What is Full Melt Hash and Why is it So Rare?
Unless you're a cannabis connoisseur or industry professional, you’ve probably never heard of full melt hash because it’s so rare. You won’t find it on the shelf at most dispensaries, and when you do, it comes with a much higher price tag. But why is full melt considered the pinnacle of solventless concentrates? To understand, you need to know what full melt hash is and how makers produce it.
What is Full Melt Hash
You know how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares? That's what's happening here. All full melt is bubble hash, but not all bubble hash is full melt. There are different grades of bubble hash, and only the highest quality qualifies as full melt.
People typically grade bubble hash on a scale of one to six stars. Its quality depends on its purity and how well it melts when exposed to heat. Lower-grade bubble hash, rated 3 to 5 stars, is often called half melt because it doesn't melt as cleanly and leaves behind residue, which shows the presence of plant material or impurities. This type of bubble hash is usually pressed into rosin. The best bubble hash, known as full melt, melts completely without leaving any residue, which is why we call it full melt and why it’s also referred to as six star hash.
How to Make Full Melt Hash
Everyone seeks quality starting material when making bubble hash, but crafting full melt bubble hash takes it to a whole new level. You can’t make a single mistake in the growing or extraction process, and even then, achieving full melt isn’t guaranteed.
It begins with selecting the right strain that produces exceptional resin. You must provide the correct nutrients at exactly the right times, and harvesting at the perfect moment is essential. If you harvest too early, you miss peak resin production. If you harvest too late, the trichome heads may amber over. Right after harvest, the material must be frozen to preserve its integrity.
During extraction, the frozen material is carefully washed to isolate and preserve only the highest quality resin, typically found in the 119 to 73 micron bag range. This process blends science and art, with countless variables that challenge even experienced hash makers. The ultimate goal is to isolate, collect, and preserve the finest resin without compromising the quality the cannabis plant has produced. Remember, achieving full melt is never guaranteed.
Watch our video of Jimi Devine making full melt using the Osprey and Auto-Sieve.
Why is Full Melt Hash So Rare
If it’s not clear from the details above, full melt bubble hash is extremely rare because of the meticulous precision required at every stage of its production, and even then, there are no guarantees. To put this into perspective, we recently hosted a Hash Master University class with "The Real Cannabis Chris," an award-winning hash maker known for his prize-winning full melt. He explained that strains with phenotypes capable of producing full melt are almost non-existent, about 0.1%, or one in a thousand.
To explain further, a single strain of cannabis can have multiple phenotypes, each with different traits like growth patterns, flavors, aromas, and resin production. Even though these plants share the same genetic background (genotype), their physical characteristics can change based on factors like light, nutrients, and temperature. This means that within the same strain, some plants might be ideal for making full melt hash, while others may not.
So, even if you do everything right and choose a strain known for producing full melt, there’s no guarantee it will happen again. It’s a balance of science and a bit of luck.
How to Know if You Have True Six Star Hash
You can spot true six-star hash by its glassy, translucent appearance, similar to honey or sap when warm. A simple way to check is to put a small amount in parchment paper and gently press it between your fingers. If it melts smoothly with no visible particulate, you likely have six-star hash.
Another sign is how it reacts to heat. Six-star hash should bubble intensely and leave no charred plant material behind. When dabbed, it should melt completely and leave your banger clean, with virtually no residue left over. Even the best of the best 6 star will still leave a sort of "grit" on the banger after you dab. This is how you know it is not rosin. The best bubble hash has basically nothing left, but you will always be able to see a few trichome cuticles left behind.
How to Consume Full Melt Hash
To fully appreciate the rich terpene profile and smooth flavor of full melt hash, enjoy it by dabbing on a clean, low-temperature quartz banger or nail. For the best flavor, aim for a temperature between 450 and 500°F because higher heat can burn off the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids.
One popular method of consumption suggests to press your full melt hash into a "hash flag" by placing a small amount between two pieces of parchment paper. Use your fingers to gently press it flat until it forms a thin sheet, which helps with even melting and makes handling easier.
While you could use it in a hash pen, sprinkle it on top of a bowl, or add it to a joint, that would be like putting ketchup on a fine steak and wasting the incredible flavor. True full melt deserves to be enjoyed on its own.
Other FAQs
The Role of the Star Rating System
The star rating system helps grade the quality of bubble hash based on how well it melts. It's a scale from one to six stars, with six-star hash being the purest, known as full melt, because it melts completely without leaving residue.
Why is Full Melt Hash Expensive?
Full melt hash is expensive because it’s extremely rare, hard to produce, and generally very low yielding. It requires perfect conditions during growing and extraction, and only the finest resin can qualify as full melt, which makes it more desirable.
Can you dab full melt bubble hash?
Yes, you can dab full melt bubble hash! It’s actually the best way to enjoy its full flavor and purity. Just use a clean, low-temperature quartz banger or nail to get the smoothest experience.