Dry Sift Hash: What It Is, How It’s Made & How It’s Refined

What is Dry Sift? Dry Sift (also known as Dry Sifting or drysift) is a traditional, solventless method used to separate trichomes from plant material using fine screens while completely dry. The result of this process is usually Kief or — after pressing — Dry Sift Hash. For additional purification or refinement, static tech can be applied afterward. Learn more about this process in our guide: What Is Static Hash?

In short: Dry Sift refers primarily to the method. The end product is Kief or Dry Sift Hash.

What does Dry Sift mean exactly?

The term Dry Sift describes a mechanical separation process. Resin-rich trichome heads are released from plant material through gentle movement across micron screens. Because the entire process is performed dry and without solvents, it is referred to as Dry Sifting.

The spelling drysift is commonly used informally and may refer either to the Dry Sift method itself or to the resulting product.

Is Dry Sift a method or a product?

Technically speaking:

• Dry Sift = the method (dry sieving)
• Kief = the loose end product (trichome powder)
• Dry Sift Hash = pressed or further processed Kief

In everyday language, however, “Dry Sift” is often used to describe the final product as well. Both usages are common, even though they differ technically.

How does Dry Sifting work?

During Dry Sifting, dried plant material is gently worked across one or more fine screens. As the material moves, trichomes detach from the plant and fall through the mesh as a fine powder.

The quality of Dry Sift mainly depends on:

• the selection of appropriate micron ranges
• the cleanliness of the working process
• the number and progression of screening stages

Rather than relying on a single screen size, modern Dry Sifting focuses on controlled separation across multiple micron stages.

Why is micron size important in Dry Sift?

Micron refers to the mesh size of a screen measured in micrometers. It determines which particles pass through the screen and which are retained. Importantly, trichome head size varies depending on genetics, plant maturity, and growing conditions.

• Larger micron ranges: higher yield, but more plant material
• Smaller micron ranges: lower yield, but often higher purity

Modern Dry Sift techniques therefore work with micron ranges rather than a single “perfect” micron size. By using multiple screens, different fractions can be separated and evaluated individually. Which micron ranges produce the highest quality is strain-specific and varies from plant to plant.

Dry Sift, Drysift or Kief – what’s the difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean exactly the same thing:

• Kief is the loose trichome powder
• Dry Sift is the method used to collect Kief
• drysift is an informal spelling commonly used online

Once Kief is pressed or further refined, it becomes Dry Sift Hash.

How can you identify high-quality Dry Sift?

High-quality Dry Sift typically shows the following characteristics:

• fine, uniform texture
• minimal visible plant material
• clean, terpene-rich aroma
• well-separated trichome heads

Quality depends heavily on screen material, the use of suitable micron ranges, and careful handling.

How should Dry Sift be stored?

Dry Sift should be stored airtight, cool, and in a dark environment to preserve aroma, texture, and consistency. Protection from air, light, and moisture is essential, as trichomes are highly sensitive.

Suitable solutions for safe storage can be found in our storage collection.

View cannabis storage solutions

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Sift

What is Dry Sift in simple terms?

Dry Sift is a dry screening method used to separate trichomes. The result is Kief or Dry Sift Hash.

Is Dry Sift the same as Kief?

No. Kief is the product, while Dry Sift is the method used to produce it.

What does drysift mean?

Drysift is an alternative spelling of Dry Sift and is commonly used informally.

How should Dry Sift be stored?

Airtight, cool, and dark — ideally in containers designed for concentrate storage.

Conclusion

Dry Sift is a traditional, solventless method of trichome separation. The result is Kief or — after pressing — Dry Sift Hash. Modern Dry Sift techniques rely on micron ranges rather than single screen sizes, as trichome head size varies between strains. Understanding these factors, along with proper handling and storage, is key to producing high-quality Dry Sift.