Key Takeaways
- You can smoke weed stems, but you shouldn’t. They produce harsh, irritating smoke and carry a higher risk of respiratory discomfort compared to cannabis buds.
- Weed stems contain extremely low cannabinoid levels. Their THC content typically ranges from 0.1%–0.5%, far below the 15%–30% found in buds—making stems ineffective for getting high or providing therapeutic effects.
- Most of cannabis’ beneficial compounds—THC, CBD, and terpenes—are concentrated in the buds. Stems contribute very little to aroma, flavor, or wellness benefits.
- Weed stems aren’t useless. You can repurpose them to make teas, tinctures, topicals, cannabutter, or even use them for compost or homemade wicks.
- Smoking stems offers virtually no benefits and exposes you to unnecessary risks. Stick to properly cured, high-quality cannabis buds for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Humans have consumed cannabis for millennia to alleviate various ailments.
According to archaeological findings uncovered a few years ago, several Asian cultures administered marijuana extracts medically from as far back as 2800 BC. That’s enough to make weed one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to humankind.
Although cannabis was originally treated with skepticism, emerging studies have corroborated most of the plant’s therapeutic claims. Weed has since become the choice herb for thousands of wellness enthusiasts looking for alternative remedies for common ailments.
Besides, regulators in various jurisdictions have responded by relaxing their once-punitive marijuana laws. This has further democratized access to weed supplements.
So popular is cannabis that many newbies think they can safely consume every part of the plant. While that’s technically possible, it’s not exactly recommended.
This post examines the effects and potential risks of smoking weed stem.
What Do Weed Stems Look Like?
Cannabis is a flowering plant like any other. It produces roots, stems, branches, and flowers/buds. Weed stems are the rigid stalks that grow upwards from the roots, supporting the upper parts of the plant (branches, leaves, and buds).
Marijuana stems are highly fibrous. That explains their widespread usage in the textile industry. Visually, cannabis stems are typically green. The actual color will depend on a plant’s genetics, cultivation methods used, and the ambient light conditions.
Common shades besides green include purple, pink, and even red. Weed stems also vary in their density. For instance, indica-leaning strains typically produce thicker stems with dense foliage. Indica species also tend to be shorter. In contrast, sativa-dominant strains produce thinner, taller, and less woody stems.
Can You Smoke Weed Stems?
New cannabis initiates often consider every part of the tree as fair game. After all, marijuana’s bioactive compounds are spread throughout the plant, albeit to varying degrees.
But can you smoke weed stems?
Well, you technically can smoke cannabis stems. There’s no record of anyone who dropped dead by inhaling the cigarette smoke from marijuana stalks. However, there are severe health risks to be aware of.
Cannabis stems produce harsh smoke, which can irritate your throat and lungs. Throat/lung irritation symptoms include coughing, soreness, dry mouth, and headaches. Besides, cannabis stems are high in plant fibrous materials like cellulose. Burning these compounds can produce a bitter, unsavory smoke.
Not the best way to relish your cannabis dosage! But perhaps the biggest drawback to smoking weed stems is that you won’t derive meaningful therapeutic benefits from it. Note that most of the weed’s useful bioactive chemicals are concentrated in the buds. In contrast, stems provide negligible amounts of these compounds.
Marijuana stalks are notably low in cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s most dominant cannabinoids. Cannabidiol is the most popular non-psychoactive compound in weed, associated with multiple health benefits.
Findings have shown that CBD might help soothe pain, quell nervousness, and boost sleep. Other common applications might include alleviating inflammation, improving erectile dysfunction (ED), and regulating appetite.
Now, cannabidiol delivers near-similar therapeutic effects as tetrahydrocannabinol. The principal difference is that THC contains additional mind-altering properties.
Smoking CBD flower is also a delightful experience due to the concentration of aromatic compounds in cannabis buds, known as terpenes. Terpenes give cannabis extracts their distinct scents and tastes. Most of these compounds also work synergistically with cannabinoids to deliver compounded therapeutic effects.
Common terpenes in weed flowers include:
|
Terpene |
Signature Aromas/Flavors |
Potential Therapeutic Effects |
|
Myrcene |
Earthy, herbal, or musky |
Relaxing |
|
Limonene |
Citrusy |
Uplifting |
|
Pinene |
Piney or woody |
Vasodilating |
|
Linalool |
Floral or lavender-like |
Soothing |
|
Caryophyllene |
Spicy or peppery |
Anti-inflammatory |
|
Humulene |
Earthy or woody |
Analgesic |
How Much Cannabinoid Is In Weed Stems?
Tetrahydrocannabinol is the most abundant cannabinoid in natural marijuana plants. Therefore, the compound can offer a realistic comparison between the cannabinoid profiles of weed buds and stems.
Which begs the question - do marijuana stems contain THC?
Cannabis stems typically contain 0.1% to 0.5% THC. Comparatively, the buds can produce 15% - 30% THC. The actual composition will depend on a plant’s strain.
Weed stems contain even fewer amounts of trace cannabinoids.
Unknown to many, marijuana produces dozens of other therapeutic compounds besides THC and CBD. Examples include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
Normal cannabis buds contain rare amounts of these cannabinoids. So, you’ll be hard-pressed to detect them in weed stems.
But why are weed stems low in cannabinoids?
Cannabis stems provide structural support. Producing plant resins isn’t their primary role, which explains their low concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Better Alternatives to Smoking Weed Stems
As mentioned, marijuana buds contain most of the plant’s bioactive compounds. They’re the best alternative to smoking weed sticks.
Cannabinoids are notably concentrated in trichomes.
Trichomes are the hairy, crystal-like glands that coat cannabis buds. Besides adding a shimmering touch to weed flowers, these resinous appendages produce and store cannabinoids.
Always choose CBD flower strains that are visibly high in trichomes. The frostier the appearance, the more desirable the flower is.
What to Do With Weed Stems
Weed stems aren’t entirely useless. Rather than chuck the stalks into the trash, you can repurpose them to extract residual cannabinoids.
Here’s what to do with cannabis stalks after harvest.
1. Prepare Cannabis-infused Tea
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- Decarboxylate a generous amount of fresh cannabis stems.
Decarboxylation refers to heating cannabis extracts to activate cannabinoids. It typically converts inert CBDA into CBD, and THCA into THC. The quickest way to decarboxylate cannabis stems is by heating them in an oven.
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- Grind the decarboxylated stem.
- Scoop a teaspoon of the ground-up material and add it to a tea diffuser or boiling water.
- Let the mixture boil for about 10 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a clean container through a cheesecloth or strainer.
If you’re averse to marijuana’s natural taste, you may want to sweeten your weed stem tea. Honey or regular sugar will do.
Note that cannabinoids are fat-soluble. To enhance your weed stem tea’s bioavailability, infuse it with oil-containing compounds like coconut oil, butter, or milk.
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- Enjoy!
2. Make Cannabis Tinctures
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- Decarboxylate cannabis stems.
- Obtain a measured amount of weed stalks from the decarboxylated mass and add them to a clean jar with an airtight lid.
You may grind the material into powder or moderately crush it. Besides, consider a darker container to minimize ultraviolet (UV) degradation.
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- Add a high-proof alcohol, such as ethanol, to the container.
- Close the lid and place it in a cool, dry, and dark room.
- Let the mixture sit for 3 - 4 weeks, shaking the jar once daily.
- Pour the mixture into another container through a cheesecloth or strainer.
- Discard the plant materials and funnel the tincture into a dropper bottle.
- Administer as required.
NOTE: Tinctures are generally more potent than teas. Although weed stems contain negligible amounts of cannabinoids, administer the extracted tinctures sparingly to avoid severe adverse effects.
3. Whip Cannabutter
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- Decarboxylate cannabis stem.
- Grind the carboxylated stems into a soft powder.
Don’t overgrind the material. Very fine powder may easily burn.
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- Add the ground material to a skillet and introduce a measured quantity of regular butter.
- Let the mixture melt, simmering at low heat for about 45 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove the plant materials.
- Refrigerate the butter until it hardens. Add the butter to your recipes - making brownies, baking flatbread, preparing mashed potatoes, etc.
You can use cannabutter instead of or in addition to your regular butter.
4. Make Topicals
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- Decarboxylate cannabis stems.
- Crush the decarboxylated stems or grind them into a fine powder.
- Infuse the material into organic oils (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.) to prepare homemade lotions.
Common topicals you can prepare with weed sticks include lotions, ointments, salves, shampoos, and lip balms.
Weed stem topicals may help treat dermatological conditions like acne and psoriasis. Besides, you can administer them to relieve arthritis pain, post-workout muscle soreness, and joint inflammation.
Other Applications
Besides preparing therapeutic compounds, cannabis stems may serve as raw materials for making wicks. Strip fresh marijuana stem and carefully twist it into a string. Next, coat the strings in beeswax to create organic wicks.
If you’re a full-time cannabis grower, you can repurpose weed stems into compost. Crush the stalks and mix them into your garden compost to nourish the soil ahead of the following planting season.
Choosing the Best Cannabis Flower
Marijuana buds aren’t made equal. To enjoy the therapeutic benefits, you’ll need to find high-quality flowers.
First, establish if you can legally access CBD flower online.
The enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabidiol extracts containing a maximum THC potency of 0.3% at the federal level. However, every state maintains unique cannabis laws.
Strive to understand the marijuana regulations in your jurisdiction before shopping for cannabis flower. Next, implement the following pointers to assess the product’s quality;
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Visual Appearance
Healthy cannabis buds should appear in a brilliant green or purple color. Pink or red undertones are acceptable. Shun dull flowers, particularly those that appear with brownish or yellowish tints. Besides, look out for evidence of mold infestation. White or gray spots are your cue to look elsewhere.
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Texture
Fresh buds should feel sticky to the touch. Ensure the flowers are firm and slightly airy, as opposed to loose or marshy. Usually, a texture test is only possible after purchasing cannabis flowers. If you’re new to a brand, make small orders initially to test-drive their products.
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Flavor and Aroma
All cannabis strains have distinct aromas and flavors. Options include earthy, musky, gassy, citrusy, spicy, and piney. As mentioned, a weed’s actual taste depends on its chief ingredients.
Shun flowers that deliver harsh flavors. Remember, that’s one of the drawbacks to smoking cannabis stem. Fortunately, you don’t have to smoke cannabis flowers to conduct a scent test. Simply smell the buds for any musty odors.
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Quality Assurance
The most reliable way to vouch for cannabis’ quality is to check for evidence of laboratory tests.
A best practice in the marijuana industry, lab testing validates each batch’s cannabinoid composition. It also reveals the presence of contaminants in a product.
Look out for cannabis flowers available with certificates of analysis (CoAs) from independent laboratories. Then, read the report carefully to understand the dominant cannabinoids and potential toxins in the product.
How to Maximize the Effects of Smoking Cannabis Flowers
1. Grind the Flowers
Ground cannabis flower burns more uniformly. However, don’t grind the buds into a fine powder. Grind them rough or crush them instead. Then, administer the plant material into your joint, pipe, or dry herb vaporizer.
2. Choose Proper Accessories
Many cannabis users consider vaping a healthier alternative to smoking, due to the absence of combustion. Vaping delivers a cleaner experience.
It produces more intense flavors and delivers a smoother throat hit, making it comfortable even for newbies. If you prefer smoking, consider a glass pipe or bong instead of a traditional joint. Pipes and bongs utilize water filtration, which delivers a cleaner vapor.
3. Use Sparingly
Mindful dosing applies to all cannabis extracts. Whether derived from flowers or weed stems, weed compounds are most effective if moderately consumed. Note that cannabis has no ideal dosage.
Serving portions can vary by your age, body chemistry, and experience level. Regardless, stick to the lower end of your dosage spectrum. It helps prevent any adverse effects.
4. Store Your Stash Safely
Cannabis buds have a maximum lifespan. However, you can implement certain storage guidelines to extend the flower’s durability.
First, purchase weed flowers in premium packaging materials. The products should preferably come in dark bottles with airtight lids.
Next, store your cannabis buds in a dark room. Keep the storage location dry and well-ventilated.
Remember to also handle your cannabis stash with clean hands. This minimizes contamination.
Wrap Up
Cannabis stems are high in plant fibers and potential toxins. However, the stalks are notably low in essential cannabinoids. Smoking weed stems won’t provide meaningful therapeutic benefits. On the contrary, it can increase the risks of various respiratory illnesses.
Smoking weed stems is particularly unsafe, considering that cigarette smoke inherently contains toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Resist the urge to smoke cannabis stems and insist on cannabinoid-rich buds instead.
However, choosing weed flowers over stems isn’t enough. Insist on high-quality buds. Fresh cannabis buds should appear in vibrant shades of green to purple, depending on the strain.
The flowers should also appear frosty and feel a little sticky. That indicates an abundance of trichomes. If you’re in doubt, look for proof of laboratory testing. An analytical report from an independent laboratory validates a flower’s safety and cannabinoid composition.
FAQs
1. Can you smoke weed stems?
Marijuana stems are lower in cannabinoids but higher in potential toxins, making them unhealthy to smoke.
2. Can you smoke weed leaves?
While weed leaves are safer than stems, they’re still lower in THC than the flowers.
3. Is there THC in leaves and stems?
Cannabis leaves and stems contain lower THC levels than buds, usually 2% and 0.5% max, respectively.
4. Can you get high from weed stems?
The euphoria from smoking weed stems is mild and nearly imperceptible.
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