How to use ABV herbs?

ABV – Vaporization Treasure

If you're a fan of vaping marijuana, you've probably noticed that after each session, brown, dry herb remains in the vaporizer chamber. This is ABV (Already Been Vaped)—a material that many discard, unaware of its potential. ABV contains residual cannabinoids like THC and CBD, making it a great raw material for further use, such as in cooking, cosmetics, or tinctures.

How to collect and prepare ABV herbs?

Understanding the vaporization process and ABV formation

ABV is created when you vaporize marijuana – hot air vaporizes cannabinoids and terpenes, but doesn't completely remove them. The amount of remaining compounds depends on:

• Temperatures: Lower temperatures (170-190°C) leave more cannabinoids, higher temperatures (200-230°C) deplete them more, leaving behind, for example, CBN with a sedative effect.
• Session time: Shorter sessions (3-5 minutes) retain more active ingredients than long ones (10+ minutes).
• Dried herb quality: Stronger weed (e.g. 20% THC) will leave more cannabinoids in the ABV than weaker weed (10% THC).

The ABV color is a guide: light brown or golden indicates higher potency, dark brown or black indicates lower potency.

Harvesting dried ABV

Collecting ABV is simple, but requires attention to maintain its quality. Here's how:

• Step 1: Vaporization
• Set your vaporizer to your chosen temperature (I recommend 180-200°C for a balanced ABV).
• Fill the chamber with loosely ground herb – do not pack it down to allow air to flow evenly.
• Vaporize until the vapor becomes weak (usually 3-7 minutes, depending on the device). Don't overdo the session if you want to retain more cannabinoids in your ABV.
• Step 2: Emptying the chamber
• Wait for the vaporizer to cool down (a few minutes) to avoid burns.
• Gently pour the ABV from the chamber onto a clean surface (e.g. a plate) using a toothpick or brush – avoid touching it with your hands to avoid losing the oils.
• Check the color: light brown is a good sign, black means the herb is too „burnt” and less useful.
• Step 3: Segregation (optional)
• If you vape at different temperatures, separate the ABV by session (e.g., "190°C" and "220°C"). You can use separate jars to make it easier to experiment with potency later.

ABV Storage

• Basic storage: Transfer the ABV to an airtight jar (preferably dark glass) and store in a cool, dark place (e.g., refrigerator). This protects the cannabinoids from degradation and prevents mold.
• Marking: Write down the date and temperature of your vaporization on the jar – this will help you track potency and freshness.
• Long-term storage: If you have a high ABV, freeze it in an airtight container – it can last for months without losing quality.

Preparing ABV for further use

The ABV is already decarboxylated (activated by the heat of the vaporizer), so you can use it right away, but a few techniques can improve its quality:

• Grinding:
• Grind ABV into a fine powder in a coffee grinder or mortar. The finer consistency makes it easier to extract the cannabinoids in recipes or tinctures.
• Note: Do not grind for too long to avoid overheating the herb and losing the oils.
• Water curing (optional):
• Purpose: Removes bitter, burnt aftertaste and enhances odor without significantly affecting cannabinoids.
• Process:
  1. Pour the ABV into a jar of water (use a strainer or tea bag to separate the herbs more easily).
  2. Soak for 3-7 days, changing the water every 24 hours – the longer, the milder the taste.
  3. Drain and dry in the oven at 90°C for 1-2 hours, until dry but not burnt.
• Effect: ABV becomes more neutral in taste, ideal for food or drinks.
• Sorting:
• If you have an ABV blend of different potencies, you can sift it through a fine mesh strainer to separate the larger pieces (less vaporized) from the dust (more used).

Practical tips

• Control the temperature: Experiment with your vaporizer settings (e.g. 185°C for a milder ABV, 210°C for a stronger CBN).
• Cleanliness: Clean your vaporizer regularly to prevent oil residue from affecting the taste of your ABV.
• Quantity: Collect ABV from several sessions to have enough for larger projects (e.g. 10-15g for cannabinoid butter).
• Testing: Before using it for a large amount, test a small portion (e.g. 0.5g) to assess the strength – ABV is less predictable than fresh herb.

How to Collect and Prepare ABV Herbs – Details and Tips

Why is it worth collecting ABV?

ABV is an eco-friendly and economical solution for marijuana users. Instead of throwing away "used" herb, you can use it in recipes (e.g., butter, cookies), beverages (tea, milk), cosmetics (ointments), or even as fertilizer. It's estimated that ABV retains 10-30% of the original cannabinoids, making it a milder yet still valuable material.

How does vaporization affect ABV?

Vaporization vaporizes cannabinoids and terpenes in a controlled manner, unlike smoking, which burns most compounds. Temperature is key:

• 170-190°C: Retains more THC and CBD, perfect for those who want psychoactive effects with an ABV.
• 200-230°C: It leaves more CBN behind, which gives a more sedative effect but less of a high.

The duration of the session also matters – shorter vaporizations (until the vapor weakens) leave more cannabinoids than longer ones, until the herb is completely „burned out”.

Collecting ABV in practice

The collection process is simple but requires a few rules:

• Equipment: Use a vaporizer with an easy-to-empty chamber (e.g. Mighty, Pax, Volcano).
• Technique: Do not pack the herb in the chamber – loose arrangement ensures even vaporization and easier removal of the ABV.
• Frequency: Collect your ABV after each session to avoid moisture buildup in your device.

Preparing ABV – The Key to Success

ABV straight from the vaporizer has an earthy, sometimes bitter aftertaste, which can be off-putting when eaten or drunk. That's why preparation, such as water curing and grinding, is so important:

• Water curing: This process removes the water-soluble compounds that are responsible for bitterness, leaving the cannabinoids (which are soluble in fat and alcohol).
• Grinding: The fine powder increases the surface area in contact with fats or alcohol, which improves extraction in recipes.

How to evaluate the quality of ABV?

• Color: Light brown = more cannabinoids, dark brown/black = less.
• Smell: A slightly nutty smell suggests good quality, burnt or chemical – excessive vaporization.
• Test: Sprinkle 0.5g ABV on a peanut butter sandwich and eat it – if you feel the effects after 1-2 hours, the ABV is worth it.

Potential applications

Once you have collected and prepared your ABV, you can use it to:

• Cannabinoid butter (cannabutter) for cookies or brownies.
• Tea or milk with ABV for relaxation.
• Skin ointments for muscle pain.
• Alcohol tinctures for quick action.

Tips and Warnings

• Customize your vaporization: If you plan on using ABV, vaporize at lower temperatures to retain more cannabinoids.
• Hygiene: Clean your vaporizer regularly to prevent your ABV from tasting like old oils.
• Legality: Please ensure that your ABV collection and use complies with local marijuana laws.
• Patience: Preparing ABV (e.g. "water curing") takes time, but improves its quality.
• ABV strength: 10-30% primary cannabinoids, dependent on temperature (170-190°C = more THC, >200°C = more CBN) and session time.
• Collecting: The key is to gently empty the chamber and control the vaporization.
• Preparation: Grinding increases extraction, water curing removes bitterness (3-7 days, drying at 90°C).
• Storage: Store airtight jars in the fridge or freezer for long-term freshness.

Harvesting and preparing ABV is a simple process that requires attention to temperature, technique, and storage. This allows you to transform "waste" into a valuable raw material for further use.

ABV (Already Been Vaped) weed is more than just leftover vaporization—it's a creative opportunity to use marijuana you don't want to waste. After vaporization, cannabinoids like THC and CBD remain in the weed, making it a valuable resource for culinary experiments, relaxing drinks, homemade cosmetics, and even unusual uses like natural fertilizer. In this comprehensive article, you'll find a detailed guide to ABV, new recipes, and practical tips to help you fully utilize its potential. Ready to see this brown dust in a whole new light?

How to use ABV herbs?

Understanding ABV – What's left after vaporization?

ABV is the percentage of herb that has undergone a vaporization process, during which the cannabinoids and terpenes have been partially vaporized. However, not all of it disappears – the remaining content depends on several factors:

• Vaporization temperature: Lower temperatures (170-190°C) leave more THC and CBD, higher temperatures (200-230°C) deplete them more, leaving mainly CBN (a cannabinoid with a calming effect).
• Session time: Short sessions (3-5 minutes) retain more cannabinoids than long ones (10+ minutes).
• Initial quality of dried material: High THC herb (e.g. 20-25%) will leave more active compounds than weaker herb (10-15%).
• Color as an indicator: A light brown or golden ABV suggests higher potency, dark brown or black – lower.

ABV is estimated to contain 10-30% of primary cannabinoids, making it milder but still useful. Interestingly, ABV is already decarboxylated (heat-activated), so it doesn't require additional heating before use in edibles.

Storage and preparation

• Basic storage: Keep your ABV in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place (e.g., refrigerator) to protect the cannabinoids from degradation and prevent mold.
• Batch marking: If you vaporize at different temperatures, label the jars (e.g., „190°C” or „220°C”) to help you assess the potency later.
• Water curing: This is an advanced technique that enhances the flavor and aroma of ABV. Soak in water for 3-7 days, changing the water every 24 hours, then dry in an oven at 90°C for 1-2 hours. This removes bitterness and any remaining burnt flavor without significantly affecting the cannabinoids.
• Grinding: For better extraction in recipes, grind the ABV into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.

Ways of use

• Edibles: ABV can be added to butter, oil, sprinkled on food or used in baked goods – perfect for those who enjoy culinary experiments.
• Drinks: Prepare tea, milk, coffee or cocktails with ABV for a gentle, relaxing effect.
• Tinctures: Soak ABV in high-proof alcohol (e.g., spirits) to create a tincture for use under the tongue or as a beverage additive.
• Capsules: Grind ABV and pour into gel capsules – discreet and easy to dose.
• Cosmetics: Infuse ABV in oils (e.g. coconut, almond) for ointments, balms or skin oils.
• Smoking or re-vaping: ABV can be smoked in a joint, bong, or re-vaporized at a higher temperature (e.g. 220°C), although the effects and flavor will be weaker.
• Unusual applications: Use ABV as a natural plant fertilizer (rich in nitrogen) or add to compost – ecological and practical!

Practical tips

• Taste: ABV has an earthy, sometimes bitter aftertaste – mask it with fatty ingredients (butter, chocolate) or spices (cinnamon, vanilla). Water curing significantly enhances the taste experience.
• Dosage: Start with 0.5-1g, especially with edibles, and wait 1-2 hours for the effects to kick in. ABV is less predictable than fresh herb, so caution is key.
• Extraction: Fats (butter, oil, milk) increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids, so combine ABV with such ingredients for better results.
• Creativity: Experiment with proportions and methods – ABV is a fun and exciting thing to explore!

Recipes with ABV herbs

ABV Butter (Cannabutter)

A versatile ingredient for cooking and baking.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 g ABV (finely ground)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (approx. 230 g)
• 1 glass of water
• Optional: a pinch of salt (if you like the taste)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, add water and ABV.
2. Cook over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes to prevent burning. The water prevents overheating.
3. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a container, squeezing out any remaining liquid.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until the butter hardens, then remove any remaining water from the bottom.

Application: Use 1-2 teaspoons per serving in brownies, on toast, in sauces, or even for sautéing vegetables. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or freeze for longer.

Firecrackers with ABV

A quick, simple snack for lazy gourmets.

Ingredients:

• 2 graham crackers (or regular crackers/biscuits)
• 0.5-1 g ABV
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (preferably natural)
• 1 tablespoon melted chocolate or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 120°C.
2. Spread peanut butter on both crackers, sprinkle ABV evenly on one of them.
3. Drizzle with melted chocolate or honey for flavor, fold the crackers into a "sandwich".
4. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Let cool for 10 minutes and eat – start with half to assess the results.

Attention: The fat in the peanut butter supports cannabinoid extraction, and the chocolate masks the bitterness of the ABV.

Tea with ABV

A warm drink for a relaxing evening.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 g ABV
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 tablespoon full-fat milk or cream (optional)
• Additions: lemon zest, cinnamon stick, honey or ginger

Instructions:

1. Pour ABV into a tea bag, infuser or directly into a cup.
2. Pour hot water (not boiling, approx. 85-90°C), add milk/cream for better extraction.
3. Brew for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add your chosen spices or honey, strain (if not using a tea bag) and drink slowly.

Application: Perfect for subtle relaxation – start with half a glass to gauge the strength.

Ointment with ABV

Homemade cosmetic for local ailments.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 g ABV
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of beeswax
• 5-10 drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender, eucalyptus)

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a water bath over low heat.
2. Add ABV and cook over low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.
3. Strain through cheesecloth into a jar, add essential oil while the mixture is still warm.
4. Set aside to set at room temperature (approx. 1-2 hours).

Application: Apply a thin layer to areas of pain or irritation – it works locally and has no psychoactive effects. Store in a cool place for up to 6 months.

Tincture with ABV

Strong extract for discreet use.

Ingredients:

• 10-20 g ABV
• 100-150 ml of high-quality alcohol (e.g. 95% spirit or 40% vodka)
• Dark glass jar

Instructions:

1. Pour the ABV into the jar, pour in alcohol to cover it completely.
2. Close the jar and store in a dark, cool place for 1-2 weeks, shaking once a day.
3. Strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dropper bottle.
4. Use 2-5 drops under the tongue, starting with a small dose.

Application: Fast-acting (15-30 minutes), ideal for precise dosing. Store in the refrigerator for up to a year.

Chocolate Balls with ABV (No Bake)

A sweet snack without using an oven.

Ingredients:

• 5-10 g ABV (finely ground)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of oatmeal
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add ABV, rolled oats and cocoa powder, mixing thoroughly until combined.
3. Form small balls (approx. 1 tablespoon of mixture per ball) and place on baking paper.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes until hardened.

Application:

• Eat 1 pill to start, waiting 1-2 hours for the effects.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer.

Comments:

• The intense flavor of chocolate and peanut butter masks the ABV.
• Great for beginners – easy and tasty.

• Dosage: ABV is unpredictable – start with 0.5-1g for edibles and wait 1-2 hours for effects, which can last 4-8 hours. For tinctures, test 2-3 drops.
• Legality: Check local laws regarding marijuana and its derivatives, such as ABV, before use.
• Taste and smell: „Water curing removes bitterness, but do not combine ABV with fatty, aromatic ingredients (e.g., chocolate, peanut butter, spices).
• Security: Keep ABVs and finished products out of reach of children and pets. Label them clearly to avoid confusion.
• Ecology: If you don't want to use ABV, add it to your compost – it decomposes naturally and enriches the soil.

Recipe	Main ingredients	Preparation time	Application
Butter with ABV	ABV, butter, water	2-3 hours	Baked goods, spreads
Firecrackers with ABV	ABV, crackers, peanut butter	30 minutes (including baking)	Quick snack
Tea with ABV	ABV, water, milk, spices	10 minutes	A relaxing drink
Ointment with ABV	ABV, coconut oil, beeswax	1-2 hours	For skin, pain relief
Tincture with ABV	ABV, alcohol	1-2 weeks	Sublingual, precise dosing