Cannabis stems are often considered worthless. The stem is the part of the plant that is the lowest in THC and other cannabinoids, as they crystallize on the actual buds and leaves. Smoking marijuana stems results in a harsh headache, so they are typically removed during production or picked out just before being used.
However, THC remnants do end up on the stems during growth. They can fall or be shaken off from the buds and leaves. A true stoner wouldn’t let any crystals go to waste. Believe it or not, there is purpose to collecting cannabis stems! It may take a while to save enough twigs, but once you have enough they can be put to great use.
If you’re wondering what to do with unwanted cannabis stems, here are 5 ways to use them.
Make them into an alcohol-based tincture
Also known as Green Dragon, marijuana alcohol is a party starter! You will need a mason jar (or something similar) filled to the top with stems and a high percentage grain alcohol like Everclear. Vodka and whiskey works fine, too. Simply pour the alcohol to the top of the jar and let the mixture soak in a cool, dark place for at least a week. Shaking the jar once a day will yield the best results.
After 7 days, strain the alcohol from the weed stems with a sieve. You are left with a THC-infused alcohol that you can consume smoke-free. You can take a spoonful for a relaxing body high and mix it into a cocktail among many other uses.
Make them into hash oil
You can making hash oil using your leftover cannabis stems, keeping in mind that it will be much less potent than hash oil made with bud. You will need to grind up the stems until they are extremely fine. Pour the substance into a mason jar, followed by 99% isopropyl alcohol. Shake the concoction vigorously for about two minutes.
Strain the liquid into a glass dish using a sieve or coffee filter. Let it sit in a well-ventilated area until the alcohol evaporates. Scrape up the sticky resin you’re left with, and voila — perfectly useable hash oil for cooking, smoking, or topical use.
Steep them in tea
Infusing your tea with some cannabis stems is an easy way to add an extra hint of relaxation to your drink. You will first need to decarboxylate your stems in order to prepare it for heated steeping. To do this, preheat your oven to 225° F. Grind your stems and lay them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave the sheet in the oven for 40 – 60 minutes. It should come out dry and darker in color.
From here, you can place the marijuana in a tea bag and enjoy! You can add your favorite tea for flavor, as well.
Make Topicals
Marijuana topicals have a wonderful therapeutic effect, especially as pain relief. A cream, oil, balm, or body butter infused with cannabis is a great way to target and soothe physical pain or skin irritation. Marijuana-infused lubricants are also becoming quite popular!
Simply follow a basic cannabis topical recipe and add your desired essential oils.
Make Cannabutter
Marijuana edibles are typically baked using cannabis-infused butter or cannabutter. It’s a refrigerator staple for all weed lovers! All you need is 1 cup of butter and half an ounce of finely ground stems. Melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat. Add the ground cannabis and simmer for 45 minutes, making sure to stir frequently. Use cheesecloth to strain or squeeze the plant material from the melted butter. Place it in the fridge until it sets.
Once it’s ready, you can use the cannabutter in place of regular butter in any recipe, spread it on toast, fry with it… the list goes on and on!
What are your favourite ways to use your weed stems? Let us know in the comments section below!
You can Also Read Cannabis Related Article here A Brief Cannabis Tincture Guide!
