Contents
Not sure what to do with those extra cannabis leaves? Check out this blog for some ideas on how to use them!
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Cannabis leaves may not be as visually appealing as the buds, but they actually contain a high concentration of cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. Most people simply discard their leaves, but there are actually many ways to make use of them. Here are some ideas for what to do with cannabis leaves:
-Make a tincture: Cannabis leaves can be used to make a potent tincture that can be used for various purposes.
-Edibles: Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so they can be infused into oils and used to make edibles.
-Capsules: Ground up cannabis leaves can be made into capsules for easy consumption.
-Tea: Cannabis leaves can be used to make tea.
-Topical products: The cannabinoids in cannabis leaves can be extracted and used in topical products such as creams or balms.
What are Cannabis Leaves?
Cannabis leaves are the broad, flat leaves that grow on the cannabis plant. They are usually green, but can also be purple, red, or orange. Cannabis leaves are covered in tiny trichomes that contain high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), and other cannabinoids.
Cannabis leaves are used to make a variety of products, including edibles, tinctures, oils, and topical creams. They can also be smoked or vaporized.
Cannabis leaves are generally high in chlorophyll, which gives them their green color. Chlorophyll is a photosynthetic pigment that helps plants convert sunlight into energy. It also has numerous health benefits, including the ability to detoxify the body and boost the immune system.
The Different Types of Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and knowing which ones are which can be helpful when trying to determine the best way to use them. Here are some of the most common types of cannabis leaves and what they’re typically used for:
-Fan leaves: These are the large, spreading leaves that grow from the main stem of the plant. They’re sometimes used for making cannabis teas or other infusions, but more often they’re just discarded.
-Sugar leaves: As their name suggests, sugar leaves are covered in a dusting of white trichomes, giving them a sugar-like appearance. They’re typically smaller than fan leaves and have a higher concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, making them ideal for making concentrates like hash or rosin.
-Trim: Trim refers to any small leaves or pieces of leaf that are trimmed off during harvest. It can be used to make cannabis edibles or infusions, but because it has a lower concentration of cannabinoids than other parts of the plant, it’s not as commonly used.
-Buds: Buds are the flowery parts of the plant that contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. They’re usually smoked or vaporized, but can also be used to make edibles or concentrates.
The Benefits of Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves are an often overlooked by-product of the plant. Many people either throw them away or use them as compost. However, there are actually many benefits to using cannabis leaves.
For starters, cannabis leaves are a great source of nutrients. They are high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which makes them great for fertilizing plants. They also contain other important nutrients like calcium and magnesium. In addition, cannabis leaves release these nutrients slowly over time, so they can be used as a long-term fertilizer.
Cannabis leaves can also be used as mulch. Mulching helps prevent weeds from growing and helps retain moisture in the soil. This is especially beneficial in hot climates where the soil tends to dry out quickly.
Another benefit of cannabis leaves is that they can be used to make tea. Cannabis leaf tea has many health benefits, including relief from anxiety and stress, pain relief, and improved digestion. It can also help boost the immune system and promote healthy skin and hair. To make cannabis leaf tea, simply steep a few leaves in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. You can sweeten it with honey or sugar if you like.
Finally, cannabis leaves can be used to make oil or extract. Cannabis oil has many uses, including relief from pain, anxiety, and seizures. It can also be used topically to improve skin health or applied directly to the hair and scalp to improve circulation and promote growth.
The Uses of Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves are packed with nutrients that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most popular uses for cannabis leaves:
-Eating: Cannabis leaves can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. They can be added to salads, soups, and stews, or used as wraps for other foods.
-Tea: Cannabis leaves can be used to make tea. This is a great way to get the benefits of the leaves without having to consume them directly.
-Tinctures and extracts: Tinctures and extracts made from cannabis leaves can be used topically or ingested. These are a great way to get the most out of the leaves.
-Topical application: Cannabis leaves can be made into ointments and salves that can be applied topically. This is a great way to get relief from pain and inflammation.
How to Store Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves are fragile and need to be stored with care. If you are going to store your cannabis leaves for more than a couple of days, it is best to hang them up to dry. Hanging the leaves upside down will allow any moisture to drain away from the leaves and prevent mold or mildew from forming.
Once the leaves are dry, you can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. If you are going to store your cannabis leaves for more than a couple of weeks, it is best to freeze them. Freezing the leaves will preserve their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
When you are ready to use your cannabis leaves, simply thaw them out and use them as you would fresh leaves. You can also use dried cannabis leaves in many recipes that call for fresh leaves. Simply grind the dried leaves into a powder using a coffee grinder or food processor and use as directed.
How to Dry Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves can be dried and used to make a variety of cannabis products, including edibles, tinctures, and topicals. The drying process is simple and only takes a few days.
To dry cannabis leaves, start by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry room with good airflow. If you have a fan, turn it on to help circulate the air. Leave the leaves for 2-3 days, or until they are dry to the touch. Once dry, you can store the leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
When drying cannabis leaves, it’s important to avoid using heat sources like hair dryers or ovens as this can cause the leaves to degrade and lose their potency. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to hang the leaves for longer to prevent them from molding.
How to Make Cannabis Leaf Tea
Cannabis leaves are a great way to add cannabinoids to your diet without smoking or vaporizing. One of the best ways to consume cannabis leaves is by making a tea. Cannabis leaf tea is easy to make, and can be a great way to start your day or relax in the evening.
To make cannabis leaf tea, you will need:
-1 ounce of fresh or dried cannabis leaves
-1 quart of water
-Honey (optional)
Directions:
1. Add the cannabis leaves to a large pot or teapot.
2. Pour in the water and let the leaves steep for 15 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a mug and sweeten with honey if desired.
4. Enjoy your cannabis leaf tea!
How to Make Cannabutter with Cannabis Leaves
Cannabis leaves are often thought of as being useless, but they actually have a lot of potential! Here’s a simple guide on how to make cannabutter with cannabis leaves.
First, you’ll need to gather up some leaves. You can either grow your own cannabis plant, or ask a friend for some of their leaves. Make sure that the leaves are fresh and free from any mold or insects.
Once you have your leaves, it’s time to start the process of making cannabutter. The first step is to finely chop up the leaves. You can do this by hand or with a food processor.
Next, you’ll need to melt some butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped cannabis leaves and stir gently.
Allow the mixture to simmer for around 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. After this time, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Once it’s cooled down, pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine strainer into a bowl or container. Be sure to squeeze all of the butter out of thecheesecloth so that you don’t waste any of it!
And that’s it! Your cannabutter is now ready to use in any recipe that calls for butter. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Cannabis leaves are an important part of the plant and can be used in a variety of ways. You can make cannabis leaf tea, use them as a natural pesticide, or add them to your compost pile. Don’t throw away your cannabis leaves – put them to good use!