Hash is a short form of hashish, is a preparation made from the resin of buds of cannabis plants. It is the strongest form of marijuana as it is concentrated as pounds of marijuana yield only an ounce or two of hash oil.
It can be used in the preparation of edibles or can be smoked or ingested in other ways.
The amount of active ingredient present in hash oil cannot be known as the processing of marijuana into hash oil is not a standardized process. The psychoactive ingredient present in the hash is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Hash oil may be used as medical marijuana in states where marijuana is legalized.
How Long Does It Take To Feel The Effect Of Hash?
The hash stays in the blood for up to 4 hours, in urine it stays up to 30 days. It stays in saliva for up to 72 hours and in hair for up to 90 days.
Tetrahydrocannabinol enters the bloodstream rapidly after smoking hash oil. The effect is felt within minutes and it peaks in 30 minutes. Hashish ingested in baked goods or edible, it takes longer to get absorbed in the blood i.e. within 20 minutes to half n hour (1).
The effects pass after 2-3 hours although some of the impairment stays as long as 24 hours.
In the case of light users the tetrahydrocannabinol effects on attention, concentration, and working memory pass six hours after ingesting or smoking. During this period the psychomotor skills are affected, therefore driving or operating machinery is not safe.
In heavy users, the residual effects last as long as 28 days after the THC consumption is stopped. The physical effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Red eyes
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Vasodilatation
As the THC concentration in hash oil is not certain, if taking it, be cautious of the amount. The larger doses can result in:
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Altered mood
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Altered sensations
- The effects wear off in a few hours.
If taking any medication, discuss the use of hash oil with your doctor.
How Long Does Hash Stay In The Body?
Some of the hash is rapidly metabolized in the body into 80 different kinds of chemicals or metabolites. A portion is then excreted in the urine.
THC and other metabolites also are stored in the body fat and remain in the system for much longer and accumulate. Those taking hash or hash oil every day will have more stores of THC in the body which may take much longer to get eliminated.
Blood tests are rarely used to detect THC as it stays in the blood for just 3-4 hours.
In urine it remains for 3-30 days depending on the frequency of usage:
- One use- 3 days
- Moderate use- 5 days
- Daily use- 10 days
- Daily use- 30 days
In saliva, it stays for one to three days until fully swallowed. Brushing, drinking water or using a mouthwash might speed up the process.
THC can be stored in the hair follicles up to 90 days
How To Get Hash Out Of The System?
There is no certain way to remove hash quickly from the body. Drinking a lot of water and exercising vigorously might help.
Still, the body needs time to break it down and eliminate the THC metabolites from the body.
Earlier over the counter medication like Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin caused false positives on the tests used to detect THC.
There are certain factors which would affect the detection time such as:
Body Mass Index: THC tends to accumulate in fatty tissues. People with higher BMI may metabolize THC slowly causing a longer detection time.
Gender: As women tend to have higher levels of body fat than men, they may metabolize THC at a slower rate.
Frequency of Use: In low-frequency users, the drug would be detected for a shorter period of time, in frequent users, it can be detected for lengthy periods of time.
Metabolic Rate: In those with a higher metabolic rate, the drug can be detected for a shorter period of time.
Hydration: A dehydrated body would have a higher concentration of THC in the body.
THC overdose can happen easily with edibles as they take a longer time for the body to absorb. The toxicity symptoms are:
- Psychotic episodes
- Uncontrollable vomiting
- Heart arrhythmias
For those addicted to it, it is important to seek guidance from a healthcare professional who can help with the coping strategies.
