So, you’ve meticulously vaped your herbs, savouring the flavour and effects, and now you’re left with Already Vaped Bud, or AVB. Don’t toss it! This seemingly spent material still packs a punch and is a treasure trove of cannabinoids waiting to be unlocked. Infusing AVB is a fantastic way to maximize its potential, creating edibles, tinctures, and topicals that offer a unique and often potent experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about infusing AVB, from preparation to consumption, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.
Understanding AVB and Decarboxylation
Before diving into the infusion process, it’s crucial to understand what AVB is and why it’s psychoactive. AVB is essentially cannabis that has already undergone a partial decarboxylation process during vaporization. Decarboxylation is the chemical reaction that converts non-psychoactive cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA into their active forms, THC and CBD.
While vaporizing heats the cannabis enough to decarboxylate a portion of the cannabinoids, some still remain in their acidic, non-psychoactive forms. This means that AVB still contains cannabinoids that can be further activated through additional heating or infusion. The colour of your AVB is a good indicator of its potency. Lighter brown AVB generally contains more cannabinoids than darker, almost black AVB, which has been thoroughly vaporized.
Preparing Your AVB for Infusion
Proper preparation is key to a successful and flavourful infusion. Here’s how to get your AVB ready:
Water Curing (Optional but Recommended)
One of the biggest drawbacks of AVB is its flavour. The vaporization process can leave it with a bitter, burnt taste. Water curing helps remove these unwanted compounds, resulting in a cleaner, more palatable final product.
To water cure, simply place your AVB in a jar or container and cover it with distilled water. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. Change the water every day or two, until the water runs clear. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Once the water is clear, strain the AVB through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve and gently squeeze out any excess water. Spread the AVB on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature (around 170°F or 77°C) until completely dry. Don’t skip this step if you’re sensitive to the taste of AVB.
Grinding (Optional)
Grinding your AVB isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help increase the surface area, allowing for a more efficient infusion. If you choose to grind, use a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle to break it down into a coarse powder. Avoid over-grinding, as this can lead to a grainy texture in your final product.
Choosing Your Infusion Method and Medium
The method you choose will depend on your desired outcome and the equipment you have available. The most common methods involve using a fat-based carrier, as cannabinoids are fat-soluble.
Oil Infusion
Oil infusions are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes. Coconut oil, olive oil, and MCT oil are all popular choices.
To infuse oil, combine your prepared AVB with your chosen oil in a saucepan or double boiler. Use a ratio of approximately 1 gram of AVB per 1 tablespoon of oil, but adjust this according to the potency of your AVB and your desired strength. Heat the mixture on low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you infuse, the more potent the oil will become, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can degrade the cannabinoids. A temperature between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C) is ideal.
Once the infusion is complete, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove the AVB. Store the infused oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Butter Infusion
Butter infusions, often referred to as cannabutter, are a classic choice for making edibles. The process is similar to oil infusion, but with butter instead of oil.
Combine your prepared AVB with melted butter in a saucepan or double boiler. Use a ratio similar to oil infusion, adjusting as needed. Simmer the mixture on low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally. Again, maintain a temperature between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).
After infusing, strain the butter through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove the AVB. Allow the butter to cool and solidify in the refrigerator. Any remaining plant matter will settle to the bottom, forming a layer of sediment. You can discard this layer for a cleaner final product. Store your cannabutter in the refrigerator or freezer.
Alcohol Tincture
Alcohol tinctures are a potent and discreet way to consume AVB. They involve extracting the cannabinoids using high-proof alcohol, such as ethanol or Everclear.
Place your prepared AVB in a jar and cover it with high-proof alcohol. The ratio is generally 1 gram of AVB per 1 ounce of alcohol. Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously several times a day for several weeks. The longer the tincture sits, the more potent it will become.
After the desired steeping time, strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove the AVB. Store the tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper.
Using a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
For a more hands-off approach, you can use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to infuse your AVB.
When using a slow cooker, combine your AVB and chosen oil or butter in the slow cooker. Set it to low heat and let it infuse for 4-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
If using an Instant Pot, combine your AVB and chosen oil or butter in the Instant Pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot, ensuring it doesn’t get into the mixture. Seal the lid and cook on low pressure for 1-2 hours. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Strain the infused oil or butter as described above.
Dosage and Consumption
Dosage is arguably the most important aspect of consuming AVB infusions. Start low and go slow! The potency of AVB can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the original potency of the cannabis, the vaporization temperature, and the duration of vaporization.
It’s impossible to know exactly how much THC is in your AVB, so it’s crucial to start with a very small dose and wait at least 1-2 hours to assess the effects before consuming more. A good starting dose is around 5-10mg of THC. To estimate the THC content of your infused product, you can use online calculators or consult with experienced users.
Remember that edibles can take longer to take effect than other methods of consumption. Be patient and avoid the temptation to consume more before the effects have fully kicked in.
Tips for a Successful AVB Infusion
Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable AVB infusion experience:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your oil, butter, or alcohol will affect the final product.
- Maintain consistent temperatures: Avoid overheating your AVB during infusion.
- Be patient: The longer you infuse, the more potent the product will be.
- Store properly: Store your infused products in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
- Label your products: Clearly label your infused products with the date and estimated potency.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets: This is especially important for edibles.
- Experiment with flavors: Add spices, herbs, or flavor extracts to your infusion for a more complex flavor profile. Vanilla extract can effectively mask the AVB flavor.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic infusion methods, you can explore some more advanced techniques:
- Multiple infusions: Infuse your oil or butter with AVB multiple times for a stronger product.
- Combining strains: Use AVB from different strains to create a unique cannabinoid profile.
- Adding lecithin: Lecithin can help emulsify the cannabinoids, improving absorption.
- Using a MagicalButter Machine: This automated appliance simplifies the infusion process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, you may encounter some common issues during the infusion process:
- Weak potency: This could be due to low-quality AVB, insufficient infusion time, or too low a temperature.
- Bitter taste: This is often caused by not water curing your AVB properly.
- Cloudy oil or butter: This can be due to moisture or plant matter. Try straining the product again through a finer sieve.
- Inconsistent results: This can be due to variations in AVB potency. Try to use AVB from a single batch for more consistent results.
Infusing AVB is a rewarding way to utilize what would otherwise be discarded material. By following these guidelines and experimenting with different techniques, you can create potent and delicious edibles, tinctures, and topicals that offer a unique and enjoyable cannabis experience. Always remember to prioritize safety and consume responsibly. Start low, go slow, and enjoy the journey!
What exactly is AVB and why would I want to infuse it?
AVB stands for Already Vaped Bud, sometimes also called ABV (Already Been Vaped). It refers to cannabis flower that has been previously heated in a vaporizer. During vaporization, cannabinoids like THC and CBD are decarboxylated, meaning they are activated by heat, making them bioavailable for consumption. Because the flower isn’t fully combusted, some cannabinoids and terpenes often remain, providing a potential avenue for further use.
Infusing AVB allows you to extract these remaining compounds into a carrier oil or butter, essentially creating edibles. This is a resourceful way to maximize your cannabis consumption, turning what would normally be waste into a potent ingredient for cooking or baking. It’s also a discreet and often more cost-effective way to enjoy the effects of cannabis.
How potent is AVB compared to fresh cannabis flower?
The potency of AVB is significantly lower than fresh cannabis flower. The exact percentage of cannabinoids remaining depends on various factors, including the temperature used during vaporization, the duration of vaporization, and the original potency of the flower. Generally, you can expect AVB to contain anywhere from 10% to 30% of the original THC content.
Due to this variability, it’s essential to start with a small dose of AVB infusions and gradually increase until you achieve your desired effect. Remember that edibles often have a delayed onset and can produce more intense effects than inhalation. It is always better to underestimate than to overdo it when consuming edibles made with AVB.
What are the best carrier oils for infusing AVB?
Several carrier oils work well for infusing AVB, each offering slightly different properties and flavor profiles. Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its high fat content, which helps to effectively extract cannabinoids. It also has a relatively neutral flavor and solidifies at room temperature, making it ideal for certain recipes.
Other excellent options include olive oil, which adds a savory flavor that pairs well with savory dishes, and butter, which is a classic choice for baking. MCT oil is another good option that is easily digested. Consider your personal preferences and the intended use of the infused oil when selecting a carrier oil. Also, be mindful of each oil’s smoke point when considering using it for cooking.
What is decarboxylation and do I need to do it before infusing AVB?
Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids like THC and CBD, converting them from their non-psychoactive acid forms (THCA and CBDA) into their active forms. This process is essential for making cannabis edibles effective. Raw cannabis needs to be decarboxylated before infusion to be effective.
The beauty of using AVB is that it has already been decarboxylated during the vaporization process. This means you can skip the decarboxylation step entirely, saving time and effort. The heating process in your vaporizer has already activated the cannabinoids, making them ready for extraction into your chosen carrier oil.
How do I control the flavor of my AVB infusion?
AVB can sometimes have a burnt or nutty flavor, which can transfer to your infused oil or butter. Water curing is a popular method to mitigate this flavor. This involves soaking the AVB in water for several days, changing the water regularly to remove water-soluble compounds that contribute to the unpleasant taste.
Another way to manage the flavor is by using strongly flavored carrier oils like coconut oil or olive oil. Adding herbs or spices to your infusion can also help mask any lingering unwanted flavors. Ultimately, the flavor will depend on the quality of your AVB and the steps you take to minimize unwanted tastes, so experiment to find what works best for you.
What equipment do I need to infuse AVB?
The equipment needed for infusing AVB is relatively simple and readily available. You will need your AVB, your chosen carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, butter), a saucepan or slow cooker, a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, a jar or container for storing the infused oil, and a thermometer (optional, but recommended for temperature control).
For water curing, you will also need a container large enough to hold your AVB and water, along with a method for changing the water regularly (e.g., a colander or strainer). Depending on your chosen method, you might also consider using a double boiler or a precise temperature-controlled water bath (sous vide) for optimal extraction.
How should I store my infused AVB oil or butter?
Proper storage is crucial to preserve the potency and freshness of your infused AVB oil or butter. The best way to store it is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator. This helps to prevent degradation of the cannabinoids and oxidation of the oil.
If stored properly, your infused oil or butter can last for several weeks or even months. Be sure to label the container with the date of infusion and the approximate potency (if known) to avoid any confusion. If you notice any changes in smell, appearance, or taste, it is best to discard the infused oil to avoid any potential health risks.