Kief vs Hash: What is the Difference?

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 52.5 million people abused cannabis in 2021.

Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the mind-altering chemical that causes a high. There are tons of cannabis products out there, from flower to oil and even edibles. Two types of THC products that are not talked about often are kief and hash.

Both kief and hash are potent forms of cannabis. They produce similar effects, however, they have tons of differences to be aware of.

Hash is the shortened version of the term hashish, a substance that is derived from marijuana plant material. On the other hand, kief is a term used to refer to resinous glands that contain a high concentration of THC. You can collect kief by grinding cannabis buds and sifting it out with a mesh screen called a kief catcher.

Knowing the differences between kief and hash can improve education on THC products among the general public.

What is Kief?

Kief is a collection of trichomes found on the cannabis plant. People separate the trichomes because they have a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. In other words, kief is a potent form of THC.

People might refer to kief as “pollen” or “dry sift”. The exact potency of kief depends on how strong the cannabis that you collected it from was.

Individuals collect kief by sifting the material through a mesh screen or a multi-chamber grinder. The trichomes will fall through the screen and can be collected to be used in various consumption methods. Some people might smoke kief which is added to joints of marijuana.

Consuming kief that comes from cannabis flowers can result in strong effects. Cannabis users might feel euphoric and relaxed or nervous and paranoid. The effects of the kief often depend on the strain of marijuana it was collected from.

What is Hash?

Hash is a nickname for hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis. People create hash by separating the trichomes from dried plant material and applying heat and pressure. There are several forms of hash, including one referred to as bubble hash.

People may smoke hash on its own or add it to other types of THC products. Either way, cannabis concentrates like hash produces potent effects.

There are several ways to make hash. Typically, the method is chosen based on the scale of production. Some of the methods used to make hash include sifting, solventless extraction, and ice water extraction.

How is Hash Made?

As mentioned, there are several ways to make hash. The easiest way involves using sieves or screens to separate trichomes from plant material. In other words, kief can be used to create hash.

To create hash, you have to apply heat and pressure. There are machines people purchase to achieve this. However, there are other ways to make hash.

Another method used to make hash involves using ice, water, and filter bags. This process creates something known as bubble hash. People use frozen cannabis flower to create this type of hash.

No matter what method is used to create hash, it is extremely potent. People can sprinkle hash on a joint, smoke it in a bowl, dab, or vaporize it.

What are the Differences Between Kief and Hash?

Kief and hash are both potent types of cannabis products. However, they have many differences to be aware of.

The main differences between kief and hash include:

Potency

Hash tends to be a bit more potent than kief. The process that people use to create hash preserves more of the THC and terpene content, making the effects greater.

However, it is important to note that potency can vary. The original cannabis used to create either kief or hash can affect how potent it is.

Appearance

Kief looks like small grinded-up pieces of weed. Usually, it is green in color. Additionally, it tends to appear sparkly because the trichomes are basically crystals.

On the other hand, hash tends to be brown or dark colored. This is because hash is a resinous material. Hash tends to be sticky as well.

Ease of Production

Making kief simply involves grinding up weed in a multi-chamber grinder that can collect the trichomes. It’s basically a one-step process.

Adversely, hash can be challenging to create. You have to use heat and pressure to change the consistency of the marijuana and make a more concentrated substance. In other words, hash is much harder to make than kief.

Cost

Both kief and hash can be pricey. However, because hash is harder to make and often involves the use of specialized machinery, it is more expensive.

Are Kief and Hash Addictive?

Any type of THC product is addictive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder.”

With that being said, kief and hash might lead to addiction faster than other forms of THC. Because they are more potent, the effects might be more appealing. Using these types of cannabis frequently could lead to a more serious substance use disorder.

The signs of THC addiction include:

• Using more THC products than intended
• Trying to quit using marijuana but being unsuccessful
• Spending a lot of time using and recovering from marijuana
• Experiencing urges or cravings to use THC products
• Using marijuana even though it causes problems at home, school, or work
• Continuing to use marijuana despite facing social issues
• Giving up important activities with friends and family to use more marijuana
• Using marijuana in high-risk situations, such as while driving a car
• Continuing to use marijuana even though it is causing physical or psychological problems
• Increasing the dose of THC products to experience the same high
• Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when stopping THC use

If you or a loved one suffers from kief or hash addiction, drug rehab can help. Once you have completed an addiction treatment center, you might find the support you need in a sober living program. Contact New You Sober Living today for more information on how we can help.

Risks of Using Potent Forms of THC

When you are smoking marijuana, the THC percentages can range from 3% to 30%. Even 30% is an extremely potent concentration of THC.

Smoking products like kief and hash puts you at an increased risk of experiencing adverse effects. To explain, these THC products often contain anywhere from 50% to 80% THC.

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), any amount of THC over 15% increases your risk of developing psychosis by three times.

In other words, consuming products like kief and hash could cause you to deal with hallucinations, delusions, and a detachment from reality. You could experience severe mental health symptoms even after the first time you use them.

Find Help for Cannabis Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from cannabis addiction, it’s time to seek help. New You Sober Living can offer you the support you need when transitioning back into everyday life. We can also connect you with a drug rehab program to attend before moving into our sober homes.

We are a top-rated transitional living residence for men and women to recover safely that offers co-ed and men’s Oakland Park, FL sober living homes. If you are looking for a comfortable sober living setting, you’re in the right place. We make living in a halfway house successful by gently incorporating a set of rules, supervised structure, and the sober support needed to sustain your sobriety for the long-term. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome marijuana addiction.