The 6 differences between marijuana and hashish

A review of the differences between hashish and marijuana, two drugs often confused with each other.

Marijuana and hashish are two drugs that are often confused. The reason for this is that they are actually related, coming from the same plant, but involving a different process of obtaining and consumption.

Below we are going to see what are the 6 differences between marijuana and hashishThe first one is the one that is used in the production of marijuana, investigating in its aspect, form of consumption, elaboration and obtaining.

What are the differences between marijuana and hashish?

Marijuana and hashish are two drugs that are very often confused. This confusion makes sense since they both come from the same plant, the Cannabis sativa or hemp plant. Although their origin is the same, the uses, properties and appearance are quite different, being what is usually called marijuana the dried parts of the plants that are consumed smoked (unprocessed flowers) while hashish is a resin paste extracted from the mother plant.

These two drugs can also be obtained from varieties of the other major hemp species: Cannabis indica. Depending on which variety is used, the intensity and characteristics of the effects of both marijuana and hashish can vary greatly, with those of the indica branch being very different. those of the indica branch tend to induce sedative and relaxing effects, while those of the sativa varieties are more stimulating, consumed because they are attributed with an "energetic" power and are believed to promote creativity.

We will now take a closer look at the main differences between marijuana and hashish, putting these two drugs in common.

1. Origin

Marijuana is essentially the dried, unprocessed flowers of the female cannabis plant. It is the untouched plant, which is why it is also known as "weed". The process of obtaining this drug is relatively easy, as it is only necessary to grow a female hemp plant and, if the necessary climatic and botanical conditions are met, the plant grows strong and healthy, ready for consumption at the right time.

On the other hand, hashish consists of the pure resin of the female cannabis plant, extracted from the plant by means of different processes, both mechanical and chemical.both mechanically and chemically. It is obtained from the crystals on the outer edges of the plant, which, through a complex process, are extracted and compressed into compact blocks to be marketed. It is a manufactured product, in which a large amount of mother plant is required to manufacture it, so it tends to be more expensive than weed.

2. Appearance

Marijuana is the flowers of the female plant, with a green color and a very intense smell.. This drug is presented in the form of buds, cut at the precise moment of the plant's growth and dried for later consumption. It is also worth mentioning that these buds can have multiple colors depending on the variety of cannabis, ranging from greenish yellow to violet tones.

The ideal marijuana bud has to be halfway between being dry and fresh. If the flowers crackle when compacted and are sticky, it means that they are at the perfect point to be consumed. The shine of the leaves is usually an indicator of the quality of the same and that same shine is precisely the resin of the plant, where the THC is found and what makes the bud sticky.

Hashish usually consists of a sticky, earthy paste with an intense odor, but milder than that of marijuana.. This product can be of different shades, but is usually brown in color. This aspect depends on the type of plant it comes from, the extraction method and its purity. In its final form, hashish comes in different forms, mostly in plates, bars, balls or pressed resin powder, having an appearance similar to chocolate.

If the hashish is too greenish in color, this may indicate that it has a high concentration of plant material, implying a lower concentration of resin and therefore less purity.This means that there is less concentration of resin and therefore less purity. This also affects the intensity of its effects. It should also be noted that this is not a fixed rule, since the pressure of the block also alters the color, making it darker.

3. Obtaining

As we have mentioned before, marijuana or weed is basically the cannabis plant that has gone through a drying process. It is very easy to obtain, being practically obtained "au natural", without any chemical or demanding mechanical process. As we said, it is enough to grow a marijuana plant, dry it when it is at the right point, grind it a little and consume it as you prefer.

Hashish is a manufactured product and as such requires a production process.. To produce hashish it is necessary to separate the resin from the leaves by drying and cooling the plant. Once this is achieved, the plant is filtered, making the resin grains fall through a sieve, a process that may need to be repeated several times. Once the grains are obtained, they are crushed into a powder, either manually or with the help of a press. The oil that comes out makes this powder stick together, turning the whole product into a mass that can be shaped..

4. Intensity of the effects

Pure hashish is stronger than marijuana. This is because it is the resin of the processed plant, which contains the highest concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical in hemp that affects the nervous system. THC levels are lower in marijuana, being found in the herb at a maximum level of between 25 and 30%.. On the other hand, hashish has a higher concentration, ranging from 60 to 90%.

However, it is worth mentioning that not all hashish produces such intense effects, due to the fact that a pure product is not always found. On many occasions this substance is sweetened with other substances, such as sand, plastic, henna, animal hair or even dung, so that in addition to being more dangerous to health, its psychoactive effects are lesser because it has a lower concentration of THC.

5. Forms of consumption

Marijuana buds are the main state in which the plant is consumed and has many uses. Although it is usually smoked in pipes or rolled cigarettes, marijuana can also be cooked, preparing oils, butter and infusions. Hashish can be consumed in many ways, both in the form of tobacco and in vaporizers. It can also be ingested through food, as condiments for cakes, cookies and other pastries.

It is worth mentioning that the taste of both drugs is different. Those who take hashish say that it has a more earthy and less floral flavor than marijuana consumed in buds, although this also depends largely on the extraction method and the amount of plant debris that may remain in the final product.

6. Short and long term effects

Actually, marijuana and hashish induce the same effects, however, as they have different THC concentrations, marijuana and hashish can have different effects in the short and long term. However, as they have different THC concentrations, the intensity of the effects and their duration is more varied.. The consumption of marijuana usually implies milder short and long term effects than that of hashish, mainly because it could be said that weed is a milder drug. However, it is worth mentioning that much depends on how much is consumed daily and for how long the drug dependence is present.

When hashish is consumed, high amounts of THC are ingested.This means that the consumers of this drug can feel many effects that they would have after consuming the marijuana plant but in a much more intense way. Among the effects that can occur in the short term we have:

• Distortion of the perception of space and time.
• Sensation of relaxation and happiness.
• Euphoria and uncontrollable laughter.
• Problems to concentrate.
• Increased appetite.
• Increased Heart rate.
• Pupil dilation.
• Anxiety
• Motor clumsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Paranoia and visual and auditory hallucinations.

In the long term, the consumption of hashish is associated with lung damage and an increased risk of respiratory disease.. A considerable decrease in cognitive reasoning abilities, hormonal changes and physical and psychological addiction to the drug may also be experienced.