Hash or hashish is the resin collected from the flowers of the cannabis plant. The primary active substance is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) although several other cannabinoids are known to occur.
The most common effects of hash and cannabis are: a sense of well-being, relaxation, rapid flow of ideas, increased appreciation of music and food, heightened senses, sleepiness, pain relief and increased appetite.
Hash is usually smoked in pipes, water pipes, joints, and hookahs, sometimes mixed with cannabis flowers or tobacco. It can also be eaten.
Contrary to popular belief, the effects from smoking cannabis or hash are not increased by holding the smoke in the lungs longer. Almost all of the THC is absorbed within the first few seconds. Also contrary to popular belief, more potent cannabis or hash is not more dangerous. Users generally take enough of the substance until they achieve the desired effects. In the case of smoking, it means the user will have to inhale less smoke and therefore fewer toxins to achieve the same effect.