Description
Hash (hashish) is the resin collected from the flowers of the cannabis plant. The primary active substance is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) although several other cannabinoids are known to exsist. The name hashish comes from “hassassins”, members of an Arab medieval Islamic sect, famous for their assassinations, and who were heavy cannabis consumers. (the name “cannabis” is the Latin word for common hemp, taken from the Semitic languages). In fact, in the Islamic world, its consume was common, and the stories of “The thousand and one nights” abound with hashish consuming characters.
The hashish consume propagated in Europe during the XVIII century from the Middle East.
Hash is usually smoked in pipes, water pipes, joints, and hookahs, sometimes mixed with cannabis flowers or tobacco. It can also be eaten. The most common effects of hash are: a sense of wellbeing, relaxation, rapid flow of ideas, increased appreciation of music and food, heightened senses, sleepiness, pain relief, nausea relief and increased appetite.
The resin contains much higher levels of THC, thus hashish is a Concentrate much more powerful than marijuana, containing 40-60% THC compared to 10-20% in marijuana Flower.
Contrary to popular belief, the effects from smoking cannabis or hash are not increased by holding the smoke in the lungs longer. Almost all of the THC is absorbed within the first few seconds. Also contrary to popular belief, more potent cannabis or hash is not more dangerous. Patients generally take enough of the substance until they achieve the desired effects. In the case of smoking, it means the user will have to inhale less smoke and therefore fewer toxins to achieve the same effect.