What Is Charas?
If you have started exploring cannabis consumption, you may have heard about different types of concentrates. They appear in various forms and textures and may provide a pure and strong experience. Yet, one concentrate has captured the attention of cannabis enthusiasts: the charas. But what is charas exactly?
Join us on a journey to South Asia to explore the origins and unravel the mysteries surrounding this powerful substance.
What Is Charas?
Cannabis enthusiasts often refer to charas as ‘black gold’ — a cannabis concentrate derived from the live resins of cannabis plants. People have used it for centuries for medicinal, recreational, and ceremonial purposes.
As a result, this handmade cannabis concentrate holds a significant place in the cultural and spiritual traditions in South Asia. Now you may find yourself wondering- What kind of drug is charas? How is charas made?
Do such cannabis products require automated professional kief maker, or are they produced by hand? Let’s delve into details to help you better understand charas.
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Origins and history of charas
To discuss the origins of charas, we have to trace back centuries. The origins of this concentrate are surrounded with mystique, as tales date back to ancient times. In them, charas is revered as a sacred substance.
Charas is popular worldwide, mainly in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nepal. It also holds a profound significance in India, particularly the Himalayan region.
This powerful substance is cultivated only in certain parts of India. The ideal location for its cultivation is the Kashmir and Parvati Valley in Northern India, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Charas is also sacred in Jamaica as it has ideal conditions for growing it. The stories and traditions have shaped the significance of this cannabis concentrate throughout the years. Aside from its enduring legacy in South Asian culture, we will also unravel the production techniques.
Types of charas
There are multiple types of charas found in India, the most popular being the Malana cream and the Kerala Gold. These are also the world’s most expensive marijuana resins.
The Kerala Gold is one of the finest strains in Asia, and it has an earthy taste. It is also regarded as one of the best kinds of charas due to its characteristics and potency. This cannabis concentrate has a unique flavor, texture, and aroma and may contain between 40-45% THC.
Furthermore, multiple varieties of the Malana cream exist. They are:
Rasol cream: A red hue and texture, a strong taste of mint, and a pleasant aroma of raw mangoes.
Tosh ball: Low potency, greenish-brown texture, and dark exterior. It is spicy and aromatic in taste, providing a pleasant feeling.
Waichin cream: A black interior and a lush green exterior. It may soothe the throat with a minty taste with a hint of sweetness.
Nagaru cream: A powerful strain with high oil content. It is oily and sticky. The Nagaru cream has a yellowish-green color and interior with a golden tint and green pinch.
Grahan cream: A blackish-green texture and green interior. It is a highly potent strain with a sweet taste and an intense aromatic scent.
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Spiritual and cultural beliefs
In Hinduism, charas is associated with Lord Shiva. This is one of the principal deities in Hindu mythology, often depicted consuming cannabis as part of rituals. As such, this cannabis concentrate is often part of ceremonies dedicated to Shiva.
Beyond this religion, charas has also found its place in indigenous practices across South Asia. It has become more than just a cannabis substance but a symbol of spiritual connection and reverence for nature.
What Is Charas Made Of?
When the world started writing about charas, they commonly used the terms synonymously with ‘hashish’. But this concentrate is often referred to as the Indian version of hash. As a result, many often confuse them.
However, there is a significant difference between the two. Cannabis producers make ordinary hash from harvested or dry flower material. Unlike many concentrates, charas is handmade from a live cannabis plant.
Characteristics of charas
Charas is a dark-colored (deep brown to black) concentrate with an earthy scent, smoky tones, and a sticky texture. It is rich in cannabinoids like THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the potent effects.
Hence, it might have high levels of potency. That said, its potency can vary on factors like the cannabis strain, the artisan's skills, and the curing process. Since it is handcrafted, it retains a soft and pliable consistency.
Production Process - How Is Charas Made?
The traditional production of charas starts by selecting strains for their resin-producing capabilities. Once the plants reach maturity, the skilled artisans begin collecting resin glands from the cannabis flowers.
To create charas, skilled artisans gently rub mature cannabis flowers between their hands. It is a meticulous process that involves a hand-rubbing method and extracting resin glands that cling to their hands.
This is done when the seeds of the plant are ripe. They rub the buds gently so the trichomes stick to their skin. Then, they carefully collect the resin, roll it into small balls or sticks, and let it cure. It is said that the slower the rubbing is, the better the quality of the charas will be.
So, this allows the preservation of the plant’s delicate terpenes that contribute to the distinctive flavor and aroma of the charas. The strain selection, cultivation practices, and environmental conditions might all affect its quality.
Charas Benefits and Side Effects
Benefits
Many cannabis enthusiasts who have tried charas have stated that it is a pleasant lifetime experience. Consumers especially like the sweet scent and potency.
Compared to other extracts, no additives and chemicals are present during its production. Although it seems edible, we don’t recommend consuming it as edible. Instead, you can smoke it in a pipe made from clay or in a joint.
Side effects
Charas is a pure extract of the cannabis plant. As we previously mentioned, it is a highly potent cannabis concentrate.
Hence, if you are planning on using it, you have to start with small quantities, even if you are a seasoned cannabis user. If not used correctly and carefully, it might create both short and long-term problems, such as anxiety, sleepiness, and psychological and physical health problems.
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Conclusion
What is Charas? In this post, you were able to learn more about the cannabis concentrate that embodies centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. It offers a unique experience that celebrates the natural essence of the plant.
Given the traditional production, rich history, cultural significance, and potency, this concentrate continues to captivate cannabis enthusiasts. However, you have to approach using this product carefully to avoid any unwanted effects.
