Cannabis Alchemy: @Rakkems | Interview
I was first introduced to Rakkems by Jacob @tahoebird, who turned me onto @rakkems and his live instructional videos. Jacob is a talented hash connoisseur who, upon my arrival to his house, presented me with a tray filled with pressed hash variations. There must have been twenty flavors all labeled by strain and categorized like a makeup palette ranging from ultra light to dark maple. He explained that lighter color is not always better because each of these solventless cannabis medicines has a different cannabinoid profile, each meant for different purposes. Some hash will make you very relaxed and sedated while others make your head tingle and your eyes open up wide. This is dependent on the strain the hash is made from but also from the aging process of the hash. Much like a vintner with grapes, these cannabis alchemists can make the most subtle changes to their technique and achieve wildly different results. Jacob introduced me to some amazing hash makers, along with his social media hash crush, @rakkems. I caught up with both alchemists, I like to call them, this month to learn more about solventless crafts and introduce readers to this niche of cannabis culture.
Interview: @Rakkems
Where did you grow up?
Bay area Ca. NorCal born and raised. Currently in the Sierra Foothills of California.
How were you introduced to cannabis?
Friends growing up in highschool…But hash specifically, about 4 – 5 years ago. When a good friend showed me the way. I mean, I knew about hash but not about true 6 star full melt.
What is your favorite hobby outside of cannabis?
More like hobbies lol. I have a deep love for music and DJing, classic cars, and sailing.
How long have you been studying and experimenting with extraction techniques?
About 3 to 4 years now.
Which hash makers inspire you?
Soilgrown Solventless Marcus Bubbleman SolventlessMind Frenchie Cannoli Nikka T Resin Ranch Cuban Grower (drysift)
And to many others to name. The community as a whole has inspired me honestly.
Why do cannabis companies make things like shatter and crumble instead of solventless rosin and hash?
Honestly, I don’t know. I still think there will always be a market for that product and some companies are just comfortable with staying in those lanes.
What should consumers look for when shopping for any cannabis extracts in dispensaries?
Something that has used a grown to full term flower. Meaning it was grown to its fullest potential. As well as a full spectrum extract to complete the “Entourage Effect” on the body. Equalling a full rounded elevation of the body and mind.
What is happening with cannabis right now in 2020 that is…
Most exciting to you?
More study and education of the plant/hash and all its benefits is happening more now than ever before. And that excites me.
Most disappointing?
More saddening than anything. All the people who have lost their livelihoods from recent fires on the west coast of North America. So tragic and only hope for the best to all of them. Finally…
What would you like our readers to know about you and your craft that they may not know?
The more you know, the better choices you will make when it comes to consuming cannabis. And the knowledge I try to share with all of you is solely for that purpose. Ganja is Mother, but Hash is King. HREAM…
HREAM LOL… I love it. Thank you so very much. We are grateful for your time and we appreciate your insights!
Written by @todemsolventless via Instagram:
A little psa that’s been on my mind for a while.. First, not all solventless hash is white, it can’t be and it shouldn’t be. Second, the color of the hash does not represent the quality but often is a direct correlation to the price which in my opinion is not and should not be the case.
The most important factor in the quality of all solventless, especially #fullmelt and #freshpressrosin is the strain and quality of the starting material. Next is the “hashmaker’s” skill, attention to detail and their ability to follow a process and make minor adjustments along the way. The entire hash making process is a fairly simple set of steps that can be followed and learned in a short amount of time. The tools used can be as simple and easy to acquire as clean water, ice, 5 gal buckets, micron bags and a dinner spoon. They can also be technologically advanced, automatic and expensive af ($200k++)
Regardless of the method used; hand, manual, machine, turning dials, pressing buttons or the money spent $200 or $200,000, with the correct knowledge, proper technique & attention to detail, a great quality hash can and should be the result of washing quality material.
Color can definitely be affected by the way the material is washed (long cycles, hard washing, too much ice) and pressed (too hot, too much pressure, too long of a press) but the biggest factor is again the starting material.
First off, props to all the #whitehash only hash makers. Bravo, you guys are definitely skilled in your craft and I have no negative anything towards these people and brands. I will say, like all social media, you only see the best and not only the best but the best and highest quality light and angles to make #catfishing a term in the dictionary.
We make the highest quality solventless hash as we are physically able to with the strains and material we grow and collaborate with other farmers. Indoor, greenhouse and outdoor. We post and put out all of our hash and make everything available, all microns, all grades and try to be as transparent as possible with what we are doing. We put as much information on our labels as will fit and try to have a little fun….
The Cannabis Cactus Magazine has more great interviews.
Michael Cassini is the founder and editor in chief of The Cannabis Cactus Magazine. He focuses on community relationships with a goal to maintain a culture of love, peace and knowledge in the cannabis industry.
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