Can You Smoke Weed Stems?

At some point, you’ve probably found yourself with nothing but a handful of leftover weed stems and wondered—can you smoke them?

Maybe you’ve run out of bud and are debating whether stems could still get you high, or perhaps you just don’t want to waste any part of your stash. It’s a common situation, especially for those trying to stretch their supply.

In this guide, we’ll break down whether smoking weed stems is worth it, what happens if you do, and how you can put them to better use.

Should You Smoke Weed Stems?

The short answer? No, you shouldn’t smoke weed stems.

While they come from the same plant as the flower, stems contain little to no THC and can produce harsh, unpleasant effects when burned. Instead of getting a smooth, enjoyable hit, you’re more likely to experience a scratchy throat, intense coughing, and even headaches.

What Happens If You Smoke Weed Stems?

To raise our point more, here’s a breakdown of what’ll happen if you smoke weed stems.

Minimal to No THC Content

If you’re thinking about smoking weed stems to get high, I hate to break it to you—it’s not gonna work. Stems have barely any THC, which is the stuff that actually gets you high. Unlike the buds, which are packed with cannabinoids, stems just don’t have enough to make a difference.

Even if you roll up a bunch and smoke them, you’re not going to feel much of anything. What you will get, though, is a rough, scratchy throat and a pretty terrible taste in your mouth. Honestly, it’s just not worth it.

Harsh and Unpleasant Smoking Experience

If you’ve ever accidentally smoked a little stem that got mixed in with your bud, you probably already know—it’s harsh. The smoke is thick, super dry, and hits your throat like sandpaper. Most people who try it end up dealing with:

• A sore throat

• Nonstop coughing

• A burning sensation in the lungs

And the taste? It’s like smoking wood chips. If you enjoy the smooth, flavorful experience of good weed, stems will be a major disappointment.

Increased Risk of Headaches and Discomfort

One of the biggest complaints about smoking stems is the headache that often follows.

Since there’s barely any THC, you’re not getting any of the relaxation or good vibes that come with smoking flower. Instead, you’re just inhaling a bunch of harsh smoke, which can leave you with dizziness, brain fog, and a pounding headache.

Instead of feeling mellow, you’ll probably just feel kind of miserable.

Potential Harm to Lung Health

Let’s be real—smoking anything isn’t exactly great for your lungs. Whether it’s cannabis, tobacco, or even just burning wood, inhaling smoke exposes you to toxins and irritants. But stems might be even worse because they have more fibrous plant material, which burns hotter and releases extra nasty stuff when you smoke it.

Doing this regularly could lead to:

• Irritated lungs and a lingering cough

• Increased risk of respiratory infections

• Potential exposure to harmful chemicals

If you’re looking for a better way to use stems, you’re way better off making tea, tinctures, or infused butter.

Possible Gastrointestinal Issues

On top of all that, some people who’ve tried smoking stems say it made them feel nauseous or gave them stomach cramps. This could be from all the extra toxins in the smoke or just the bitter, nasty taste triggering a bad reaction. Either way, it’s not the experience most people are looking for.

What to Do with Weed Stems Instead of Smoking Them

Instead of smoking them, stems can be repurposed in ways that maximize their remaining cannabinoids without the negative effects:

• Make cannabis-infused tea – Steeping stems in hot water with a fatty substance (like milk or coconut oil) can extract some cannabinoids.
• Create DIY cannabis tinctures – Soaking stems in alcohol over time can produce an extract for oral use.
• Infuse stems into butter or oil – This method allows for mild effects without inhaling harsh smoke.
• Use stems for crafting – Some creative users braid stems to make hemp wicks or even use them for decorative projects.

If you’re stuck with a pile of weed stems, smoking them isn’t the move. But with a little creativity, you can still put them to good use!

Final Thoughts

Look, if you’re down to just stems and thinking about smoking them, I get it. But trust me—it’s not worth it. You won’t get high, the smoke is rough, and you might just end up with a headache or feeling sick.

Instead of wasting your time (and your lungs), consider turning those stems into tea, tinctures, or edibles. At least that way, you’re getting something out of them!

Check out our blog section if you’re looking for more reads from us here at BMWO. We’ve covered a ton of interesting topics you might like, including What’s the Difference Between a Pothead and a Stoner? and Why Does Marijuana Make You Laugh?—just to name a couple. Whatever you pick, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy it!

FAQs

Do weed stems have THC?

Yes, but only in very small amounts. Unlike cannabis buds, stems contain minimal THC, meaning they won’t have much of an effect even if you consume a lot of them. If you want to extract any cannabinoids they do have, making tea or tinctures is a better option than smoking them.

Does smoking stems give you a headache?

Yes, many people report getting headaches after smoking weed stems. Since stems don’t contain much THC, you’re mostly just inhaling harsh smoke, which can lead to throat irritation, dizziness, and discomfort instead of a relaxing high.

Do weed stems get you high?

No, smoking weed stems won’t get you high. They lack the THC concentration needed to produce psychoactive effects, so all you’re left with is a harsh smoking experience and possible side effects like headaches and nausea.

What does smoking weed stems taste like?

Smoking weed stems has an unpleasant, harsh taste that many describe as bitter, woody, and acrid. Unlike the flavorful terpenes found in cannabis buds, stems lack aromatic compounds, making the experience far from enjoyable. The thick, hot smoke can also leave a lingering burnt taste in your mouth.

Can you make edibles with weed stems?

Yes, but the potency will be much lower compared to using cannabis buds. You can decarboxylate stems and infuse them into butter or oil, but because they contain fewer cannabinoids, the effects will be much weaker. If you’re looking for stronger edibles, it’s better to use buds or trim instead of relying on stems.