A weed grinder is a small device used to break down cannabis buds into smaller, more manageable pieces. Grinding weed makes it easier to roll into a joint, pack into a bowl, use it in a vaporizer, and use it in culinary applications.
You can think of weed grinders as tiny food processors for your herb.
Most weed grinders have teeth that tear the herb into smaller pieces as you twist the grinder by hand. These are known as manual grinders.
Electric grinders have motor-powered teeth or blades that shred the buds with the touch of a button. Since electric grinders are straightforward to operate and each device has unique instructions, we’ll focus on manual grinders in this tutorial.
Cannabis grinders are simple devices and tend to be very easy to use. I should know — I only just learned how to use one, and I’ve already mastered it!
First, load the grinder with small pieces of flower. The grinder usually has a lid that twists off or snaps open, then you can add the flower into the chamber.
Be sure not to overfill it, as this can make grinding more difficult.
Pro tip: Only grind enough weed for your immediate needs to preserve freshness.
Secure the lid, then, it’s grind time!
Hold the bottom of the grinder steady with one hand, and twist the lid with the other hand. Twist it back and forth (clockwise and counter-clockwise) several times.
When it becomes easier to turn the grinder, that’s a sign the herb has been ground.
As you become more comfortable with your grinder, you’ll find your Goldilocks grind and learn exactly how many turns it takes to get it just right.
Collect your ground flower.
After grinding, open the grinder to access the ground herb.
A two-piece grinder can easily be opened to remove your herb, while in a multi-chamber grinder, like a three or four-piece grinder, the herb typically falls through small holes into a lower chamber.
Optional: Collect the kief.
If your grinder has a kief catcher (a fine mesh screen at the bottom), the smallest and most potent particles, called kief or pollen, will collect there. Over time, it can be gathered and used for an extra-potent experience.
Most cannabis connoisseurs will tell you that a grinder is an essential accessory for several reasons:
Additionally, grinders can be very helpful for those with arthritis or physical limitations. You can even find electric grinders that not only mill your flower but roll your joints for you too!
You shouldn’t put large pieces of bud straight into a grinder. You have to prepare your weed first.
This was news to me, so I’m sharing it here!
Voila! You’re ready to get grinding.
You might notice that some bits of herb are stuck in your grinder after you empty it. If you’re dealing with stubborn pieces, try holding the open grinder over a plate or rolling tray and tap and shake it.
You can also use a soft brush to sweep it out. Some grinders come with a small brush or scraper specifically for this purpose, but a toothbrush works just fine.
Cleaning your grinder regularly makes it easier to retrieve all the cannabis each time you use it.
If you want to get every last bit of goodness out of your grinder, you can always simmer it in milk and make canna milk!
Weed grinder stuck closed? There are a few tricks you can try.
If you still find the bottom of your grinder stuck, you may need to submerge the entire grinder in isopropyl alcohol. This does mean potentially losing any weed stuck inside, but it’s better than losing the grinder!
You should consider replacing your herb grinder when you notice the teeth aren’t as sharp or the magnet is weakening. If you see cracks, chips, rust, or corrosion, it’s a good idea to replace the grinder to avoid ingesting particles.
How often you should clean your grinder depends on how often you use it. For light to moderate use, a monthly or seasonal cleaning should be fine. If you use your grinder multiple times a day, clean it weekly.
Ideally, stems should be removed from the marijuana before you grind it. This ensures an even grind and a superior final product while preventing excess wear and tear on your grinder.
In multi-chamber cannabis grinders, the bottom part is where you’ll find the kief catcher.
If you’ve been wondering “What is the powder at the bottom of my grinder?”, it’s the kief, also sometimes called pollen. Kief is the most potent part of cannabis flower with high concentrations of trichomes and cannabinoids. Be a green bee — don’t let it go to waste!
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