What is Hashish and Can You Get Addicted to it?

Hashish (hash)

There are many different forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana that has psychoactive effects. For example, there are different types of concentrates, vaporizers, edibles, transdermal patches, and even topicals. However, there is one less discussed THC product that many people consume known as hash or hashish.

Hash is a reddish-brown or black-colored block of the resinous material of the cannabis plant. Hashish (hash) is concentrated and made from compressed resinous parts of the marijuana plant known as trichomes. The way that hash is made makes the substance much more potent than the marijuana everyone is familiar with. People abuse this substance by smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting it orally.

What is the Difference Between Hash vs. Weed?

While hash and marijuana are made from the same plant and cause similar effects, there are many differences between the two substances. The main similarity is that both hashish and weed cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and increased appetite.

The differences between hash and weed include:

  • Hash and marijuana are prepared differently, with hash requiring more steps to make than weed
  • While marijuana has a herbal and earthy flavor, hashish has a complex, spicy, and rich flavor
  • Unlike hashish, marijuana comes from the dried leaves, seeds, and stems of the cannabis plant
  • Marijuana is usually up to 30% THC, while hash can be as potent as 60%[1]

While there are not many studies on hashish in particular, studies show that it is much more potent than traditional marijuana. Even further, the study reports that the “prevalence of recent hashish use was 6.5% and it was used by 18.3% of recent marijuana users.”[2]

Side Effects and Dangers of Using Hashish

While many people consider marijuana and other related THC products like hashish to be safe, abusing this substance can lead to dangerous effects. This is especially true if you are using the more potent forms of cannabis, such as hashish. (hitechwork.com)

The common side effects of hash include:[3]

  • Sensory distortions
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of motor coordination
  • Respiratory issues
  • Increased heartbeat and blood pressure
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Poor decision making
  • Depression
  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and confusion

The short-term effects of hash use are usually temporary, subsiding after the drug leaves your body. However, long-term abuse of hashish can lead to serious effects, especially if you began abusing the substance before physical maturity.

The long-term dangers of hashish abuse include:

  • Reduced immune system ability
  • Growth issues (when used during adolescence)
  • Abnormal cell division
  • Reduction in testosterone
  • Respiratory problems
  • Emotional and psychological issues
  • Changes in cognition, mood, and problem-solving ability

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Some studies have also linked marijuana use to declines in IQ, especially when use starts in adolescence and leads to persistent cannabis use disorder into adulthood.”[4]

Can You Get Addicted to Hashish?

While hash is not as damaging as heroin or crack cocaine abuse, you can still get addicted to the substance. Despite the belief that marijuana is a completely safe drug to use, long-term abuse of any form of THC can lead to a cannabis use disorder.

If you are addicted to hash, you may display several of the following behaviors:

  • Trying to quit using hashish but being unable to stop
  • Experiencing financial issues due to hash use
  • Problems with work, school, and relationships linked to the use of hash
  • Continuing to abuse hash despite facing physical or mental health issues as a direct result
  • Experiencing strong desires, urges, or cravings to use hashish
  • Having to increase your dosage of the substance to experience a desired effect (developing a tolerance)
  • Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when you suddenly stop consuming hash

One of the easiest ways to tell if you are suffering from hash addiction is by paying attention to whether you experience withdrawal symptoms when you do not use the substance. For example, marijuana withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, cravings for the drug, and loss of appetite.

While the withdrawal symptoms associated with hashish addiction are not life-threatening, they are still really difficult to deal with. Insomnia can cause you to become sleep-deprived, introducing new and concerning symptoms, and cravings can lead to relapse. As a result, it is always important to seek professional help when trying to quit using hash.

Find Help for Hashish Abuse and Addiction Today

If you or a loved one are addicted to hashish or any other THC product, help is available. The attitude surrounding marijuana addiction often prevents people from receiving treatment because they believe their substance use disorder is not as severe as people struggling with heroin or cocaine addiction. While the immediate effects of addiction to those substances appear more severe, marijuana and hashish addiction still require professional help.

To learn more about treatment for marijuana addiction, please contact PAX Memphis today.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312155/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4608364/
  3. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana
  4. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-long-term-effects-brain

Medically Reviewed: September 25, 2019

Dr Ashley

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

About

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Dr Ashley Murray obtained her MBBCh Cum Laude in 2016. She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine.


All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.