Using Every Part of the Cannabis Plant | Westword
Navigation

Ask a Stoner: How to Use Every Part of the Plant

You can use popcorn buds, leaves, stems and even roots for recreational and medical purposes.
Westword
Share this:
Dear Stoner: How can I use all of my cannabis plant after harvest? I'm new to growing and don't want to waste anything.
Root

Dear Root: Outside of your main buds, you can use popcorn buds, sugar (trim) leaves, fan leaves, stems and even roots for recreational and medical purposes as well as sustainability efforts. Popcorn buds and sugar leaves are prime material for hash extraction and cooking-oil infusion, or sifting for kief at the very least. Stems and stalks can produce mulch, pet bedding, paper, particleboard and more if the stems and stalks are ground fine enough — but that's a big if, and you'll have to collect a decent amount of stalks, considering your small grow.

click to enlarge
Jacqueline Collins
Although they're not very rich in active cannabinoids and won't get you high, fan leaves can be juiced or brewed into teas for their detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects from inactive cannabinoids and vitamins. Roots won't get you high, either, but according to a peer-reviewed study from 2017, they’ve been brewed into tea to treat inflammation, joint pain, gout and related conditions.

Send questions to [email protected].
KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.