Buzz
You’re all set to pack a bowl or roll a joint, yet the absence of a grinder is a hiccup. Fear not! You can still break down your weed without one using items likely already in your household. Explore the following alternatives to grind your weed and resume smoking in no time.
Steps
Utilizing Scissors and a Glass to Chop Weed
Place your marijuana buds into a glass. Fill a clean drinking glass halfway with weed. Whether your weed is dry or sticky, ensure it's loosely packed for easy chopping. If you have a large quantity of weed, chop it in multiple batches.
Pro Tip: Consider using a shot glass for small amounts of weed.
Insert a clean pair of scissors into the glass. Opt for regular scissors for chopping the weed. Clean the scissors with soap and warm water or vinegar. Then, position the scissors within the weed buds and commence cutting. If employing a shot glass, small scissors like nail or mustache scissors are suitable.
Snip the buds until they’re sufficiently small. Simply open and close the scissors to chop the weed. Rotate the cup as you chop to ensure even cutting. Continue cutting until the buds reach your desired size. If needed, use the scissors' tip to expose larger pieces for further cutting.
Using a Coin and a Pill Bottle
Place the marijuana buds into an empty pill bottle. Clean an old pill bottle with soap and water. Then, fill it about 3/4 full. Pack the weed loosely to allow the coin to break it up. This method is ideal for dry weed, although it may also work for sticky weed.
Alternative: Any small container with a lid will suffice. For example, you can also utilize a film canister or a small food storage container typically used for sauces.
Drop a clean penny or dime into the bottle. Any small coin works, but a penny or dime is preferable. Place the coin on the weed's surface or press it into the weed. Since the coin moves around during shaking, precise placement isn't necessary.
Screw the lid back onto the pill bottle. Ensure the lid is securely tightened to prevent the weed from spilling out during shaking. Never attempt to shake the container without the lid.
Shake the pill bottle for 1-2 minutes. Use a timer to track the duration. Hold the bottle and shake vigorously. The coin will grind the buds into smaller pieces as you shake.
Check the weed to determine if it's the desired size. After 1-2 minutes of shaking, inspect the weed's size. If necessary, continue shaking for another 1-2 minutes until the desired size is achieved. Depending on weed thickness, expect to shake for at least 5 minutes. This method is safe and effective for everyday use.
Utilizing a Coffee Grinder
Place the weed into a coffee grinder. Any type of coffee grinder works. Fill it up to the designated line, packing loosely for easier grinding. Ensure the lid is secured. A coffee grinder is efficient for grinding large amounts of weed, preferably dry weed to avoid difficulties in cleanup.
Turn on the coffee grinder for 5 seconds. If electric, plug it in and press the “on” or “grind” button. Count to 5, then power off. Alternatively, use an analog clock or watch for timing.
Continue grinding until the weed reaches desired size. Check frequently to avoid over-grinding. Clean the grinder thoroughly afterward to prevent THC contamination of coffee.
Tip: While a coffee grinder is designed for fine powder, it's better to grind weed slightly larger than typical dried herbs for easier use.
Knife Method for Cutting Weed
Place the marijuana buds on a clean cutting board. Opt for a plastic cutting board for easier cleaning. Begin with a small amount of weed to minimize the risk of injury. Position the weed in the center of the board to prevent spillage during cutting.
Use a clean, non-serrated knife to chop the buds into small pieces. Preferably, employ a chef’s knife for optimal results. Slice through the weed, gradually moving the blade to create smaller pieces. If necessary, rotate the board to facilitate cutting in another direction.
Chop slowly to avoid injury. Avoid holding the weed with your hand to prevent accidents. Instead, guide the knife slowly over the weed to ensure precise cutting without displacement.
Grinding Weed with a Mortar and Pestle
Make sure your weed is dry before using a mortar and pestle. Dry weed is easier to grind, especially with this tool. Ensure your weed isn't sticky before grinding. If it's not dry, consider freezing it for 30 minutes beforehand. This method is most effective for small amounts and is a traditional herb grinding technique.
Did You Know? To dry out weed, let it sit for 5-15 days in a room with temperatures of 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C), low humidity, and good air circulation. Check daily for a crispy texture, indicating readiness. Avoid hastening the process with a dehydrator or oven, as it affects flavor and potency.
Place the weed inside the mortar. Fill it halfway to allow movement. Pack loosely for easier grinding. It's advisable to grind enough for only 1 joint at a time or smaller batches for larger quantities.
Use the pestle to grind the weed into smaller pieces. Apply firm pressure while grinding. Move the pestle around the bowl continuously until satisfied with the size of the pieces.
Helpful Tips
- Breaking weed up with your fingers can cause it to clump together, potentially leading to loss of THC crystals sticking to your fingers.
The advice provided here reflects the real-life experiences of Mytour readers. If you have a helpful tip to share, please submit it below.
- To avoid mineral oil contamination, ensure new reversible box-cutting blades are thoroughly dried before using them to chop or mince weed. A sharp blade should effortlessly cut through the weed.
- A regular cheese grater serves as an easy alternative for grinding weed, as it's a commonly found household item.
- If you possess a clean, shallow mint tin, place the weed inside and firmly press it with a key. This method works well for drier weed.
