Differences between hash and pollen

Hash and pollen are two products made from cannabis resin, so it is quite common to confuse them. The truth is that despite the similarities, there are some differences between hash and pollen that allow them to be distinguished from each other. In order to learn to recognise them, we will try to discover what each of them is through their effects, potency or quality.

Differences between hashish and pollen

Although the two are similar, they are not the same. Intending to find out more about the differences between hash and pollen; the first thing to know is what each is:

Pollen

Pollen or kief is cannabis resin, similar to powder. Specifically, it is the powder that can be obtained by passing the plant through a sieve. It is notable for its yellowish colour and much higher THC levels. Pollen is normally used for mixing with tobacco or in a pipe.

It is formed by extracting the trichomes, tiny glands that cover the plant, shaped like lollipops. Most of the terpenes and cannabinoids are found in this part of the plant and are responsible for the aroma and potency of the flowers.

How pollen is extracted

Pollen can be obtained in a simple way, you simply need a sieve or mesh. In some cases you can find different grinders that have their own mesh. This allows the pollen to pass through it and accumulate on the bottom of the grinder, in addition to shredding the flowers.

Hash

This product is also made from cannabis resin or pollen, i.e. it is obtained by separating the trichomes from the plant matter. It involves collecting the kief and turning it into blocks, bricks or balls, through a series of transformations. This can contain high levels of THC or CBD, depending on the plant selected.

However, unlike kief, the quality of kief is much lower. It usually has a brown or black colour, as well as greenish or even reddish hues ; it’s determined by the strain chosen to extract it. Its proportion of THC is lower than that of pollen and will vary depending on the plant’s quality from which it has been extracted, as well as the adulterants used.

It should be noted that in general, hash that has not been made at home or that does not come from specialised environments, such as cannabis clubs, is usually adulterated; which can be detected in the taste it leaves when used. This is one of the main differences that distinguish it from pollen.

How to make hash

There are many ways of making hash. On the one hand, you can find products such as the T press for pollen with which you can create small compact balls. To do this, simply place the lower stopper, insert the kief inside and close it. The T-piece is then pressed to compact the kief and create a piece of pollen. You can also choose to use ice or water for extraction, or if you prefer to use different processes with solvents. In this way, different types of hash are obtained. These include BHO, Bubble Hash or Rosin. In fact, the main advantage of pressing the pollen is that the potency is better preserved and can be stored for months.

How do you know the quality of hash?

To know if it is a good hashish, you need to look at the plaque, which should be firm and dry, but somewhat sticky. When some heat is applied, it crumbles easily. In some cases, the green colour may indicate that it has been mixed with non-resinous plant material. If the smoke is dense, white and aromatic, it can be assumed to be of good quality. Darker smoke indicates that it has been cut with other substances.

Pollen and hash effects

The effects of both pollen and hash are similar. However, they differ slightly from those produced by buds, being more potent because they have a higher concentration of trichomes. Because of the potency of these psychoactive effects, they should be used in moderation.

Possible effects include relaxation, euphoria, laughter, a sense of well-being and increased sociability. However, if one exceeds the amount to be used, the effects give way to sensory distortions, anxiety, sadness or drowsiness.

Still, experts consider pollen to be always more pleasant than hash.

CBD Hash

To make CBD hash, the process is similar. You simply extract the pollen from Cannabis Sativa L plants with a high percentage of CBD; where the level of THC found in the plants has to be less than 0.2% of the CBD content.

Among the products made with CBD hashish, you can find different extractions such as Moon Rock GB. It’s made by dipping flowers with a high CBD content in CBD oil and bathing them in pollen or Cannabidiol resin. Similarly, different CBD extractions or Charas can be found.

While there are not a big differences between hash and pollen, they can be distinguished by their shape, colour or potency. In short, it could be said that pollen allows hash to be made, as it is obtained directly from cannabis plants.