Is CBD Hash Legal in the UK?

Navigating CBD Extracts and Hash in the UK

Is CBD hash legal in the UK? Here, we take a look at the current legal landscape surrounding CBD extracts and concentrates in the UK. We will also explore the delightful varieties of hash available for consumption

The laws around hash and CBD extracts

Although CBD flowers remain illegal in the UK, hash oils and CBD extracts from licensed and reputable retailers are legal and safe for consumption. Legal CBD extracts must comply with regulations, possessing either no THC or a low THC content (below 0.2%) and derived from EU-approved industrial hemp.

The origins of hashish

The history of hashish intertwines with the broader cannabis narrative, emerging from cannabis plant resin. Its usage dates back thousands of years, with its consumption originating in Arabia around 900 AD. European interest surged in the 1800s, partly attributed to exposure by Napoleon’s troops during their Egyptian campaign.

By 1839, hashish was studied in India as an effective “anticonvulsant”, jumpstarting the long history of cannabis and hemp hash being used in medical applications. 

The art of making hash

In today’s CBD world, artisans fuse age-old techniques with modern technology to create a diverse range of CBD-rich resins. Techniques like high-pressure molecular separation and traditional hand-rolled hash result in distinct and flavorful extracts from CBD flowers. Here are the most popular types of hash oils available in the UK.

Types of hash available in the UK

Shatter

A solid, translucent hemp extract resembling glass. Produced using specific processing techniques involving solvents like butane, it boasts a gold or amber color. It gets this appearance due to the way the molecules are handed during extraction. Since they are less agitated it makes it possible for them to form a thin sheet that loses structure when warmed. At room temperature shatter tends to be somewhat unpredictable in how it breaks apart and melts, requiring stainless steel, silicone, and parchment products to handle it properly. 

Crumble Wax

Dry and powdery in texture, crumble or crumble wax is a solvent-derived hemp concentrate, often impregnated with terpenoids for prolonged freshness and flavor. The solid structure of the cannabinoid crystals protects the integrity of the more volatile molecules so your wax will stay fresh and flavorful.

Isolate

CBD Isolate is the most purified form of CBD concentrate. Testing at around 98%+ CBD, this white powdery material is made from cannabinoid crystals. CBD isolate is distilled and stripped of other plant compounds or contaminants found in crude CBD oils. It has a subtle smell with a strong cherry and pine flavor when vaporized. This is a great option for infusing into edibles and tinctures as it melts into oil easily and leaves almost no taste or smell when orally ingested. When smoked or vaporized, some consumers note that it actually can induce an energizing effect, while still carrying the many soothing benefits of CBD. 

Solid (Hash)

Finally we have the classic hash, or solid CBD. This extract can be found in a sticky but solid brick form. Hash can be easily broken up and dosed as needed. It is produced without solvents or multi-step processing techniques, but is rather produced from rubbing the resin from the hemp plant to form a dark brown resin. Solid CBD is a crude oil in the sense that it hasn’t been stripped of any other compounds found in the plant. This can result in a more heavy smoke or robust plant-y flavor. Compounds such as chlorophyll and other bitter compounds may still be present in the oil. This can be smoked, vaporized, or eaten and will come with a full-bodied effect as it has a more diverse profile of compounds that impact the color, scent, and taste of the hash. 

How to consume CBD concentrates

Most CBD extracts are consumed through dabbing, involving flash vaporization using specialized water pipes known as dab rigs. While potent, their strength can vary based on the source plant and extraction methods.

Alternatively, some extracts can be infused into edibles, although they may impart strong flavors. When consuming these extracts directly, its good to be cautious. Their effects can come on significantly stronger, due to their higher potency than diluted CBD edibles or tinctures.