How to Use AVB (Already Vaped Bud)
How to Use AVB (Already Vaped Bud): Creative Ways to Recycle Your Leftover Cannabis
If you're a regular cannabis user who enjoys vaping, you've probably heard of AVB (Already Vaped Bud). This refers to the leftover cannabis after you've used it in a vaporizer. While it may seem like a waste to throw away perfectly good plant material, AVB still contains a significant amount of cannabinoids and terpenes that can be repurposed in a variety of creative ways. Here's everything you need to know about using your AVB, from making edibles to infusing oils and even enjoying it in beverages.
What Is AVB?
AVB is the brown, crispy flower that remains after vaping cannabis. Unlike smoking, which burns cannabis to ash, vaping heats the plant material just enough to vaporize the active compounds (like THC), without combusting it. While the initial high may have faded, there's still potential for AVB to deliver a mild psychoactive effect, depending on how you use it. The leftover material can be a valuable resource if you know how to unlock its remaining potency.
The Potency of AVB
The potency of your AVB can vary depending on several factors:
- Vaping Temperature: The higher the temperature, the more cannabinoids will be vaporized, leaving less behind. Vaping between 315°F and 440°F is ideal for preserving enough THC in the bud without burning it.
- Strain Potency: The THC content of the original flower plays a significant role. Some strains leave behind more active compounds than others.
- Vaping Duration: A longer session means more cannabinoids are extracted, which can decrease the potency of your AVB.
Despite these variables, if you've hit the sweet spot in your vaping session, you might be surprised by how much goodness remains in your leftover bud.
10 Creative Ways to Use AVB
Bake Edibles
One of the easiest and most popular ways to use AVB is by baking it into edibles. Since the vaping process already decarboxylates the cannabis (the process of activating THC), AVB is ready to use in recipes.
You can add AVB to brownies, cookies, cakes, or even savory dishes like herbed salmon or pasta. However, it's important to start with a small amount since the potency can vary. It's always better to start low and go slow. If you're unsure of the strength, begin with a lower dose and see how it affects you.
Water Curing for Better Flavor
If the taste of AVB turns you off, you can improve its flavor by curing it with water. Water curing removes some of the bitter, plant-like taste, making it more palatable for edibles or other uses. The process takes about 4-7 days, but it's simple:
- Bundle your AVB in a cheesecloth like a tea bag.
- Soak it in water, changing the water every couple of hours.
- After a few days, dry the AVB in the oven at 200°F for two hours.
This will give you a less harsh-tasting AVB that can be used in your favorite recipes without compromising the flavor.
Sprinkle on Food
If cooking is too much of a hassle, you can simply sprinkle AVB on food. Since it's already decarboxylated, it's ready to go straight onto your meals.
Strong flavors like peanut butter, Nutella, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce can help mask the taste of AVB. Whether it's on a sandwich, in your cereal, or mixed with yogurt, this is a quick and easy way to use your AVB without any extra effort.
Capsules for Discreet Consumption
For those who prefer a more discreet method, turning AVB into capsules is a great option. Simply buy empty gel capsules and fill them with the AVB. The downside is that the effects may take longer to kick in since capsules need time to dissolve in your stomach. However, it's a simple and private way to dose, especially if you need something low-profile.
Infuse Coffee or Tea
You can also use your AVB to enhance your morning routine. Since the cannabinoids in AVB are fat-soluble, they can easily be infused into beverages like coffee or tea.
- Coffee: Add AVB to your coffee grounds before brewing. To further mask the taste, try adding flavors like caramel or hazelnut.
- Tea: Add AVB to your tea leaves and steep. Strong tea flavors like chai or mint can help mask any bitterness.
For both beverages, adding a little cream or butter can help cannabinoids bind to the fat and improve absorption.
Infuse Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another fat that is perfect for infusing with AVB. Cannabis is fat-soluble, so infusing it into coconut oil makes it easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes.
To infuse AVB into coconut oil:
- Add the AVB and coconut oil to a slow cooker.
- Heat on low for a few hours, stirring occasionally.
- After cooling, strain the oil using a cheesecloth and store it in a dark, cool place.
This infused oil can be used for cooking, baking, or even as a topical lotion.
Make a Tincture
If you prefer a more potent and convenient way to consume AVB, you can make a tincture. This method requires some patience, but it allows you to dose more precisely. To make a tincture, you'll need:
- AVB (water cured if possible).
- Alcohol (high-proof ethanol or Everclear).
- A jar to steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks.
Strain the mixture, and you have a tincture that can be added to food, and beverages, or taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
RSO is a highly concentrated cannabis oil that can be used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. You can make a lower-potency version of RSO using AVB, though it won't be as strong as regular RSO made with fresh flower. The process is similar to making a tincture but requires more solvent and additional steps to concentrate the oil.
Smoke It (If You Dare)
While smoking AVB is certainly not the most effective or pleasant option, it's technically possible. AVB will not have the same potency as fresh flower, and the smoke will likely be harsh. The taste may also be unpleasant, making this a last-resort method for those who don't mind taking one for the team. If you try it, use a clean pipe or joint to avoid any lingering, burnt flavors.
Make Topicals
If you prefer using cannabis for its medicinal benefits (without getting high), you can create topical creams or balms with AVB. Combine your AVB-infused coconut oil with beeswax, essential oils, and other soothing ingredients to make a healing balm that can be applied to sore muscles or joints. This method avoids the psychoactive effects while still utilizing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
Conclusion
AVB is an often overlooked resource for cannabis users who vape, but with a little creativity, you can recycle your leftover bud in many ways. Whether you're interested in making edibles, infusing oils, or even just sprinkling it on food, there's no reason to throw your AVB away. By experimenting with these methods, you can get the most out of your cannabis and reduce waste. Just remember to start with a low dose and go slow to determine the potency of your AVB-infused creations!