What to Do With Weed Stems: Genius Uses Most Smokers Don't Know

Most people toss weed stems without thinking twice, but that’s a waste. Even though stems don’t have the same potency as flower, they’re far from useless. In fact, with a little creativity, you can turn those leftovers into something practical, enjoyable, or just plain cool.

1. Brew a Cup of Weed Stem Tea

One of the easiest ways to use stems is to make tea. Just break the stems into small pieces, decarb them in the oven, and steep them with a fat source like coconut oil or whole milk (THC binds to fat). Add your favorite spices or honey to boost the flavor.

2. Infuse Them Into Cannabutter

Gather enough stems, decarb them, and infuse into butter just like you would with flower. The result is a milder, budget-friendly batch of cannabutter, perfect for low-dose edibles.

3. Make DIY Topicals or Salves

Soak stems in oil over low heat (olive or coconut oil works best), then use that infusion as a base for balms, lotions, or massage oils. It’s great for localized relief without any high.

4. Create Weed Stem Tinctures

Soak decarbed stems in high-proof alcohol like Everclear for a few weeks in a sealed jar. Strain the liquid, and you’ve got yourself a mellow tincture, ideal for microdosing or DIY wellness products.

5. Get Crafty With Them

Got a creative streak? Dried stems can be turned into art, crafts, hemp-like twine, or even carved into mini tools like skewers or stir sticks. It’s a fun way to upcycle your stash waste.

6. Don’t Smoke or Grind Them

Let’s clear this up: smoking stems is a bad idea. They’re harsh, low in cannabinoids, and taste awful. The same goes for grinding them into your flower, it’ll ruin the smoke and irritate your throat.

Bonus Tip: Store Your Stems

Don’t wait until you’ve got a full jar to start thinking about what to do. Keep your stems dry in a glass jar or sealable bag, stored in a cool, dark place. That way they’re ready to use when inspiration strikes.

Final Thoughts

Just because you’ve smoked the bud doesn’t mean the plant’s work is done. From tea and tinctures to topicals and crafts, weed stems have more to offer than most people realize. So next time you’re cleaning up after a sesh, think twice before tossing them, there’s still value in those sticks.