Making hashish: The 4 best methods for producing hashish at home

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Why hashish is back in fashion today

Makinghash is easier than many people think – provided you know which method suits you best. Whether classic with a sieve, traditional by hand or modern with a rosin press: In this blog, we show you how you can make hash yourself, which technique is suitable for which purpose and what you should consider legally. Everything is solvent-free, DIY-friendly and perfect for CBD hash.

What is hash? And how is it produced?

Hashish, or hash for short, is a cannabis concentrate obtained from the resin glands (trichomes) of the female hemp plant. These trichomes contain a high concentration of cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as a variety of aromatic terpenes, which are responsible for the characteristic smell and taste.

Hash can be produced in different ways – from traditional methods, such as sieving and grating the dried plant parts, to modern techniques such as the use of ice-o-lators or mechanical pressing. The aim of all these processes is to separate the valuable trichomes from the plant material as gently as possible. They are then pressed into a solid concentrate, which can vary in color, consistency and active ingredient content depending on the method and source material.

Hashish has a long history and has been used in many cultures for centuries for religious, medicinal and recreational purposes. It ranges in consistency from crumbly and dry to soft and oily, depending heavily on the method of extraction and storage. Due to its concentrated active ingredient content, hash is usually consumed in small quantities, typically smoked or vaporized.

What methods are used to produce hash?

Here we present the four most common techniques – including instructions, advantages & suitable accessories.

1. dry sieve method (dry sift)

The dry sieve method – also known as dry sift – is a proven, solvent-free technique for extracting high-quality cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flowers and trichomes. Dried plant parts such as flowers, trim or small leaves are rubbed through fine sieves. The aim is to release the resin-rich trichomes, which then fall through the sieve as kief and can be collected.

This method is particularly impressive due to its ease of use, low entry hurdle and the very pure end product. Dry sifting is particularly popular in the DIY community because no solvents, water or electrical equipment are required – just high-quality raw material, a suitable sieve (usually 70-150 microns) and a little patience.

Correct handling of the plant material is important for good results: it should be dry but not crumbly. It is also advisable to work at cool temperatures, as this makes the trichomes more brittle and increases the yield. The collected kief can then be pressed into hash plates or vaporized directly.

Advantages of the dry sift method at a glance:

  • ✅ 100 % solvent-free
  • ✅ Very easy to use – perfect for beginners
  • ✅ Highly pure, natural concentrate with full terpene profile
  • ✅ Ideal for further processing into hash or dab material

If you are looking for a natural, effective method of hash production, without water, chemicals or complex technology, dry sift is an excellent choice – both for beginners and experienced hash fans.

Procedure:

  • Place dried CBD flowers or hemp material on a fine sieve (e.g. 120-150 microns).
  • Careful rubbing loosens the trichomes and they fall through the sieve as “kief”.
  • The collected kief is then pressed to form hash plates.

It is best to use our high-quality CBD flowers – they are ideal for the production of legal CBD hash.

2. ice-ash / Ice-O-Lator

The Ice-O-Lator method – also known as the ice hash method – is a modern, particularly gentle extraction technique in which trichomes are removed from the plant material using ice water and sieve bags. This method is completely solvent-free and produces a highly pure, aromatic concentrate that is ideal for vaporizers or further processing into hash.

The process is simple but effective: fresh or dried plant material is placed in a bucket together with ice and water. The cold water causes the trichomes to become brittle and detach from the plant when stirred or shaken. The mixture is then filtered through so-called bubble bags with different micron sizes – similar to a coffee filter with several sieve stages. At the end, the precious resin powder remains on the finest sieve, which can be pressed into hash after drying.

The Ice-O-Lator method is particularly appreciated for its high degree of purity, the full-bodied terpenes and the possibility of obtaining valuable hash even from leaves or trim material. It is popular with both home users and professional producers, as it delivers high-quality results without residue.

Advantages of the Ice-O-Lator method at a glance:

  • ✅ Solvent-free, mechanical extraction with water and ice
  • ✅ Preserves sensitive terpenes through gentle cold treatment
  • ✅ Suitable for flowers, trim and smaller plant parts
  • ✅ High yield with the right technology

If you want to produce clean, natural hash – with full flavor and as little technology as possible – the Ice-O-Lator method is an effective and proven solution. Excellent results can be achieved, especially in combination with high-quality CBD material.

Procedure:

  • Plant material is shaken with ice water in a bucket.
  • Trichomes dissolve and are filtered through special sieve bags (bubble bags).
  • After drying, high-quality hash powder is produced.

You can find the right accessories in our category CBD accessories – ideal for Ice-O-Lator sets.

3. handrub (traditional method from India/Nepal)

The so-called hand-rub method – also known as charas production – is one of the oldest and most original techniques for hash extraction. It originates from regions such as India, Nepal and the Himalayas, where fresh cannabis is traditionally processed by hand to extract the precious resin directly from the plant – without any aids or modern technology.

In contrast to most other methods, Handrub works exclusively with fresh, resin-rich plant material. This is gently rubbed between the palms of the hands, causing the sticky resin glands (trichomes) to loosen and adhere to the skin. After a certain amount of time, a thick layer of dark resin forms, which is then carefully rolled off the skin and formed into small hash balls or plates – the result is traditionally called charas.

This method is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive, but produces a particularly aromatic, fresh hashish with a strong terpene profile. Charas is soft, dark, oily and known for its intense aroma and particularly “lively” effect – because the trichomes are processed at a very early stage.

Advantages of the handrub method at a glance:

  • ✅ 100% manual & solvent-free – no equipment required
  • ✅ Use of fresh plant material possible
  • ✅ Intense, unadulterated taste thanks to lively terpenes
  • ✅ Deep-rooted tradition from South and Central Asia

Handrubbing is not just a method, but a cultural experience and the most direct way to “feel” the quality of a plant. Those with patience and care can use this technique to produce a particularly original hashish – in the spirit of centuries-old traditions.

Special feature:
The resin sticks to the skin and is then rolled into dark, sticky hash. This method is very time-consuming, but original and aromatic.

4th Rosin-Press method

The Rosin Press method is a modern and extremely effective technique for producing high-quality hash concentrate without any chemical solvents. Instead of using water or sieves, targeted heat and strong pressure are used to press the resin (rosin) directly out of flowers, kief or already pressed hash. The result is a golden yellow to amber-colored extract with intense aromas, a high cannabinoid content and full terpene power.

The application is very simple: the plant material is placed in heat-resistant baking paper and heated with a Rosin press or – for beginners – a smoothing iron (optimum: 80-110 °C). The resulting pressure causes the resin to escape and become visible at the edge of the paper. After cooling, the concentrate can be easily collected and processed further – ideal for dabbing, vaporizers or edibles.

The Rosin Press method has proven to be particularly popular in recent years as it is fast, clean and safe – without any residue or solvents. The high yield and purity make it the preferred choice of many home growers and CBD hash fans who value quality and naturalness.

Advantages of the Rosin-Press method at a glance:

  • ✅ 100 % solvent-free – no residues
  • ✅ Very fast and clean extraction
  • ✅ Perfectly suited for dabbing & vaporizers
  • ✅ High purity and potency – ideal for premium hash

The rosin press method is ideal for anyone who wants to achieve professional results at home. With the right equipment – from a small manual press to a fully automatic model – high-quality raisin can even be produced in just a few minutes.

Procedure:

  • Place CBD flowers or kief in baking paper.
  • Heat with a Rosin press (or smoothing iron) (approx. 90-110 °C).
  • Allow the pressed-out resin to cool – done!

Which types of hemp are best suited for hash production?

Not every cannabis strain produces the same amount of resin – and trichome density is decisive for quality and yield. For hash production, strains with a high CBD content, strong resin production and a complex terpene profile are particularly recommended.

Particularly suitable are:

  • Indica-dominant varieties: These plants usually have compact flowers with a dense trichome structure.
  • CBD-rich varieties with visible resin film: Ideal for legal hash production below 0.2 % or 1 % THC.
  • Aromatic varieties with lots of terpenes: For intensely flavored hash – also ideal for Rosin & Ice-O-Lator.

Tip: Our premium indoor CBD flowers from Switzerland are ideal for all the extraction methods presented.

Is making hash legal?

The legality of hash production depends heavily on the plant material used. In Switzerland, the production of hash from CBD hemp with less than 1% THC is permitted. In most EU countries, the limit is 0.2% THC.

However, the production or possession of hashish containing THC is illegal – except in the context of a medical prescription or under official authorization.

Conclusion on the legal situation:

Only use certified CBD flowers with laboratory analysis for a legally safe extraction.

Tips on the storage & shelf life of homemade hash

To ensure that your home-made hash remains aromatic, potent and clean for a long time, correct storage is crucial.

Storage recommendations:

  • Sealed airtight, e.g. in screw-top jars or silicone containers
  • Store in a cool place – ideal: between 10 and 18 °C
  • Store in a dark place, away from direct sunlight
  • Do not touch with bare fingers – this can contaminate the hash
  • Tip: Use a cigar humidor with a hygrometer to preserve the aroma and consistency in the long term.

Stored correctly, hash can be kept for several months to years – although it loses its terpenes and potency over time.

Frequently asked questions about hash production (FAQ)

Wie viel Hasch kann ich aus 10 g Blüten gewinnen?

→ Depending on the method and quality, between 10 and 20 %, i.e. approx. 1-2 g hash with high-quality CBD flowers.

Ist Hasch gesünder als Blüten zu rauchen?

→ Hash is more concentrated – so you need less. Nevertheless, combustion substances are produced when smoking. Vaporizing is the gentler alternative.

Kann ich auch Hasch aus Blättern oder Trimm herstellen?

→ Yes – especially with the Ice-O-Lator or Dry Sift method. However, the yield and quality are lower than with flowers.

Wie lange ist selbstgemachtes Hasch haltbar?

→ Stored correctly (airtight, cool, protected from light) for several months to over a year. Fresh hash tastes more intense, old hash loses its aroma.

Conclusion: Making hash – traditional or modern, always solvent-free

Whether you prefer to work with a sieve, use ice water, rub the resin directly from the plant or use a rosin press – making hash is more accessible today than ever before. All four methods are solvent-free, legal with CBD material and can be carried out at home without much risk.

With the right instructions, high-quality plant material and a little patience, you can produce your own natural, concentrated hash – in the style of old traditions or the latest extraction technology.

Sources & further information: