Dry Sift

What is dry sift? 

Dry sift is a solventless cannabis concentrate made by mechanically separating resin-rich trichomes from plant material. This process typically involves using fine mesh screens or filter bags with different micron sizes, which What is dry sift?

Dry sift is kief's sophisticated sibling. A solventless hash with heritage, dry sift is made by sifting dried cannabis flower through specialized micron mesh screens, producing a range of concentrates — from edible-grade dry sift to full-melt hash.

Unlike the clumps of kief hiding at the bottom of a grinder, dry sift is skillfully crafted using static sift technology to separate pure trichome heads from plant material. While this type of dry sift produces superior hash, it remains just one option in the toolkit of extraction techniques.

How dry sift is made

Starting with dried cannabis flower or trim, hashmakers use specialized micron screens (from coarse 220 microns down to fine 45 microns) to gently agitate and coax trichome heads through screens without dragging along unwanted plant material.

What emerges is a fine, sandy to powdery concentrate, ranging in color from pale blonde to rich amber. High-quality dry sift feels soft and flour-like between the fingers, and when lightly pressed, it can form a sticky, oily hash. Lower-quality sift, in contrast, remains dry and gritty due to residual plant matter, producing a sandy texture that won’t press into a cohesive concentrate.

The real magic? Unlike traditional hashish or kief, dry sift can reach full melt status, completely liquefying without residue when dabbed. This type of concentrate represents high-end hash production without ice water extraction, bubble bags, or the need for rosin press equipment.

How is dry sift different from kief?

While dry sift and kief look similar and the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re two different products.

• Kief represents the most accessible entry point into concentrates. It accumulates naturally in grinders through regular use, similar to how lint gathers in a dryer.. 

• Dry sift hash results from intentional craftsmanship using proper hash-making techniques.

Production

• Kief collects as a byproduct of grinding flower, with plant material and fractured trichome stalks passing through the mesh screen into the grinder's bottom chamber. 

• Dry sift is carefully crafted by hashmakers who use food-grade mesh screens and various sifting techniques designed to isolate only the finest trichome heads from the cannabis plant.

Quality 

• Kief typically maxes out at cooking to half-melt grade due to plant material contamination. 

• Dry sift can achieve full melt status, meaning it melts completely when dabbed, preserving terpenes and delivering pure cannabinoids without harsh plant matter.

Purity

• Kief contains significant plant material. 

• Dry sift can achieve incredible purity — mostly active THC and CBD compounds with minimal filler.

Price

• Kief is more budget friendly at dispensary prices. 

• Dry sift (particularly full melt grades) commands higher prices due to labor-intensive sifting processes and specialized equipment.

Quality grades

Understanding the grading system is like having a cannabis sommelier on your side, helping you spot a dispensary’s finest hash.

• Full melt: It liquefies completely without residue and preserves the delicate terpenes that give cannabis its distinctive flavor profiles. It’s perfect for dabbing at low temperatures, melting cleanly and delivering pure cannabinoids and fresh terpenes.

• Half melt: Half melt is still high-quality but leaves a slight residue after dabbing. It's perfect for vaporizing, hash pipes, or layering on any favorite flower. It’s great for growers and consumers wanting quality dry sift without premium pricing.

• Cooking grade: This grade contains more plant material but delivers potent THC and CBD content. It's a foundation grade that gets the job done effectively. It’s suitable for edibles, smoking, or pressing with a rosin press. A caveat for new consumers: this still delivers powerful results.

Equipment essentials

Standard dab rigs for terpene preservation, hash pipes for smoking, parchment paper for handling, and a rosin press for making pressed hash.

Understanding the sifting process

Understanding what goes into producing quality dry sift can help you make informed purchasing decisions at dispensaries:

• Starting material: High-quality dried cannabis or fresh frozen

• Screen setup: Multiple micron mesh screens, coarse to fine

• Sieving process: Gentle agitation separates trichome heads from plant matter

• Static tech: Static electricity isolates the finest resin glands

• Grading: Final product sorted by melt quality and purity

This differs significantly from ice water extraction (bubble hash) or rosin production, creating unique solventless extract characteristics.