The Answer to: What Should You Do with Your Weed Stems?
As a recreational and medicinal marijuana dispensary, one of Greeley Gallery’s most frequently asked questions is whether or not it’s okay to smoke marijuana stems. So, we thought we’d answer your question!
If you’re new to smoking cannabis then you’ve probably wondered whether you can, or should, smoke the stems from your cannabis flower. We hope you’re never too embarrassed or shy to ask our staff any questions you might have about our product. We’re here to help! Speaking of which, lets dive in and learn about weed stems!
What is a Weed Stem?
When you buy cannabis flower, the weed stem is the thin stick-like piece that the flower grows on. Sometimes pieces of it end up on the bud you buy from a dispensary, depending on the quality of weed, some will have more than others. Especially if you buy a bag of shake, which is usually more stems than anything else.
Can Smoking Weed Stems Get You High?
Unfortunately, only the flower from the cannabis plant can you give you the high you seek. The stems have a smaller amount of THC (the psychoactive component) compared to the dense buds. So, while you might want to smoke the stems, instead of clipping them off, we’d advise against it.
Not only will the weed stems not get you high, but smoking them might cause a sore throat or more intensive coughing. It won’t hurt you, but the effects aren’t pleasant.
So, What Should You Do with Your Weed Stems?
Just because you won’t benefit from smoking your stems doesn’t mean you have to toss them away. You can still extract THC from the stems! Times are tight right now and we’re all looking for ways to make things stretch, without excess cash. Thankfully, there are ways you can make your weed last a little longer if you keep your weed stems.
Although before starting any of the following suggestions, don’t forget to decarboxylate your weed first or else you’ll be sorely disappointed in the results. Once you’re done with the process, you can infuse your tea, hot cocoa, or create cannabis butter or baked goods using your weed stems!
Tea
Add some ground or broken up weed stems into boiling water and allow it to diffuse for about 10 or 15 minutes. You can either just pour them into the water and then strain it afterward with a coffee filter or use a loose-leaf tea diffuser. Add an actual tea bag of your choice to provide additional flavor.
Butter
Cannabis butter is one of the easiest and most convenient way to make just amount anything an edible.
After decarboxylating your weed stems, melt some butter in a pan over a low heat. After it’s completely melted, add in your stems and let it simmer, making sure to stir often for about 30 minutes.
Next, you’ll want to strain it. Cheesecloth works great if you have it. Just secure the filter over a container (preferably a glass one) and slowly pour the butter. Once it cools, you’re done! Congratulations.
Final Thoughts
The short of it is, we at Greeley Gallery don’t suggest you smoke your weed stems. The stems themselves contain small amounts of THC but not enough to get you high from smoking. Though that doesn’t mean you have to throw them away!
You can still extract goodness from them, and we encourage you to get creative! As always, if you have any questions about cannabis, please don’t hesitate to ask the staff at Greeley Gallery in north Portland. We love curious minds, and we want to ensure you have the best possible experience.
