A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Flower

It’s fun to admire the big, beautiful buds you purchased at your local dispensary, but cannabis consumption means pulling that precious flower apart. There are plenty of everyday objects that you can use to break up your flower–scissors, nail clippers, your own hands–but we highly recommend purchasing a cannabis grinder. 

What is a Cannabis Grinder?

Grinders are small containers made up of various interlocking pieces that contain sharp teeth or points that shred your bud when you turn the mechanism. Grinding your flower is an essential first step when you’re going to smoke or bake with marijuana.

Cannabis grinders are available in your local dispensary, but you can also find them online or in any local head shop. They can be made out of metal, plastic, or wood, and come in just about every color and design imaginable. 

What are the Benefits of Using a Grinder?

Have you ever had a bit of unburned bud disappear down the stem of a bong, or had a joint burn fast down one side? Proper grinding can eliminate these problems. This easy-to-use cannabis contraption is ideal in turning your flower into evenly sized, usable nuggets. And it’s a whole lot less messy than trying to do it with your hands!

Another bonus to using a grinder: some collect kief, the sticky crystals that are part of trichomes that contain more THC and other cannabinoids.

What are the Different Types of Grinders?

Grinders can be made of metal, plastic, or wood and they come in different sizes, from mini or small, about two-inches in diameter to medium and large, about six inches in diameter. There are two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece grinders, which are also sometimes called tiers.

Two-Piece Grinder: Two-piece grinders are the most basic, made up of just two halves–usually called a lid and a grinding bowl–that grind up your flower. Simply place your bud inside the grinding bowl and twist both sides until you have the result you want.

Three-Piece Grinder: In addition to the two halves of a two-piece grinder, three-piece grinders add a collection chamber. The second, or middle piece, comes with holes that allow the ground marijuana to drop through into the bottom piece or collection chamber. The three-piece design gives you a handy place to collect your ground flower.

Four- and Five-Piece Grinder: Four-and five-piece grinders add another chamber to the three-piece grinder, called the kief chamber. This consists of a screen that separates out the kief, or sticky portion of the flower's trichomes, from the rest of the bud. If you’re going all in on a five-piece grinder, you’ll often have two kief-catching chambers instead of just one.

What is a Kief Catcher?

A kief catcher is the lower chamber in a four-piece grinder that catches the kief, AKA the coveted cannabis trichomes

What is a Grinder Coin?

While a grinder is a common cannabis prep tool, grinder coins aren’t as well known. This handy item is a must-have to get the maximum amount of kief from your flower. You can purchase a grinder coin, but an everyday coin works as well. (Just make sure to sterilize it first!) When choosing a coin for your grinder, remember to choose the right size. A nickel will work well for small grinders, but opt for a quarter or similarly sized coin for larger grinders.

How To Use a Cannabis Grinder [3 Steps]

Cannabis flower is not cheap, and you don’t want to damage your bud with improper grinding. Here are three steps to ensure success.

Step 1: Place Flower in Grinder

Open the grinder's lid and press a few buds onto the teeth inside the grinder.

Step 2: Replace the Lid and Grind

Put the lid back on, making sure it is securely closed. As you begin to twist the chambers, you will feel some resistance–this is completely normal. We recommend ten turns, but you can always start with fewer. Remember, you can always grind more but you cannot ungrind your flower.

Step 3: Open and Use

After you've finished grinding, open the top and remove your flower from the chamber. If you used a kief catcher, scoop out those golden trichomes for future use. 

Your flower is not ready for consumption! You likely won’t use all of it in one session, so make sure to store your flower properly so you can enjoy it later.

How Do You Clean a Grinder?

Natural plant material, including resin, can get stuck in the grinder's teeth over time and make it hard to use. If your grinder is not turning smoothly, it’s probably time to give it a wash.

Just like any other tool, selecting the right supplies will help your grinder stay safe and functional. We recommend gathering the following items: a small brush or toothbrush; plate or bowl; isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol; a plastic bag or glass jar; water; and a towel. You may also need to use needles or toothpicks for fine-level cleaning.

Once you’re ready, follow these steps for proper cleaning:

• Step 1: Completely disassemble your grinder
  
  
• Step 2: Soak each part in alcohol for half an hour using a plastic bag or glass jar.
  
  
• Step 3: Take each piece out of the alcohol and scrub with a toothbrush. 
  
  
• Step 4: Rinse in clean, hot water, then let it air dry on a clean towel.
  
  

Make sure your grinder is completely dry before using it again.

FAQs About Pre-Rolls

There are plenty of questions and misconceptions we hear at our dispensaries. Here are some of the most common.

Can I use a coffee grinder on my flower?
Yes, you can use a coffee grinder to grind your flower. However, always clean it before and after so you don’t end up with a mix of coffee and cannabis flavors.

Do I need a kief coin?
Kief coins are not a requirement, but they are a handy tool for extra kief collection.

How long should I grind the flower for?
Look to grind your flower about 10 rotations. You'll know it's ground properly when you stop feeling resistance.

Purchasing a Marijuana Grinder

You can find the marijuana grinder that's right for your needs at your dispensary. Talk with your budtender about the different options and levels that match your cannabis consumption methods.

Find a Dispensary

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.   Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations. 

Pre-rolls are one of the most popular products sold at dispensaries around the country. A simple yet enjoyable creation, pre-rolled joints make marijuana flower more accessible to cannabis shoppers. In the guide, we’re going to explain the ins and outs of this fan favorite. 

What is a Pre-Roll?

It’s all in the name! A pre-roll is a ready made cannabis joint that you can purchase at a dispensary. Pre-rolls contain the same items as a regular joint - flower, rolling paper, crutch - but it has already been put together. No need to learn how to roll a joint on your own.

Pre-Rolls vs Joints: What’s the Difference?

The difference between pre-rolls and "regular" joints is that a pre-roll has already been packed and rolled for you. While you could roll your own joints at home, pre-rolls are often the more convenient option–especially if you are new to cannabis.

Pre-rolls are typically made in bulk by the cannabis product wholesaler, which means they offer consistency in each joint, as well as packaging that preserves freshness so you can enjoy your pre-roll over several sessions. You’ll also be able to sample more strains than you would if you were purchasing large quantities of cannabis flower and rolling your own joints at home.

Pre-Rolls vs Blunts: What’s the Difference?

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are major differences between pre-rolls and blunts. Blunts that you can purchase at a dispensary are rolled with hemp paper and contain much more cannabis flower. (Blunts were traditionally rolled with tobacco leaves or cigar paper, but dispensaries aren’t permitted to sell tobacco products.) As a result, blunts can be much stronger than pre-rolls.

Pre-Rolls vs Infused Pre-Rolls: What’s the Difference?

Pre-rolled joints contain ground cannabis flower, but an infused pre-roll contains flower plus a cannabis concentrate. When it comes to which concentrates are used to infuse the joint, there are plenty of options–anything from solventless concentrates like kief or hash or extracts like wax, THC distillate, and even moon rocks.

What’s Inside of a Pre-Roll?

Pre-rolls are known for their simplicity, and their contents reflect this: flower, rolling paper, and sometimes a filter. 

• Flower: Pre-rolls are all about the flower, the strain, and the experience. You can choose the strain you want and enjoy its flavors and aromas, with or without infusions.
  
  
• Rolling Paper: The rolling paper used to make pre-rolls are typically derived from natural materials like paper, hemp, and flax. The paper is designed to burn evenly while not interfering with the experience of the flower.
  
  
• Filter: Also called a crutch, the filter keeps ground cannabis out of your mouth while you're smoking. 

Can I Save a Joint If I Don’t Finish It?

You can absolutely save your pre-roll for later, which is one of the many conveniences of this product. The key to preserving your joint for the next session is proper storage. Your pre-roll may have come in a special tube - playfully known as a “doob tube” - that also serves as an excellent storage container. If not, you can purchase one from a dispensary or use an airtight glass container.

FAQs About Pre-Rolls

If you have questions about pre-rolls, our helpful budtenders are always available. Here are some of the most common queries we hear at our dispensaries:

Do pre-rolls go bad?
Like any natural product, pre-rolls do have a "best-by" shelf life. They can deteriorate over time, but proper storage will help them stay good for longer.

How long do pre-rolls stay good?
Pre-rolls often come with expiration dates. If yours is printed with that, it will stay good to that date. If there's no expiration date, pre-rolls generally don't retain their strength and quality after six months.

Do I smoke the whole pre-roll?
You don't have to smoke the whole pre-roll to get the effects you want. In fact, we always recommend starting low and going slow. If you feel like you've hit your tolerance level, save your pre-roll for later.

Purchasing Pre-Rolled Joints

Pre-rolls are a convenient way to enjoy cannabis without having to purchase additional tools or larger quantities of flower. If you're wondering what pre-roll you will most enjoy, your budtender can guide you to the right product for you.

Find a Dispensary

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.   Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations. 

If you’re looking for versatility, potency, and discretion in your cannabis products, look no further than THC syrup. It’s the perfect addition to your repertoire if you enjoy cooking with cannabutter or canna-oil, but it can also be added to drinks or taken on its own. In this guide, we'll break down what THC syrup is, how it can be used in various ways, and even guide you through making your own.

What is THC Syrup?

THC syrup is exactly what it sounds like—a concentrated liquid form of cannabis made with sugar, vegetable glycerine, cannabis flower, and water. The viscosity of THC syrup is very similar to cough syrup, but the flavor is all its own—slightly sweet without any medicinal elements to it. The syrup is meticulously crafted to deliver precise and controlled doses of THC, allowing cannabis enthusiasts to tailor their experience with accuracy. While THC syrup is available at most dispensaries, our DIY cannabis creators can also make THC syrup at home. 

What Can You Do with THC Syrup?

The versatility of THC syrup is a key factor in its growing popularity. Consumers can employ various methods to incorporate this liquid delight into their routines. One option is the sublingual approach, where a few drops are placed under the tongue for swift absorption into the bloodstream. Alternatively, mixing THC syrup into beverages or adding it to non-infused foods provides a flavorful, customized way to indulge. If you prefer to take your THC syrup straight, you can also pour the desired amount into a shot glass and drink it. The flexibility offered by THC syrup makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a personalized and enjoyable cannabis experience. 

Is THC Syrup the Same as Lean Syrup?

No, THC syrup is not like Lean at all. Lean, otherwise known as purple drank or sizzurp, is a dangerous, addictive, and illegal drink that combines codeine with an antihistamine. THC syrup, sold in states that have legalized cannabis, is a cannabis-infused syrup designed to be dosed to a cannabis enthusiast’s preference. THC syrup contains cannabinoids that will create the same effects you’d experience if you indulged in smoking the strain, but it is generally considered more discreet. It’s also important to note that you will never hear THC syrup referred to as THC lean syrup, so always be sure to purchase your THC syrup or the products to make it from a licensed dispensary.

DIY Cannabis-Infused Syrup

For those who love to DIY their cannabis infusions, creating your THC-infused syrup at home is relatively easy. The recipe involves simple ingredients and a step-by-step process:

Ingredients

• 3 cups of water
• 3 cups of granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp of vegetable glycerin
• 4 oz of cannabis flower

Step 1: Decarboxylation

Begin by activating the THC in your cannabis flower through decarboxylation. To decarboxylate your cannabis, heat the flower to a specific temperature to convert non-psychoactive THCA into the potent THC.

Step 2: Combine

To avoid any weird flavors, make a neutral simple syrup. To do this, combine water and sugar in a saucepan and let it boil. When you no longer see the sugar, drop the temperature to between medium and low to avoid damaging the THC.

Step 3: Add Cannabis, Simmer

Incorporate the decarboxylated cannabis into the syrup mixture, letting it simmer gently for about half an hour. This enables the THC to infuse into the syrup.

Step 4: Add Vegetable Glycerin

Add your vegetable glycerin into the mixture, enhancing the syrup's consistency and adding a touch of sweetness. Let it cook on low for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Cool & Store

When ready, remove your THC syrup from the heat and let it cool. Once it’s room temperature, strain out the plant matter. Add the THC-infused syrup to a sealed container and place it into the refrigerator. Note: Do not pour hot THC syrup into a container and place it into the fridge. It must cool to avoid any dangerous expansion within the container.

Answering FAQs About THC-Infused Syrups

Got a few more questions about THC syrup? Check out these frequently asked questions to see if you can find the answers you’re looking for:

What does THC syrup taste like?
THC syrup is typically sweet without a particular flavor (though you can likely find flavors at your dispensary), so you can add it to food and beverages. If made at home, your THC syrup may also have a marijuana flavor. 

What’s the difference between THC oil and THC syrup?
While both THC oil and THC syrup contain THC, their consistency and usage differ. THC oil is a concentrated THC product that is typically vaporized or used in edibles. In contrast, THC syrup is suitable for sublingual use, mixing into beverages, or adding to foods. You should never try to vape your THC syrup.

How long does it take THC syrup to work?
The onset time for THC syrup can vary based on factors such as metabolism, individual tolerance, and how you consume it. Most cannabis enthusiasts will start to feel the effects of THC syrup in as little as 30 minutes, though it could be faster or slower, so take your time as you figure out the right dosage.

Find Cannabis Syrup Near You

Many dispensaries around the country carry cannabis syrup, so you will likely not have any trouble getting your hands on it to try it. That said, if you’re not seeing the product or you want a customized THC syrup to your preferred strain, you can always make it at home. Talk to your budtender about what they have available. 

Find a Store

State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations. You assume full responsibility for using your best judgment when cooking with raw ingredients such as beef, poultry, or eggs, and seeking information from an official food safety authority if you are unsure. You must also take care to not physically injure yourself by coming into contact with hot surfaces, sharp blades, and other kitchen hazards. It is your responsibility to review all listed ingredients in a recipe before cooking to ensure that none of the ingredients may cause a potential adverse reaction to anyone eating the food based on recipes featured in this blog post. This includes allergies, pregnancy-related diet restrictions, etc. Please consult with your medical professional before using any recipe if you have concerns about how you may individually react to the use of any particular recipe or ingredient. By voluntarily creating and using any recipe provided here, you assume the risk of any potential injury that may result. All information provided regarding nutrition in this post is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Content related to nutrition is not medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. This post is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Before beginning any diet program, modifying your diet, or making changes to the diet of a child in your care, including following the nutrition information available in this post, you should seek advice from a licensed professional.The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements contained in any information on this Website. Individual results may vary. We are not responsible for any liability, loss, or damage, caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the nutrition information available in this post. The author disclaims liability for incidental or consequential damages and assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of use of the information provided in this blog post. The author assumes or undertakes no liability for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of any information found on this Website. From time to time, this Website will publish content with recipes. All such recipes have been tried and used successfully, but results may vary from person to person. Consult your medical professional before using any recipe if you have concerns about how you may individually react to the use of any particular recipe or ingredient. By voluntarily creating and using any recipe provided here, you assume the risk of any potential injury that may result.