If anything, the additional bulky plant matter creates more fodder for fire, which makes for big, nasty, billowing, smokey hits. All of this additional smoke can be bad for your lungs, and the worst-case scenario can be linked to several long-term issues like respiratory problems, and lung disease.

Even though cannabis stems themselves do not contain anything psychoactive, there is still a place for cannabis stems in areas other than smoking—so save your stems, just don’t smoke them.

Preparing Your Stems

Before transforming the humble cannabis stem into something magical, start by dedicating a glass jar to storing the discarded stems from your cannabis hauls. Over time you will collect enough stems to take advantage of its delicious flavor and aroma. 

Before doing anything creative with your cannabis stems you must first activate the flavor by putting them through the process of decarboxylation. This is the same process that needs to be done with cannabis flower before it gets made into oils and butter for cooking. 

Decarboxylation is a fancy word that describes a relatively straightforward (but incredibly necessary) process of heating cannabis and hemp to activate the cannabinoids within its buds, trim, leaves, or kief. Without using heat to “toast” the plant matter, the psychoactive compounds we know and love would just pass through our bodies without effect.

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis and Cannabis Stems

Set your oven to 235 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Prepare a cookie sheet by measuring a length of parchment paper or aluminum foil that fits just so on the sheet, and doesn’t go over the edges. 

Now you can add your cannabis stems and cannabis flower. Be sure to break up the buds so that your cannabis doesn’t burn.

Bake slow and low for about 45 minutes. Check on your herbs about halfway through, or when you start to smell something cooking, to make sure that they don’t burn.

Alternative Uses For Stems 

• Cannabis Stem Tea - 

Some people enjoy the umami quality of the stems and like to make tea with this forgotten part of the plant. Cannabis stems are flavorful in a savory way—whatever flavor profile your nugs have, the stems will likely impart a similar taste. 

Using a metal tea ball (meant for steeping loose herbs), or a coffee filter and a rubber band, collect the decarboxylated bits of cannabis stems. Next, boil the water. Grab a mug, and then steep the cannabis stem tea in the hot water for 3-5 minutes. Feel free to throw in one of your favorite tea bags for additional flavor. 

And voila! Simply sip on your flavorful masterpiece and give yourself a pat on the back. 

• Cannabutter -

Often used as a butter substitute when baking edibles, cannabutter is a fantastic thing to keep on hand. Widely loved by cannachefs for its versatility and flavor, this infusion can even be used for cooking in your day-to-day life. 

Cannabutter is made by gently boiling decarbed cannabis and stems on the stovetop with butter until the fat in the butter absorbs the THC. Then, using a cheesecloth to strain the bits out, an infusion is born. 

• Body butters and oils -

There is a bevy of salves and creams on the market made from cannabis and hemp that are designed to topically relieve ailments by delivering some of the benefits of cannabis directly to pain spots.

Now, you can make your own cannabis-infused body butter on the stovetop. The key here is to cook the decarboxylated cannabis and stems in coconut oil instead of butter. You can make cannabis-infused coconut oil using the exact same method that you use to make cannabutter. 

Once you’ve prepared your coconut oil, mix it into your preferred lotion, shea, or coconut oil. You can also create your own blend using essential oils to give yourself an aromatherapeutic experience. 

Then, apply the product liberally wherever you feel pain. While doing so, give yourself a little bit of love. A massage is free if you give it to yourself.

In Conclusion 

There are plenty of creative ways that the not-so-potent cannabis stem of yesteryear can be used today. If you are feeling intimidated by the process of transforming cannabis stems, come by one of our JARS locations to speak with a specialist. You can always purchase similar products instead of making them yourself.

In 1964, THC was the first cannabinoid to be isolated in a lab by Raphael Mechoulam. Since then, it has become abundantly clear that there are many cannabinoids that boast different capabilities, especially when working together.

THC is believed to have the potential to help with seizures, anxiety, and potentially curbing other disorders such as anorexia

By 1998 the phrase “The Entourage Effect” was coined, suggesting that cannabis components rally around a centralized molecule (THC). This notion has since been debunked because the molecules work together like an ensemble inside of the ECS (endocannabinoid system). 

The Endocannabinoid System 

The human body comes fully equipped with a network of receptors called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). These receptors in our body are called CB1 and CB2, and they are tied to our central and peripheral nervous systems. 

In other words, the ECS helps to regulate things like sleep, mood, immune response, and digestion. The Endocannabinoid System passes the effects of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes onto our CB1 and CB2 receptors which exist in the brain, muscle tissue, and organs. 

Freaky, but cool!

How Does The Ensemble Effect Work? 

Everyone knows the saying “Indica, in da couch..” That’s because the Indica cannabis strain is dominant in CBD, which is the cannabinoid that is responsible for making you relaxed.

The thing to remember about the ensemble effect is that you will need ⅔ different cannabis molecules in order to get the maximum benefit. Meaning, that if you smoke or eat something that is only made of CBD, it will not work as well as if it had the same amount of CBD with one little tiny bit of THC added into the mix. 

What is going on with these molecules?

Cannabinoids 

There are over 100 types of cannabinoids, THC and CBD just happen to be the most popular ones. Some of the other most well-known cannabinoids are:

• CBD 

CBD is the first cannabinoid to be included in an FDA-approved treatment for seizures. Also celebrated for treating anxiety and depression, CBD has made waves for people who are seeking a more natural approach to relief.

• CBG

CBG comes from young cannabis plants and also does not make you high like THC. More studies need to be done, but so far CBG has shown promising data that it could aid with inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, Huntington’s disease, and fighting cancerous cells. 

• CBN

CBN is slightly psychoactive but has been believed to show promise with the help of relieving the effects of Rheumatoid arthritis, seizures, Chrohn’s disease, and postoperative pain. 

• CBC 

Considered one of the “Big Six” main cannabinoids, CBC is believed to help with acne, cancer, brain inflammation, depression, 

Terpenes 

Terpenes are the part of any plant that gives off a fragrance. Found in the plant's sticky resin glands, terpenes affect your brain by stimulating receptors in your olfactory system. 

Smell is one of the most powerful of our senses and can result in psychological or physiological benefits. 

A good example is “pinene,” which helps with focus and feelings of alertness, and smells like pine! 

What if I Don’t Want to Get High?

Many people are not interested in the psychological effects of weed, but still experience pain that could be eased with the assistance of cannabis. 

Luckily, there are strains that are bred with this exact intention in mind. Strains that focus more on the CBD element, and only include the smallest amount of THC possible to help activate the full spectrum of CBD benefits. 

In Conclusion 

We live in the golden age of cannabis. It’s so easy to get the exact type of cannabis strain that can cater to your individual needs. 

Have fun discovering which “ensemble” you would like to be a part of.