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The Science Behind Hashishene and Its Secret Chemistry

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Throughout history, humans have produced a type of hashish with unique chemical characteristics by isolating the glandular trichomes of cannabis plants, compressing them, and allowing them to undergo a peculiar curing process. This ancient practice results in what is known today as hashishene, a product that many cannabis lovers consider to have distinct qualities compared to the original plant. But what causes this specific transformation, and how does it occur?

Some research about the rare compound hashishene brought new insights about the chemistry that underpins hashish. This chemical phenomenon not only differentiates hashish from cannabis flower, but also raises intriguing questions about terpenes and their influence on the plant's chemistry.

Hashishene, whose scientific name is 5,5-dimethyl-1-vinylbicyclo[2.1.1]hexane, is a unique molecule that forms during the curing process of hashish. It occurs when myrcene, a common terpene in cannabis, undergoes a chemical transformation. Unlike other terpenes, such as geraniol and linalool, which occur naturally in low concentrations in plants, hashishene can only be found in aged hashish.

Identified in 2014 by a team of scientists, hashishene exemplifies how specific conditions can transform cannabis, highlighting the unique chemical potential of this plant when worked in the traditional way.

How is hashishene formed and what particular effects does it have?

Hashishene’s creation is driven by environmental factors such as light, heat, and pressure over time. Unlike many terpenes, which degrade due to oxidation when exposed to air, hashishene follows a unique path in its formation.

Unlike oxidative products, hashishene is a true terpene composed only of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Researchers refer to it as a photolytic product, meaning that photons of light help convert myrcene into hashishene without oxidation occurring. While we know that light, heat, and pressure play a role, there is little research on exactly how long this transformation takes or how much hashishene is formed.

There is currently little data on the effects of hashishene. While it is theoretically possible to isolate and test it in mice or human cells, studying its real-world effects within hashish’s complex mix of terpenes and cannabinoids remains a challenge.

There is currently no research demonstrating how hashishene interacts with the human body, so its effects are speculative. However, its presence marks a distinct difference between hashish and cannabis flower.

For consumers, the presence of hashishene represents the unique chemistry of hashish, but it does not translate into clear health effects or benefits. If you want the traditional aged hashish experience, ensuring the presence of hashishene in your product may be beneficial. However, without understanding its specific impact, its importance remains unclear.

Currently, commercial laboratories that test cannabis do not routinely measure hashishene in products. Chemical reference standards for hashishene have only recently become available, and until consumer demand increases, testing for this compound will remain rare.

How to maximize hashishene levels?

According to an article published in The Cannigma, extract producers looking to increase hashishene levels should start with cannabis material rich in myrcene. Myrcene serves as a precursor molecule that transforms into hashishene over time.

To promote hashishene production:

  • Minimize exposure to air: Traditional methods involve firmly pressing the hashish into plates or balls and wrapping them to prevent oxidation.
  • Apply pressure and heat: Allowing the hash to cure in a slightly warm, airtight environment speeds up the transformation process.

Some cultures even bury wrapped hashish for added protection, showing the importance of environmental pressure and control in hashish production.

Other terpene transformations in hashish

The same research group that discovered hashishene also identified rare derivatives of caryophyllene and humulene in samples of aged hashish. These compounds are not commonly found in nature, which highlights the uniqueness of pressed hashish. Since beta-caryophyllene and humulene (alpha-caryophyllene) are abundant in cannabis, studying their transformations may reveal additional markers that can differentiate hashish from cannabis flowers.

The late hashish expert. Frenchy Cannoli, had led the Trichome Research Initiative, in a collaborative effort to examine the chemical changes in pressed hashish over the course of six months. This study offered valuable information for all hashish and cannabis lovers, such as:

  • Cannabinoid transformations: Over time, THCA levels in hashish decreased as delta-9-THC levels increased through decarboxylation. Additionally, THCV and CBC concentrations increased, likely due to continued decarboxylation of their acidic precursors.
  • Stability of total cannabinoids: Despite these changes, overall values ​​for total THC and total CBD remained relatively stable.
  • Terpene losses: Monoterpenes such as myrcene, pinene and limonene showed significant decreases, either due to evaporation or transformation into unmeasured compounds.

While the study did not specifically measure hashishene, the observed changes in myrcene concentrations support the idea that hashish terpenes undergo transformations over time.

Why does hashish feel different than cannabis flower?

The uniqueness of the hash likely results from a combination of factors, including:

  • Terpene transformations: Compounds such as hashishene and rare derivatives of caryophyllene and humulene form during curing.
  • Cannabinoid changes: Gradual decarboxylation alters the cannabinoid profile.
  • Chemical complexity: Hashish contains a dynamic blend of terpenes and cannabinoids that interact synergistically.

Although hashishene is a relatively recent discovery, its existence offers a fascinating glimpse into the chemical complexity of aged hashish. Marchini’s research and efforts like Frenchy Cannoli’s Trichome Research Initiative reveal that hashish undergoes unique transformations that distinguish it from cannabis flowers and modern extracts like oils, distillates, or resins/rosins.

As scientific knowledge grows, hashish may gain new recognition for its distinctive qualities among cannabis enthusiasts and connoisseurs. With further research, we may discover more about hashishene and the many other compounds that contribute to hashish’s timeless appeal.

 

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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages ​​using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]

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Editor-in-Chief

With a professional background in CAD technical drawing (2D and 3D), João Xabregas is an activist and advocate for all uses and applications of cannabis. He discovered and entered the world of cannabis during his youth, where he developed a special interest in the cultivation of the plant, which led him on a journey of self-learning through the world of cannabis that continues to this day. His adventures linked to cannabis cultivation began with the same goal as many others: to be able to guarantee the quality and eliminate any possible risks to his health of what he consumed, as well as to avoid any type of dependence on the illicit market. However, he quickly began to view the world of cannabis and everything related to it with a very different perspective. He admits the enormous passion he has for the most persecuted plant in the world and about which he is always willing to write and have a good conversation.

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