We all know the feeling of finishing a bag of weed and being left with a pile of stems and trimmings that we don’t quite know what to do with. But instead of tossing them in the trash, why not get creative with your leftovers? There are actually plenty of ways to make use of those leftover weed stems and trimmings, from creating edibles to crafting art projects. So, let’s dive in and explore the different possibilities.
Table of Contents:
Make RSO Oil with Stems and Trimmings
Use in Smoothies or for Juicing
How to Decarb Stems:
Decarbing is the process of heating cannabis to activate its THC, making it bioavailable and able to produce psychoactive effects. The same process is necessary for stems as it is for buds. Thankfully, decarbing stems is a relatively simple process.
First, preheat your oven to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, spread your stems evenly on a foil-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping so that each stem is exposed to the heat evenly.
Once your oven is ready, place the baking sheet with your stems in the middle rack and bake for about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on your stems and rotate the pan once or twice to ensure even heating. If the stems begin to brown or burn, they are ruined, so be careful not to overdo it.
After the timer goes off, turn off the heat but allow the pan to cool inside the oven. It may take up to an hour for the pan to cool completely. Once done, your stems should be decarboxylated and ready to use in your next recipe.
Note: Be careful not to overheat your stems, as temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit can turn THC into CBN, which is not as psychoactive. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and monitor your stems closely while decarbing.
Make Bubble Hash with Stems and Trimmings
Bubble hash is a solventless cannabis concentrate made by washing cannabis plant material in ice water to separate the trichomes from the plant matter. It’s a great way to use leftover cannabis stems and trimmings, as well as bud that may not be suitable for smoking.
To make bubble hash at home, you’ll need the following equipment:
- A large bucket
- Ice
- Water
- Cannabis stems and trimmings
- Bubble bags or a fine mesh screen
- A stirring tool
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making bubble hash:
- Fill a large bucket with ice and water. The colder the water, the better, as it helps to preserve the quality of the trichomes.
- Add your cannabis stems and trimmings to the bucket. You can also use fresh or dried buds, but stems and trimmings work just as well.
- Stir the mixture vigorously for 15-20 minutes. This helps to agitate the trichomes and separate them from the plant material.
- Use bubble bags or a fine mesh screen to filter out the plant matter. The trichomes will collect in the water.
- Gather the trichomes into a pile and press them together to form a hash patty. Alternatively, you can let the trichomes dry and crumble them into a powder.
- Store your bubble hash in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Bubble hash is a highly potent concentrate that can be used in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, and dabbing. It’s important to note that the potency of your bubble hash will depend on the quality and quantity of your starting material. If you’re using stems and trimmings, you may need to use more than if you were using high-quality buds.
In addition to being a great way to use your leftover cannabis stems and trimmings, making bubble hash at home is a fun and rewarding DIY project. Just be prepared for some mess, as the process can be a bit messy.
Create Cannabutter & Edibles with Stems
Once you’ve decarbed your weed stems, the process of using it to make cannabutter is actually quite simple.
Step 1: Grind your decarbed cannabis stems into a consistent texture that is not too fine, as it may burn easily.
Step 2: Melt butter in a skillet and add the ground stems. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 40-60 minutes, making sure to stir regularly to prevent sticking and burning. It’s important to keep the temperature below 190 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid degrading the THC. If you have a candy thermometer, use it to monitor the temperature.
Step 3: Strain the mixture by pouring it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This will remove the plant material and leave you with a smooth, infused cannabutter.
Step 4: Refrigerate the cannabutter until it hardens. It can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.
To use the cannabutter, simply substitute it for regular butter in your favorite recipes. Start with a small amount and gradually increase as you become more familiar with the effects. It’s important to keep in mind that edibles can take up to two hours to take effect and the effects can last for several hours, so consume responsibly.
If you want to learn more about cooking with cannabis, consider joining one of our Puff, Pass & Bake Cooking Classes. We’ll teach you how to make delicious and potent cannabis-infused dishes from scratch.
Make RSO Oil with Stems and Trimmings
Step 1: Collect your cannabis stems and trimmings.
Step 2: Grind the stems and trimmings to a fine consistency. You can use a grinder or food processor for this.
Step 3: Place the ground cannabis material into a large, heat-resistant container. A glass bowl or stainless steel pot works well.
Step 4: Add enough high-proof grain alcohol or ethanol to the container to cover the cannabis material completely. Use a ratio of one ounce of cannabis to one liter of alcohol.
Step 5: Stir the mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon for three to five minutes.
Step 6: Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into another heat-resistant container. Squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cannabis material.
Step 7: Discard the leftover cannabis material.
Step 8: Pour the strained liquid into a rice cooker or slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and allow the liquid to heat up until the alcohol begins to evaporate. This will take several hours, so be patient and keep an eye on the cooker.
Step 9: As the alcohol evaporates, you will notice the liquid becoming thicker and more viscous. This is the cannabis oil.
Step 10: Once the liquid has reduced by at least two-thirds, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Step 11: Use a syringe or dropper to transfer the cannabis oil into a clean, airtight container for storage. Keep it in a cool, dark place.
Warning: Be very careful when using high-proof alcohol. It is flammable and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, away from any sources of ignition.
It is also important to note that Rick Simpson Oil is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Start with a very small amount and wait at least an hour to gauge its effects before consuming more.
Overall, making Rick Simpson Oil with cannabis stems and trimmings is a great way to make use of parts of the plant that would otherwise go to waste. With these easy-to-follow instructions, you can create your own potent and effective cannabis oil at home.
Make Weed Stem Tea or Coffee
Making weed stem tea or coffee is a simple and easy way to use up your leftover cannabis stems. The process involves steeping the stems in hot water or milk to extract their cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. Here’s how to make weed stem tea or coffee:
1: Decarb your stems – Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its compounds. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Place your cannabis stems on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes.
2: Prepare your stems – Once your stems are decarbed, use a grinder to grind them into small pieces.
3: Boil water or milk – Bring a pot of water or milk to a boil on the stove.
4: Add your stems – Once the liquid is boiling, add your ground cannabis stems to the pot.
5: Steep the mixture – Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the stems steep in the liquid for at least 30 minutes. You can let it steep for longer if you want a stronger infusion.
6: Strain the mixture – After the mixture has been steeped, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the stem pieces.
7: Sweeten and flavor (optional) – You can add sweeteners like honey, sugar, or maple syrup to your weed stem tea or coffee to taste. You can also add flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or mint leaves.
8: Enjoy – Pour your weed stem tea or coffee into a cup and enjoy it hot. You can also let it cool and add ice for a refreshing iced tea or coffee.
Note: Keep in mind that cannabis stem tea or coffee won’t get you as high as smoking or vaping cannabis, but it can provide a relaxing and calming effect. Start with a small amount and wait at least an hour before consuming more to gauge its effects.
Also, be aware that cannabis stem tea or coffee may have a slightly bitter taste, so you may need to experiment with different sweeteners and flavors to find what you like best.
Use in Smoothies or for Juicing
Using cannabis stems in smoothies or for juicing is a simple and nutritious way to incorporate them into your diet. While juicing raw cannabis stems won’t provide any psychoactive effects, they contain many health benefits and nutrients, including antioxidants and trace elements of various cannabinoids.
To make a cannabis stem smoothie or juice, you can follow your favorite recipe or create your own using whatever ingredients you like. Many people prefer to include sweet ingredients like fruits, ginger, cinnamon, and carrots to complement the natural flavors of the stems.
Here are some basic steps to get you started:
- Rinse the stems: Before using your cannabis stems, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove any excess leaves: While some people like to leave the leaves on the stems for extra flavor, you may want to remove them to avoid any bitter taste.
- Chop the stems: Cut the stems into small pieces to make them easier to blend or juice.
- Blend or juice: Add the chopped stems to your blender or juicer and blend or juice until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Enjoy your smoothie or juice: Pour your cannabis stem smoothie or juice into a glass and enjoy!
Use in Arts and Crafts
Using weed stems for arts and crafts is a great way to repurpose them and add a creative touch to your life. There are a variety of ways to use cannabis stems in arts and crafts projects, depending on your creativity and preferences.
One simple way to use cannabis stems is to make a decorative mobile or wind chime. Collect a handful of stems and tie them together with twine or string. You can add other natural materials such as feathers, shells, or beads to create a unique and eye-catching piece.
Another option is to make a natural wreath using cannabis stems. Gather a bunch of stems and bend them into a circle, securing the ends together with wire. Add other natural elements such as dried flowers, pine cones, or berries for a seasonal touch.
Cannabis stems can also be used to make homemade paper. Simply boil the stems in water until they become soft, then blend them into a pulp. Spread the pulp onto a screen or mesh and let it dry overnight. You can add other materials such as flowers or glitter for a personalized touch.
For those who enjoy knitting or crocheting, cannabis stems can be used to make eco-friendly yarn. Cut the stems into thin strips and let them dry completely. Then, use a spinning wheel or drop spindle to turn the strips into yarn. This unique material can be used to make hats, scarves, or other knit or crocheted items.
When using cannabis stems for arts and crafts, it’s important to note that they may still contain small amounts of THC. It’s recommended to handle them with gloves to avoid any potential psychoactive effects.
Overall, using weed stems for arts and crafts is a fun and creative way to repurpose them and add a unique touch to your home or wardrobe.
Other Uses for Weed Stems
- DIY Hemp Wick: Hemp wick is a natural and eco-friendly way to light your cannabis without using a lighter or matches. To make hemp wick, you can use hemp fibers from the stems. Twist the fibers tightly and coat them with beeswax to create a slow-burning wick.
- Create Potpourri: Dried cannabis stems can be used to create potpourri. Simply dry out the stems, and then mix them with other dried flowers, herbs, and spices to create a fragrant mix. You can add essential oils for extra scent, and display the potpourri in a bowl or sachet.
- Natural Dye: Cannabis stems can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics and textiles. Boil the stems in water and vinegar to extract the color, and then use it to dye fabric. Different colors can be achieved by using different mordants or by varying the time and temperature of the dye bath.
- Home Decor: Cannabis stems can be incorporated into various home decor projects. For example, you can create a wreath or garland by weaving dried stems together. You can also use stems to create a natural-looking vase filler or centerpiece.
- Kindling: Dried cannabis stems can be used as kindling for a fire. They burn slowly and evenly, making them a good choice for starting a fire in a fireplace or wood stove.
Remember, when using cannabis stems for any purpose, it’s important to ensure they are completely dry and free of any mold or mildew.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weed Stems
Can You Smoke Weed Stems?
While it is technically possible to smoke weed stems, it is not recommended. Smoking stems can be harsh on your throat and lungs and may cause irritation and coughing. The THC content of the stems is also very low, meaning that you won’t get a high from smoking them.
Additionally, smoking stems can release unwanted compounds like tar and carbon monoxide, which can be harmful to your health. It’s best to avoid smoking stems altogether and instead consider other ways to use them, such as making edibles, tinctures, or infusing them into alcohol.
If you’re looking for a smoking experience, it’s better to use high-quality cannabis buds or flower. If you don’t have any buds available, there are other alternatives to smoking stems, such as using a dry herb vaporizer or smoking CBD hemp flower.
Do Weed Stems Get Your High?
While cannabis stems contain some of the same cannabinoids found in the flowers, such as THC and CBD, the amount of these compounds in the stems is generally much lower. As a result, smoking weed stems is unlikely to get you high, or at least not nearly as high as smoking the flowers.
It’s worth noting that smoking stems can also be unpleasant, as they can be harsh and produce a lot of smoke. Additionally, the cellulose and other plant matter in the stems can make them difficult to combust evenly, resulting in a less-than-ideal smoking experience.
That said, some people may find that smoking stems provides a mild relaxing effect or helps to alleviate mild pain or discomfort. However, there are much more effective and enjoyable ways to consume cannabis, such as using the stems to make edibles, teas, or other infusions.
Is there THC in Cannabis Stems?
Yes, there is THC in cannabis stems, but usually in much smaller quantities than in the flower buds. While the stems may contain lower levels of THC, they can still contribute to the overall potency of cannabis products. When making edibles or concentrates using cannabis stems, it is important to decarboxylate them properly to activate the THC and other cannabinoids. However, it is worth noting that using cannabis stems alone is unlikely to produce a strong psychoactive effect due to their relatively low THC content.
How to grind weed stems?
Grinding weed stems is a bit different from grinding the buds. While it may not be as efficient, it is still possible to grind the stems. Here are the steps you can follow to grind your weed stems:
- Start by breaking the stems into smaller pieces. You can use your hands or a pair of scissors to do this.
- Place the stems into a grinder. If you have a herb grinder with a pollen catcher, you can use that. However, keep in mind that the stems may not produce as much pollen as the buds.
- Grind the stems until they are broken down into small pieces. You may need to grind them for a bit longer than you would with the buds.
- Empty the grinder and collect the ground stems. You can use them for various purposes, such as making tea or composting.
Keep in mind that grinding weed stems may not produce as much THC as grinding the buds. However, it can still be a useful way to repurpose the stems and get the most out of your cannabis plant.