Hey, are you having trouble getting rid of those weed stems?
Yeah, we hear you.
Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s okay to smoke those bad boys so they don’t go to waste.
Well, we’ve got some good news.
There are effective ways on how you can utilize those weed stems, and we’ve curated them into a list in this article.
But can you smoke them though?
You gotta read forward to know the answer to that question.
Table of Contents
Can Smoking Weed Stems Get You High?
In a nutshell, not really.
While weed stems do contain a trace of the psychoactive compound THC, it’s nowhere near enough to deliver the high you’d expect from cannabis buds.
But why exactly is that the case?
The reasons, as we shall explore, might make you reconsider reaching for those stems the next time you run out of bud.
Highly Recommended: Why Does Smoking Weed Make You Laugh?
Why Avoid Smoking Weed Stems?
While it’s understandable that one might be tempted to smoke weed stems, especially when the stash runs dry, there are solid reasons why this isn’t the best idea.
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Negligible Amount of THC
First and foremost, weed stems contain a negligible amount of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high’ experienced from cannabis.
You’d need to smoke an enormous quantity to get any noticeable effect, which would be far from enjoyable or practical.
Furthermore, any high achieved would likely be overshadowed by discomfort.
Potential Health Risks
More importantly, smoking weed stems may pose potential health risks.
For one, the harsh smoke produced by burning stems is not good for your lungs and can lead to discomfort and coughing.
Try Reading: How Can You Smoke Weed While Not Coughing?
Unpleasant Side Effects
Additionally, numerous cannabis users report unpleasant side effects from smoking stems, most commonly severe headaches.
The high is often described as short-lived and not worth the subsequent discomfort.
Simply put, the risks and side effects associated with smoking weed stems outweigh any potential benefits.
What Can I Do With Weed Stems?
If you’re wondering how to make use of your leftover weed stems, you’re in luck.
Here are several suggestions that can turn what might seem like waste into something of value.
Making Cannabutter or Cannabis-Infused Oil
Cannabutter and cannabis-infused oil are key ingredients in many weed edible recipes.
You can decarb the stems and let them simmer in butter or coconut oil. This process extracts the THC, infusing it into the oil or butter.
Read More: How to Make the Perfect Cannabutter
Preparing Weed Tea
Weed stem tea can offer a unique, soothing experience.
You can simply let the stems sit in hot water for an extended period (around 1-2 hours), and enjoy your homemade brew. Adding a little butter or oil can help extract more THC due to its fat-soluble nature.
Also Read: Simple Recipe for Cannabis Infused Iced Tea
Creating Homemade Resin
Another application for weed stems is in the creation of homemade resin.
Soak the ground stems in isopropyl alcohol, strain the mixture, then let the alcohol evaporate. What you’re left with is resin, which can be smoked or vaporized.
Grinding into Kief
Kief refers to the resinous trichomes of cannabis that may fall off the stems and accumulate.
You can use a silk screen, dry ice, and a mason jar to create your own kief from weed stems.
Incorporating in Edibles
Grind your stems into a fine powder and incorporate them into various edible recipes.
Whether it’s brownies or cookies, stems can be a surprisingly potent addition if prepared correctly.
Try Checking: How Can You Infuse Store Bough Gummies?
Vaporizing Stems
Though it may not be the most conventional use, vaporizing weed stems is an option.
This method is less harsh than smoking and can still give you a mild effect.
So, to end things — are weed stems totally worthless? Definitely not!
While lighting up a fat stem-joint isn’t the way to go, don’t be too quick to trash those little guys.
With a little bit of time, effort, and creativity, those leftover stems can be the star of the show in your homemade THC-infused goodies.
We hope that this guide has been helpful to you, and if you’re looking for more topics that might pique your interest, then please try reading the stuff we have on our Blog and Recipes pages. There are definitely tons of useful resources lurking there.
But if you’re more in a ‘shop-now’ feeling, then do check out what our popular products are, especially our dried flowers, in our Best Sellers catalogue.
Nothing beats a good sesh if you’re using high-quality weed!
Remember, the magic word here is ‘decarboxylation’ — it’s the ticket to unlocking the THC goodness hiding in those stems.
Related Questions About Smoking Weed Stems
Let’s address some queries that you might have had while reading the topic in this FAQ section.
The quantity of weed stems needed for making a potent batch of cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil can differ based on the strength of your stems and your personal tolerance level.
However, an estimate is around half an ounce, or roughly 14 grams of weed stems for one cup of potent cannabutter or oil.
Always begin with a smaller quantity and adjust based on your preference and desired effect.
Decarboxylation, or “decarbing,” activates the THC in cannabis.
This process involves heating the cannabis, in this case, stems, at around 220-245°F (105-120°C) for about 30-45 minutes.
Be cautious as these figures can vary based on your oven’s accuracy, the moisture content of the plant, and the size of the stems. It’s always best to start low and slow to prevent burning your cannabis.
Resin comes from the trichomes of the cannabis plant, which are tiny structures where cannabinoids like THC and CBD are produced.
While both stems and buds produce resin, buds generally have a higher concentration of trichomes.
This results in resin from buds being more potent and cannabinoid-rich. On the other hand, resin from stems contains these compounds too but at a lower concentration.
So, while you can extract resin from both stems and buds, you might need more stems to match the potency of resin derived from buds.
Best Sellers
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