How to Make Cannabis Bubble Hash: Ice Water Extraction Guide

How to Make Cannabis Bubble Hash

Bubble hash is a cannabis concentrate made with ice water extraction. Cold water and ice make trichomes brittle. Agitation breaks trichomes from plant material. Filter bags catch trichomes by size. The result is a resin that bubbles when heated. The method uses no solvents.

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What You Need

• Cannabis trim, buds, or fresh frozen plant material. Use 1 ounce to 4 ounces per batch.
• Bubble bags. Common micron sizes: 220, 190, 160, 120, 90, 73, 45, 25.
• Two buckets. One 5-gallon bucket holds the bags. A second bucket holds ice water.
• Ice. Use 4 to 8 pounds per batch.
• Cold water. Temperature 32°F to 39°F.
• Wooden spoon or paddle. Or a portable washing machine.
• Microplane or fine sieve for drying.

Step-by-Step

1. Line the first bucket with bubble bags. Start with the 220-micron bag. End with the 25-micron bag.
2. Add cannabis material. Add ice. Add cold water. Leave 2 inches of space at the top.
3. Stir for 5 minutes. Use a slow, circular motion. Do not blend. Blending adds plant matter.
4. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Trichomes sink.
5. Pull the bags out one at a time. Drain water through each bag. Collect resin from each bag with a spoon.
6. Repeat the stir and settle steps 2 to 3 times. Use fresh ice water each run.

Drying and Storing

Wet bubble hash contains water. Dry it to prevent mold. Break the hash into small pieces. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Use a microplane to shred thick chunks. Dry in a cool, dark room with low humidity. Air dry for 5 to 14 days. Test moisture by pressing a piece. If it crumbles, it is dry. If it smears, dry longer. Store dried hash in an airtight glass jar. Keep it in a refrigerator or freezer. Shelf life is 6 to 12 months.

cannabis bubble hash vs dry sift

Common Mistakes

• Over-stirring. This adds chlorophyll and plant matter. Stir for 5 minutes or less per run.
• Warm water. Warm water makes trichomes sticky. Use water near freezing.
• Poor drying. Wet hash grows mold. Dry until the hash crumbles.
• Dirty bags. Rinse bags with cold water after each use. Soap residue harms resin.

Legality

Bubble hash is a cannabis concentrate. Laws vary by state and country. In the US, federal law classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance. Many states allow medical or recreational cannabis. Check local rules before you make or possess bubble hash.

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