The origins of hash: Morocco, Lebanon, Nepal, Kashmir

Hash is not a recent invention. It has existed for centuries, shaped by the traditions of regions around the world where hemp grows wild or has been cultivated for a long time. A brief journey through the historic lands of hashmaking, by Don99 (Master Hashmaker, Hash Factory, St-Légier).

Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh: charas

The high valleys ofNorth India are probably the cradle of hash. Charas (“हशीश” in Hindi) has been produced here for centuries using a surprisingly simple technique: live hemp flowers are rubbed between the hands. The resin adheres to the skin, forming a dark deposit which is then scraped off.

This process gives charas its distinctive texture —creamy, rich, almost like a salve. The Himachal Pradesh region (particularly the Manali Valley) is famous for its “Manali Cream,” a type of charas known for its exceptionally smooth texture.

Charas is probably the most “vibrant” form of hash: it’s the closest to the original plant, with a deep, earthy flavor profile. To understand how this texture differs from dry sift or pressed hash, check out our guide “Charas, Pollen, Pressed: Understanding the Textures of CBD Hash.”

Morocco: the Rif in a hurry

The Moroccan Rif mountains are another of the great historical lands of hash. For centuries, Berber families have been producing hash here using a combined method: dry sieving followed by pressing.

The dried material is beaten over fine sieves, detaching the trichomes. The harvested resin is then gently heated and pressed into wafers or blocks – which stabilizes it and concentrates the aromas. The result is a soft, brown to golden hash with a woody, spicy aroma.

Depending on the fineness of the sifting and the duration of the pressing, very different grades are produced—ranging from “standard ketama” (named after the region) to the ultra-fine “zero-zero.”

Lebanon: the red dress of the Bekaa

For decades, the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon has produced hashish with a distinctive color: reddish-brown, with a dense texture and a complex, woody flavor profile. “Red Lebanese” is recognizable by its warm hue, which results from controlled fermentation of the resin after harvest.

To compare the four main modern extraction methods and understand how these traditions have evolved, check out our comprehensive comparison of CBD hash extraction methods. And if you’re looking for the best artisanal CBD resins available in Switzerland today, our guide to the best Swiss CBD hash has you covered.