the plant’s growth cycle, cannabinoid production, and terpene development.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes often result in denser, more resinous plants with unique terpene profiles.
- Microclimates: Local variations in temperature, wind, and sunlight within a region can create distinct microclimates, further influencing the cannabis plant.
- Cultivation practices: Organic farming methods, sustainable practices, and even the hands-on approach of the cultivator can significantly impact the final product.
Appellation hash: A vision for the future
Just as specific regions in France are renowned for producing distinct wines, the concept of “appellation hash” envisions a future where cannabis from specific regions in South Africa is recognised for its unique characteristics. This would involve:
- Developing regional standards: Establishing clear guidelines and quality control measures for cannabis grown in specific regions.
- Promoting regional brands: Highlighting the unique qualities of cannabis grown in different parts of the country.
- Supporting local growers: Encouraging sustainable and ethical cultivation practices that respect the local environment.
Conclusion
The concept of cannabis terroir offers a compelling framework for understanding and appreciating the unique qualities of cannabis grown in different regions of South Africa. By embracing this concept and developing a system of regional appellations, South Africa can not only elevate the quality and reputation of its cannabis industry but also celebrate the diverse and unique expressions of this remarkable plant.
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Bubble Hash, Cannabis
What is Ice Water Hash?
Lets explore the answer to this question in this article called Ice Water Hash: A beginner’s guide
- Ice water hash is a type of cannabis concentrate.
- It’s made by agitating cannabis in ice water.
- This separates the resin glands (trichomes) from the plant material.
- The trichomes are then filtered through mesh bags of varying sizes.
- The result is a potent, solventless concentrate with a rich flavor profile.
What goes into Ice Water hash?
You can use any part of the cannabis plant containing resin glands – leaves, trim, and buds – to make ice water hash. While trim is often used, high-quality hash requires starting with top-tier material, like fresh frozen buds.
The Importance of cold temperatures
Cold temperatures are crucial for successful ice water hash extraction.
- Brittle trichomes: Low temperatures (around 4°C) keep the resin glands brittle, ensuring they snap off easily during agitation.
- Terpene preservation: Cold temperatures help preserve the delicate terpenes, resulting in hash with a truer flavor profile.
The extraction process
- Agitation: Gently agitate the plant material in ice water to dislodge the resin glands.
- Separation: The denser resin glands sink to the bottom of the container, while the plant material floats.
- Filtration: Use a series of fine mesh bags to filter and collect the resin glands based on size.
Drying your hash
Proper drying is essential to prevent mold and “sugaring” (a grainy texture caused by trapped moisture).
- Drying methods:
- Freeze the collected resin.
- Spread the resin thinly on a wicking surface (like cardboard) over a desiccant.
- Avoid humidity: Store the dried hash in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Preparing your material
- Handle with Care: Treat the cannabis gently to minimize gland loss.
- Remove Stems and Large Leaves: Remove large stems and fan leaves before extraction.
- Coarse Chop: Coarsely chop the material to facilitate agitation and prevent clogging the filtration bags.
Factors affecting hash quality
- Plant Material: The quality of the starting material significantly impacts the final product.
- Filtration: The quality and size of the micron filter bags play a crucial role in determining the purity and size of the collected resin.
- Technique: Proper technique, patience, and proficiency contribute to the overall quality.
Conclusion
Ice water hash offers a solvent-free method for extracting high-quality cannabis concentrates. By following these guidelines and paying close attention to temperature, agitation, and drying, you can produce exceptional hash at home.
To find out more on the creation of fine hash follow our blog posts: https://www.fullmeltfiltration.com/blr9
Bubble Hash, Cannabis
Ice water hash – an introduction
Ice water hash, also known as bubble hash, hashish or full melt hash are terms used to describe resin that has been collected from the cannabis plant using ice-water and gentle agitation. The agitation in this medium releases the resin glands from their bond form on the plant and allows resin collectors to separate and collect this resin into a concentrated form, expressing the full spectrum of the material processed.
Ice-water hash production is a highly valued methodology for making cannabis concentrates and is employed all over the world. Its name comes from the ice-cold water used to extract cannabis resin from the leaf surfaces of the trim, leaf, and the buds of the cannabis plant. On a fundamental level the process works because the cannabinoids contained within these resin glands are not water soluble, allowing them to retain their shape and not degrade in the presence of water and ice.
Ice-water hash is either retained as loose heads after the extraction process, which resembles a sandy or granular texture, or the grains are pressed into traditional hashish. High-quality (4* – 5*) granular hash can easily be pressed into traditional hashish using nothing more than the heat from the palm of one’s hand and some light, brisk friction, applied using the thumb of the other hand. Whereas lower quality hashish (1*-3*) may not readily melt into a mass through the application of heat and pressure. Loose or pressed, ice-water hashish still captivates even the most experienced consumers due to the unique and full-spectrum experience of this potent natural product.
Using pre-made extraction systems
Ice-water hash can be made in small or large quantities, allowing for a wide range of quality, texture and experience. Pre-made extraction systems can be purchased to simplify the process as the leg work of sourcing and manufacturing sifting equipment can be challenging. It is also possible to make ice water hash using tools around the house but with inexpensive kits available the savings are often negligible. Have a look at our FullMelt Filtration product pages to view our product range designed to make this process easier.
Pre-made extraction systems offer increased precision and efficiency during the ice water hash production process which is becoming more and more attractive as the market move towards precision isolation of resin based on gland size and ultimately ripeness. The availability of pre-made systems has contributed significantly to a surge in the popularity of ice water hash around the world.
It’s also near to impossible to seriously injure yourself or anyone else making ice water hash, because the process doesn’t involve any flammable chemicals or potentially explosive machinery which makes this technique a safe and viable means of extracting resin in one’s home. This allows more and more people to engage with the production of hashish and to increase their understanding of the plant and its sticky resin that we all know and love so much.
To find out more on the creation of fine hash follow our blog posts: https://www.fullmeltfiltration.com/blr9
To find out more, drop us an email at jayden@FullMeltFiltration.com, WhatsApp or call +27 82 316 5125 and we will be happy to discuss options that will suit you and your situation comfortably.
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