Boston does craft right. From classic bagels to small-batch beer to next-level bubble hash and rosin—this city cares about process. Let’s break down how quality bubble hash (the cornerstone of exceptional rosin) is made, spotlighting wisdom from the legends who shaped solventless extraction: Kyle “Elmo” Carrao (R.I.P.), Frenchy Cannoli (R.I.P.), and Nikka T.

Learning from the legends

This art is rooted in centuries of hashish tradition and brought into focus by modern extract artists. Three giants point the way:

Kyle “Elmo” Carrao:

A Massachusetts pioneer who believed in open-source hashmaking, community advocacy, and the power of sharing. His demo on how to make bubble hash lays out the entire process with focus and precision—essential for any aspiring hasher. Watch Elmo’s guide. Elmo didn’t just teach the mechanics—he inspired others with the spirit of the “kick down” and spoke up for common sense cannabis regulation in our state.

Frenchy Cannoli:

The late, great hashishin who linked modern technique with ancient wisdom. His multi-part masterclass unpacks every aspect of traditional hash—how to judge trichomes, why patience matters, and how intent shows in melt and flavor. Watch Frenchy’s wisdom

Nikka T:

A contemporary craft legend who raised the bar on ice water extraction, emphasizing precision, cleanliness, and respect for the resin. Watch Nikka’s process

Bubble hash basics: combining tradition and technique

Channeling these legends:

Material Selection:

Start with fresh frozen for peak terpene preservation. Cured, super-clean flower or trim can work too. If it’s mediocre material, expect mediocre hash.

Temperature Control:

Keep everything icy—water, tools, workspace. Cold keeps trichomes brittle and protects volatile aromatics. Pro tip: process in a cold room if you can.

Gentle Agitation (Elmo’s method):

Small, controlled wash cycles with a soft touch. Reverse your stirring every 10 seconds. Focus is on detaching trichome heads, not pulverizing plant matter.

Proper Filtration (Frenchy’s wisdom):

Run your batch through a stack of bubble bags (typically 220μ down to 25μ). The mid-range screens (73–120μ) often produce the golden “full-melt” sought by connoisseurs. Clean pulls make a huge difference in both flavor and melt.

Collection Technique (Nikka T’s precision):

Use utensils chilled in the freezer. Move quickly and methodically to keep everything cold and avoid clumping.

From bubble hash to rosin: the final transformation

Once your bubble hash is dried to perfection (freeze dryer if you have it, microplane and cold airflow if you don’t):

• Double-bag in 25μ mesh for presses to prevent blowouts.
• Press low and slow—160–180°F is the zone for live terps and golden color.
• Use a gentle, controlled ramp in pressure rather than an instant smash.
• Collect rosin immediately with cold tools to keep consistency and preserve aroma.
• Cure to your preference—cold cure for creamy badder, warm cure for jammy shine.

Quality markers: what the masters taught us

• True full-melt leaves almost no residue, melts to clear with minimal char.
• Clean rosin pulls apart smoothly and has a lively, strain-true aroma.
• Proper storage is cold, dark, sealed, and tight to slow oxidation (“KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.”)
• Look for rosin that reflects the starting material in both color and flavor.

Finding quality hash rosin in boston

If you want solventless you can trust, start at Firebrand Cannabis near South Station (727 Atlantic Ave). We’re social equity owned, community-built, and committed to education, just like the masters we admire. Get the rundown on bubble bags, press temps, melt grades, and more from staff who live the culture. (Find us easily—right off the commuter rail and T.)

Learn from the legends

• Kyle “Elmo” Carrao: How to Make Bubble Hash the essential demo from a true Massachusetts trailblazer—rest in power, Elmo
• Frenchy Cannoli: Lost Art of the Hashishin
• Nikka T: Ice Water Hash Making

Please consume responsibly.

This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming.
Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.
For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children.