Are There Cons to Using a Grinder?
In the cannabis community, there are a few myths about the ordinary grinder on today’s market. Some consumers are under the impression that aluminum grinders are unsafe for a variety of reasons; the primary reason being shards of aluminum getting in their weed. It is a total myth. The truth is; aluminum shards have too high of a boiling point even to be melted by a basic lighter. If cooking with cannabis, it may be a good idea to have a separate grinding method. Otherwise, aluminum grinders are an efficient and easy-to-use way to break down weed.
While the common grinder may not be unsafe, it does have a few adverse traits. For some sticky buds, it can have troubles breaking the buds down. If the buds are sticky, it will coat the grinder and become difficult to collect. During the grinding process, some product is left unused. Many grinders have kief catchers nowadays, but it doesn’t stop the majority of the trichomes from sticking to the inner walls. There are not many cons to using a grinder, but it is vital to have other methods in case a grinder is not present.
How to Grind Weed Without a Grinder: Secondary Methods to Consider
Not having a grinder should never slow down the session. These top five secondary methods are the best ways of grinding weed without a grinder. Learning these tricks will help to always keep the smoke session going. Many of these secondary methods are ideal for on-the-go stoners or the unorganized friend who can never find their grinder. Give them all a try and see which ones work best for you!
Bare Hands
The most popular way to grind weed without a grinder is merely using your bare hands. It is a sticky and sometimes annoying method, but its quick and efficient. The best way to break a bud down with your hands is by using the index finger and middle finger. Place both index and middle fingers around the top stem. Then place both thumbs under at the tip of the bud. Pinch your fingers together in an attempt to push the stem up out of the bud. This method will allow for the bud to loosen and fall apart producing a quality grind ready to smoke.
Kitchen Knife and Cutting Board
Like any other herb, cannabis can be chopped up with a kitchen knife. This method breaks down the weed nicely but requires a few extra steps. Make sure to use a clean cutting board and knife. It is not the most efficient way to break down weed, but it gets the job done.
Coffee Grinder
An everyday household accessory found in many homes is the coffee grinder. This method is a useful one, but an excessive way to break down weed. It produces a finer consistency than most grinding methods and is best for more copious amounts of weed. While coffee and cannabis are wonderful pairs, make sure to clean out the coffee grinder before you use it. Coffee grinders are also very loud; be sure not to use this method if you’re trying to be discreet.
Pestle and Mortar
Another common grinding method for many different types of herbs is the pestle and mortar. This tool is a very natural and clean way to grind cannabis and is popular amongst some consumers. A pestle and mortar are best for dry buds but can be used with fresh herb too. It is ideal for controlling the consistency the weed and wasting as little product as possible.
Pill Bottle and Coin
One popular method of grinding weed without a grinder is to use a pill bottle and a coin. This grinding trick may not work with sticky fresh buds. It’s perfect for dry herb, which will break down quickly. Place the weed in the bottle along with a clean penny. Close the container and shake it until you get the desired consistency. Do not use too much weed at once; there needs to be space for the coin to bounce around.
Stay tuned on other cannabis tips and tricks, here!