If you've been wondering what do with those pesky weed stems, let us save you the headache. Don't smoke them! Here are a few better and healthier alternatives.
If you like weed, and we assume you do so, you might want to reconsider throwing away your weed stems. I myself have been throwing them away all my life, but as some people want to get the most out of everything, it turns out that there are actually some things you can do with them, as basically every part of the plants contains cannabinoids.
And before you quit reading this article and start filling up your bong with stems, know that you shouldn’t smoke them as you’re prone to end up with a pounding headache and pretty much nothing more.
This leaves the burning question: what’s one to do with that bag full of stems? Well, there are quite a few healthy and creative ways to use your stems. Check them out!
USE YOUR STEMS TO MAKE TEA OR HOT CHOCOLATE
One of the most popular and very easy ways to use old weed stems is to brew them into tea or hot chocolate. For this to work, it is best to decarboxylate your stems first. Then, just break them up (not too fine because if you really make it into powder, it will give your tea a pretty nasty taste), and simmer in a bit of water and coconut oil.
Fat is necessary for the cannabinoids to infuse, so some fat milk will work as well. After about 15 minutes, your stem liquid will be ready to strain and add to your favorite tea or hot chocolate.
CANNABIS INFUSED ALCOHOL
Another easy thing to do with your stems is make your own cannabis infused liquor. All you need is some strong alcohol and as many stems as possible. Alcohol that is at least 40% proof can dissolve the cannabinoids from your stems.
The method is simpel. Just add as much stems as you can get your hands on in a mason jar and add the alcohol of your choice. Shake it a bit to make sure it is mixed well, and leave it in a dark space for a month or even more. Yes, the bad thing is that it takes a long time to have any effect on the alcohol, but if you would decarboxylate the stems before adding them to the alcohol, it might go a bit faster.
If you think the alcohol has been in the jar long enough, simply filter it through a cheesecloth or a sieve to get the stems out of the alcohol, and voilá! If you are feeling creative, you could of course go a little further and make your own cannabis infused cocktails.
MAKE YOUR OWN TOPICALS
Another great option for unused stems is making a homemade topical. Topicals such as oils, lotions, and balms have a variety of therapeutic benefits. All you have to do is follow a standard cannabis topical recipe such as this our recipe for balm, and use as many stems as you can find.
CANNABUTTER
Edibles are great, and all you need to make your own is cannabis infused butter, or oil. And the good news is that butter is very easy to make and you can actually use your stems for this.
All you need is equal parts stems and your favorite brand of butter. First, put the butter in a pan and melt it over low heat. Once melted, toss in the stems and let simmer for another 30-45 minutes or so (until the stems break down), and you’re ready to go.
TINCTURE
Tinctures are making a comeback these days, and for good reason. They’re highly concentrated, healthy to consume, and extremely versatile! It is also a very discreet way to consume your cannabis as it does not have any smell. As such, tinctures are actually a very handy way to medicate on the go.
