Is It Right To Smoke Weed Stems and Seeds?

Last Updated on May 19, 2023

You have probably heard how smoking weed seeds and stems can harm you. But did you do your research and get accurate information?

Cannabis refers to the actual bud instead of the flower, leaves, seeds, and stems.

We’ve all heard about certain myths and unchecked pieces of advice related to the consumption of marijuana. One of them is about smoking weed seeds and stems and how consuming them influences your body. If you think of rolling a joint with one of these, think again and read the following information first.

What are Weed Stems?

Weed stems are the structural part of the cannabis plant that supports the leaves, flowers, and buds. They are typically long, slender, and woody in texture and can vary in color from green to brown depending on the age and maturity of the plant. Weed stems contain vascular tissue that transports water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant.

While the stems of cannabis plants are not typically used for consumption or extraction due to their low cannabinoid content, they can still be used in various ways, such as making teas, tinctures, or even crafts. Some cannabis enthusiasts also use weed stems for recycling and composting purposes.

What are Weed Seeds?

Weed seeds, also known as cannabis seeds, are small, dormant embryos found within the female marijuana plant’s flowers. These seeds possess the genetic material necessary to grow into a mature cannabis plant.

Weed seeds come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the strain and species of the cannabis plant. They are rich in nutrients and essential oils, making them a valuable resource for both growers and enthusiasts.

When properly germinated and cultivated, weed seeds have the potential to produce robust plants with different characteristics, including aroma, taste, potency, and desired effects.

Common Misconceptions about Smoking Weed Seeds

Before the weed market was developed, a lot of common misconceptions were present among herb lovers. As said before, one of them is that smoking weed seeds or stems will get you high. Sadly, this is not true.

Several studies claim that seeds don’t contain relevant THC and CBD doses, while stems withhold minimal residue, which is not merely enough to produce a high.

Although a specific part of the cannabis community disagrees, it is proven that neither seeds nor stems possess enough THC to get you tripping.

Besides the apparent absence of THC and other cannabinoids, smoking weed seeds or stems might cause uncomfortable side effects and pose a health risk.

Can You Smoke or Eat Weed Stems?

While it is possible to smoke or eat, weed stems, it is generally not recommended. Weed stems have significantly lower levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, compared to the leaves, flowers, and buds of the cannabis plant.

As a result, smoking or eating weed stems is unlikely to produce the desired psychoactive or medicinal effects associated with cannabis consumption.

The Negative Effects of Smoking Weed Seeds and Stems

Some points highlight the negative effects of smoking weed seeds and stem.

Harsh Smoke and Poor Taste

Smoking weed seeds and stems can produce a harsh smoke with an unpleasant taste. Seeds and stems contain higher levels of cellulose and plant material, which can result in a less enjoyable smoking experience. The smoke may be rough on the throat and lungs, causing coughing and discomfort.

Lower THC Content

The leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. In contrast, weed seeds and stems have much lower THC content, which means the effects of smoking them may be weaker or even negligible.

Potential Contaminants

Seeds and stems of cannabis plants are typically not meant for smoking and may contain contaminants such as dirt, mold, and pesticides. Smoking these contaminants can have adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, allergies, and other harmful reactions.

Wasted Potential

Using weed seeds and stems for smoking or other purposes may result in wasted potential. Cannabis plants are typically grown for their leaves and flowers, which contain the most desirable compounds, including THC and other cannabinoids. By using seeds and stems for smoking, users may miss out on the full benefits and effects of marijuana.

Legal and Social Implications

Smoking weed seeds and stems may also have legal and social implications. Depending on the jurisdiction, using seeds and stems for smoking may be illegal or frowned upon, leading to potential legal consequences and social stigma.

How to Rightly Use Leftover Marijuana Seeds and Stems?

Assuming you own quite a big stash of seeds and stems and don’t want to throw them away, consider putting them to an alternative use since burning them should be avoided.

We’ve devised a couple of ways to use them creatively and effectively.

Collect Kief

Take your collected branches and break them down into smaller parts. Next, please put them in a plastic bag, place them in a freezer, and keep adding additional stems you collected until you fill the bag up (around 100 grams of branches). Shake it up, and the frozen residue will start falling off. Remove the stems and obtain the kief at the bottom of the plastic bag.

Decarboxylation

First and foremost, performing decarboxylation before using the stems for any processing to produce hash, extracts, or edibles is essential. Decarboxylation presents a heating process performed to release THC from its precursor THCA. It sounds complicated; however, you only need to spread the stems evenly on a tray and place the oven tray at 100 C for about an hour.

Stem Tea

First, you’ll need a decent amount of non-rubbed stems. Pour 450 ml of water and a spoonful of coconut oil into a saucepan while chopping your stems into smaller branches.

Next, add them to the water (not boiling) while stirring. Leave them to boil for around 7 minutes while you wait for the liquid to reduce.

Now, strain the stems, let them cool off, and voila. Feel free to add sugar, honey, lemon, or any sweeteners you may find since plain cannabis tea can have a pretty rough taste but gets you high.

Cannabutter-THC Butter and Edibles

You will need enough stems to fill up half of the pan to make cannabutter. Using stems instead of buds will produce a similar effect and product, but remember that the high will not be as potent as marijuana flower edibles. However, adding the stem butter will create a decent buzz.

Using Seeds

Using gathered seeds for planting marijuana is not recommended since most of them aren’t botanically right. Instead, use certified seeds and hybrids.

Do Weed Stems Increase Cannabis Concentrate Yield?

Weed stems typically have lower cannabinoid content compared to the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant and, therefore, may not significantly increase cannabis concentrate yield. The concentration of cannabinoids, including THC, in stems is generally lower, which may result in lower yields when used for making cannabis concentrates such as hash, kief, or oils.

Is Smoking Weed Stems Better Than Using Cannabis Flower?

When it comes to the use of cannabis, smoking weed stems is generally not considered better than using cannabis flowers.

Weed stems typically have lower cannabinoid content compared to the leaves and flowers, resulting in milder effects and potentially requiring larger quantities for desired effects. Therefore, for most cannabis users, using cannabis flowers is a better option than smoking weed stems.

Summary

As said before, smoking weed seeds and stems presents a health risk since these materials’ combustion is highly toxic and carcinogenic. Additional side effects include headaches and gastrointestinal and lung problems.

Still, you can put them to good use if you decide to make cannabis tea, collect kief or produce canna(stem) butter.

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