As the world evolves, exploring diverse cultural perspectives offers a unique prism through which we understand our shared human story. A rather unconventional yet fascinating avenue through which this is being achieved is via the lens of hashish consumption around the globe. What can we learn from sampling hash across different cultures?
Having traveled extensively, Chelsea Kossower, Puffco’s Vice President of Global Expansion, brings a fresh perspective to the discussion on global hash cultures. From door-to-door sales of Puffco pens in the early days to now embarking on a global journey of learning from various hash communities, Chelsea and Puffco are constantly at the forefront of understanding the intricate relationship between hash and culture. What follows is a compelling exploration of traditional hash rituals, the variance in cultivation and production methods, and the impact of cultural contexts on consumption and perception of hash, all from Chelsea’s richly experiential viewpoint.
By the end of this interview, you’ll appreciate the magic that tastemakers from different corners of the world create and discover how hash use, beyond its traditional confines, interacts with other cultural facets such as art, music, and spirituality.
Can you describe your background and how you became an expert on global hash cultures?
I was Puffco’s first official employee back in 2013. When Roger Volodarsky (Puffco Founder) developed the first version of the Puffco pen, my responsibility was sales and revenue generation. I would get boxes of 100 pens and go door to door selling them. I like to think Roger and I have traveled many lives together since then, and the more we learned about hash together, the more global education became ingrained in our mission. My role since then has shifted from selling products to local shops and dispensaries to learning from communities across the globe and working to provide more accessibility to the magic tastemakers create.
I’m not sure I can say I’m an “expert” by any means, because every global market and history of hash is unique, and I’m constantly still learning. But that’s the beauty in what we do; we get to learn from and celebrate the long-standing culture behind hash together.
Can you share some of the most interesting hash traditions you’ve encountered in your travels?
One of the coolest and oldest hash traditions I’ve encountered recently was on my last hash expedition to Berlin, Germany. I enjoyed consuming traditional hash from a handmade Sarkhana (bowl) and Chilam with “Baaba Qo”—a journalist and hashish expert from Afghanistan. Using a Chilam and Sarkhana is a classic way hashish has been consumed for decades if not centuries.
In many traditional cultures, particularly in parts of India, Nepal, and parts of the Middle East, chilams or chillums hold significant cultural and religious significance. They are often associated with spiritual practices, communal gatherings, and rituals. The chillum is passed among participants, creating a sense of unity and connection.
What differences have you observed in the cultivation and production methods of hash across various regions?
It really varies across the globe—we’ve seen everything from traditional Moroccan hash, to shatter slabs, all the way to Uncle Farms Piatella Tech!
We realized how much we were pigeonholing ourselves by continuing to follow the same methods here in the U.S. There is so much out there, even in markets that aren’t fully legal. Hash is a cultural practice rooted in a rich history, and we’re just scratching the surface of it here in the states.
How do cultural contexts shape the way hash is consumed and perceived?
I think that comes from the level of acceptance in each culture. We see some places like Spain, where most consumption lounges are still underground but possession is legal. The country hosts one of the largest hash events in the world, and the energy there is incredible and infectious. Then you have places like Italy, where cannabis is highly illegal, but the underground hash market still thrives. At a tradeshow in Italy, we actually had a younger man come up to us with his parents.
He was a hash maker, and his parents had never been able to try or taste his product. We gave him a Puffco and watched his parents’ eyes light up as they tasted his hash for the first time—it was a beautiful moment to witness. I think it changed their perspective on cannabis as a whole in a positive way.
Have you found any surprising links between hash use and other cultural aspects such as art, music, or spirituality?
Hash to me is two things: a connector and an amplifier. Hash connects and amplifies everything it touches. I can’t begin to explain to you how hash has connected me to some of the most amazing people and experiences.
Not to mention, how it amplifies my personal connection to art, music and spirituality. When I smoke hash, I am free—it’s different from a flower high, it’s clearer, more vibrant and a bit stronger when you smoke it. In my experience, flower has a slower onset of effects. For example, I smoke hash before I train jiujitsu at Autore every morning. Not only does it amplify my senses, but it grounds me and connects me to the mat, to the movements to my breath. Hash is connected to my recovery, my day to day life.
Hashish has revealed intriguing connections with diverse cultural aspects. In art, it ignites hidden creativity and sparks vibrant expression. Within music, it harmonizes with melodies, enhancing emotional experiences and fostering a deeper connection. Moreover, it acts as a tool for introspection and spiritual exploration, guiding individuals on personal paths of self-discovery. These unexpected links between hashish and culture continue to inspire and captivate those who explore their profound influence.
What do you hope people learn from your work studying hash culture worldwide?
The culture is the backbone of the cannabis market, and it’s important to not only recognize that, but also amplify it. We used to think that the best hash in the world undoubtedly came from California.
In my travels with our Puffco team, we’re going into these new markets and experiencing so many different types of hash, most of which we’ve never had access to in the United States. Piattella is the perfect example—it blew our minds, and completely broke the bubble we lived in.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
