Hey there, hash enthusiasts and curious minds! Today, we’re diving into the frosty world of making hash from frozen plants using micron bags, and then transforming that hash into the golden elixir known as rosin. Whether you’re a seasoned extractor or just starting out, understanding this process can add an exciting layer to your cannabis adventures.
Why Freeze Plants for Hash Making?
Freezing cannabis plants immediately after harvesting helps preserve the delicate trichomes (those tiny, sparkly crystals on the plant that contain most of the cannabinoids and terpenes). When these plants are kept at sub-zero temperatures, the trichomes become brittle and more easily separated from the plant material, which is exactly what you want for high-quality hash.
Getting Started: The Setup
You’ll need a few key items:
- Freshly harvested cannabis plants (frozen)
- Micron bags (more on this soon)
- Ice
- A large bucket
- Stirring stick or paddle
- Clean, cold water
Understanding Micron Bags
Micron bags are essentially filter screens designed to separate trichomes from other plant materials during the hash-making process. These bags come in various micron sizes, which refer to the size of the openings in the mesh. Common sizes are:
- 220 microns: The workhorse bag for your initial filter, capturing larger plant materials.
- 160 microns: A tighter screen that begins to separate finer particles.
- 120 microns: Good for a higher purity product but may yield less.
- 73 microns: This bag provides a very fine filter, capturing only the smallest and most potent trichomes.
- 25 microns: The finest screen, often used for the last filtration to get the purest form of hash.
The Process: Making Hash
- Setup: Layer your micron bags inside the bucket, starting with the smallest micron size at the bottom and building up to the largest at the top.
- Mix: Place your frozen cannabis material in the top bag and fill the bucket with ice and cold water. Stir gently but thoroughly for about 15-30 minutes. The cold will help the trichomes separate and fall through the bags.
- Collect: Lift out each bag one by one, draining the water back into the bucket. As you get to each layer, you’ll find a different grade of hash. Scrape the hash off each bag’s screen and place it on a clean, non-stick surface to dry.
Drying and Storing Your Hash
Allow your hash to dry in a cool, dark place. This can take several days, depending on humidity and air circulation. Once dry, store your hash in an airtight container, away from light and heat to preserve its potency and flavor.
Turning Hash into Rosin
Now, for the grand finale: turning your hash into rosin, a solvent-free concentrate that’s gaining popularity for its purity and potency.
- Prepare Your Press: You’ll need a rosin press, which uses heat and pressure to extract the oils from your hash. Preheat your press to about 175-220°F (79-104°C), depending on your preference for flavor and yield.
- Package Your Hash: Place a portion of your dry hash in a rosin bag (typically around 25-37 microns).
- Press: Insert the bag between parchment paper and press for about 60-120 seconds. The heat and pressure will force the oils out of the hash, leaving you with rosin.
- Collect: Carefully remove the parchment paper and collect the rosin with a dab tool.
Conclusion
Voilà! You’ve now journeyed from plant to rosin, mastering a chemical-free extraction process that maximizes flavor and potency. Freezing plants for hash making using micron bags is an excellent method for preserving the essence of the plant, and pressing into rosin is the cherry on top. Experiment with different strains and bag sizes to find your perfect setup and enjoy the ride! Happy hashing!