Introduction
Hash and weed, also known as marijuana, are both psychedelic substances derived from the female cannabis plant. They induce hallucinations and alter cognition and perception. Despite being banned in many countries, they continue to be consumed by millions worldwide. In this article, we will highlight the differences between hash and weed.
Hash and Weed: A Brief Overview
Both hash and weed are derived from the cannabis plant. The plant has resin glands located on its flowers and upper leaves, which produce resin. The most active substance in both hash and weed is THC. Hash is the pure resin obtained from drying and cooling the flowering tops, followed by filtering and crushing into a fine powder. Weed, on the other hand, refers to the dried leaves and flowering tops of the hemp plant, which are often mixed together.
THC Content and Effects
The resin of the cannabis plant contains higher levels of THC, making hashish more potent and producing more psychedelic effects compared to marijuana (weed). While weed contains approximately 10% THC, hash contains around 40%. THC is soluble in body fats, resulting in 50% of hash or weed remaining in the body even a week after consumption.
Common Effects
Both hash and weed have common effects, including a sense of well-being, relaxation, accelerated heartbeat, swelling of blood vessels, and impaired psychomotor coordination. Users of both substances often report experiences such as colors appearing more intense and altered perception of sounds.
Methods of Consumption and Effects
When smoked, the effects of cannabis set in after approximately 30 minutes. Ingesting the drug can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours for the effects to kick in. One noteworthy aspect of cannabis is that it does not cause physical dependence like alcohol and cigarettes. However, individuals may experience symptoms such as tension, insomnia, anxiety, and lack of appetite when discontinuing use, though these symptoms usually subside within a week.
The Difference Between Hash and Weed
In summary, the main differences between hash and weed are:
1. Source: Hash is obtained from the resin of the cannabis plant, while weed is obtained from the stem and flowering top of the female plant.
2. THC Content: Hash has a higher THC content compared to weed, resulting in more potent psychedelic effects.
3. Method of Consumption: Both hash and weed can be smoked, but hash can also be eaten or added to other preparations.
4. Duration: The effects of smoking cannabis set in after 30 minutes, while ingestion can take several hours.
5. Withdrawal Symptoms: When discontinuing use, individuals may experience symptoms such as tension, insomnia, anxiety, and lack of appetite, which typically subside after a week.
Highlights
1. Weed and hash are both derived from the female cannabis plant, but they differ in how they are obtained. Weed is made from the dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant, while hash is made from the resin obtained from the flowering tops.
2. The THC levels in hash are much higher than in weed, with hash containing around 40% THC compared to weed’s 10%. This higher THC content in hash makes it more potent and produces stronger psychedelic effects.
3. The effects of cannabis, whether hash or weed, include a sense of well-being, relaxation, and altered perception. These effects can be felt within 30 minutes of smoking, while ingesting the drug can take several hours for the effects to set in. Despite some common effects, there are also differences between hash and weed in terms of the intensity and onset of their effects.
