What is a Cannabis Grinder?
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What is a Cannabis Grinder and How do You Use it?
If you are new to cannabis, we understand that it can be overwhelming and confusing. Between finding your preferred strain to all the new tools and equipment you can buy, it can be a lot to handle. The one item we suggest to be at the top of your purchases is a cannabis grinder.
Luckily, purchasing a grinder is easy and simple (when you’re of age of course). Almost any cannabis, smoke, or head shop carries grinders. They also can be purchased with a simple click of a button from various online retailers. If you don’t know where to start, keep reading to find out what grinders are all about!
What is a Weed Grinder and Why is it Helpful?
First, let's start with the basics! As you can guess by its name, “weed grinder,” this tool is used to break down your desired cannabis strains. Grinding bud allows for smoother hits in bowls, bongs, etc., it also creates an easier process when rolling blunts and joints. It also keeps your fingers from sticking together when grinding those dense, sticky nugs.
Usually, a bud grinder is built to have three chambers. The top is where you place the flower as bud. This area contains sharp teeth and holes that allow the cannabis shreds to fall while grinding.
Next is the middle chamber that catches the grinded flower from the top and has a screen bottom where the kief falls through.
Lastly, is the third chamber in which holds the kief remains.
Photo Credit: ExpertsofHerb
Kief contains many terpenes and cannabinoids that make each strain of flower unique. It can be used in your next batch of homemade edibles or added to the top of your bowl!
How to use a Cannabis Grinder
Using a grinder is a lot easier than it sounds! These simple steps will help you gain a better understanding of how to grind your bud!
Step One:
Start by grabbing your pot grinder and some of your desired strain of flower. Take the lid off the top of the grinder. The lid is usually attached with magnetic force to assist in securing the bud while you grind. Take the bud and begin breaking it down into smaller pieces with your fingers. Place these smaller nugs into the grinder’s teeth while avoiding the center. This area contains the magnet and will not shred your bud.
Step Two:
Place the top lid back on your grinder and begin twisting. The lid should make 10 to 12 rotations depending on the amount of bud used. If you find bud that hasn’t fallen through the holes, keep twisting. You can also remove and replace the lid on as many times as needed to help loosen bud that might be stuck.
Step Three:
Once you are done grinding the bud, untwist the chamber that contains the teeth. Here you will find your freshly grounded up bud! From here you can use it however you like! Maybe you want to roll and joint? Or place it in a bowl? It’s really up to you!
Step Four:
This step will not be needed every time you use your marijuana grinder. It can take time and numerous uses of your grinder to obtain some kief. Once you have collected your desired amount of kief it’s time to put it to use! Your kief can be found in the bottom chamber. Open it up and use the scraping tool, if provided (not all grinders will have this), or a piece of paper to scoop up the dry herb. Then you can decide where to use your kief and make it more potent. Whether it is at the end of your joint or in your edibles, it is really up to you!
Best Weed Grinders
With all the different dry herb weed grinder manufacturers out there, the options are endless. Everyone has different preferences and opinions but we are here to point you in the right direction. Here are some of the best weed grinders according to Esquire!
If you are looking for a grinder that is on the less expensive side, then is the grinder for you! This Amazon find is perfect for your cannabis grinding needs. It contains five pieces that include two mesh screens and a kief scraper found in the catch tray!
Mastergrind 2.5-Inch 4-Piece Mill
This grinder allows for easier grinding with its hand-crank lid. All you have to do is spin the handle and it will do the rest for you. Each crank operates the blades to grind the weed while filtering it through the screen. You can also watch the whole process through the clear lid!
The hexagonal shape and vibrant color will make you stand out from the rest with this grinder! This well-made grinder is made from zinc alloy and is stacked into four layers. If you are looking for a gift or something to show off your bright personality, this is the grinder for you!
This grinder is a great option when it comes to traveling! This pen stores and manually grind about three grams of cannabis. When it’s time to put the cannabis to use, a quick click of a button will dispense the finely ground bud!
The OTTO grinder allows you to eliminate user error while sensing the grind required for the best result. Once the bud is grinded, you have the option to funnel the flower directly into a paper cone for easy rolling. This smart grinder does come with a price, but if you are willing to pay, this cool gadget is for you!
What to do if you don’t have a grinder
Coffee Grinder
In the circumstance that you do not have a grinder readily available, there are other methods you can try! The first item we suggest you try using when grinding your cannabis is a coffee grinder. Be sure to clean out the previous coffee bean shreds unless you like smoking coffee beans! Once cleaned, place the cannabis loosely in the coffee grinder so you won’t risk the chance of damaging it. Then start grinding away!
Cheese Grater
Using a cheese grater is easy and simple when it comes to grinding your bud. All you need is a cheese grater, a plate, and the flower of course! Place the cheese grater on the plate and pick the right side to break it down. Just about every end of the cheese grater should work, but this all depends on your preference. Make sure you are careful, especially when it comes to your fingers! Also, when you're done be sure to wash your cheese grater thoroughly to get all the leftover cannabis off.
Blender
If you don’t have any other of our recommended household items on hand try using a blender to grind your bud! We do not recommend this, but it is an option. Start by ensuring the blender is cleaned and dried thoroughly. Next, throw your bud into the blender and start blending! Make sure you switch the blender to the pulse setting for more control. Do this in intervals to obtain your desired texture.
Small Container and Scissors
This method is not the most ideal way but it does do its job! We are sure that you have some scissors and a small container lying around your house, considering these are two very common items. Just throw a couple pieces of flower in the container and start cutting them. We recommend cutting them in half and then using the end of the scissors to make the bud finer. Please be sure to take your time!
In all reality, we believe grinders are one of the easier and more effective ways to grind your cannabis! If you're wondering what kind of grinder you should purchase, then why not ask an expert? Budtenders at your local dispensary are aware of the brands they sell and have likely tried them. They'll be able to share an honest opinion and let you know which one will fit your desired needs!
For the best live resin to accentuate your state of mind, take a look at our Lifestyle Spectrum and menu. Stop by a top-rated dispensary near you to meet with a cannabis guide that will help you find the perfect product to accompany your desired journey.