It is possible to consume the dried plant matter left over after using a vaporizer, a material commonly referred to as Already Vaped Bud, or AVB. This leftover cannabis is orally active, meaning it can produce psychoactive effects when ingested. The ability to consume AVB stems from a fundamental chemical change that occurs during the vaporization process, effectively pre-activating the material for digestion. AVB represents a unique form of edible cannabis that bypasses the traditional preparation steps.
How Vaping Activates Cannabis for Consumption
Raw cannabis flower contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which is not psychoactive when consumed orally. For the material to produce the desired effects, THCA must be converted into delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) through decarboxylation. This chemical reaction involves the removal of a carboxyl group from the molecule, which is typically achieved through the application of heat. The heat generated inside a dry herb vaporizer is sufficient to trigger this conversion.
The vaporization temperature, which usually ranges between 200°F and 440°F, converts THCA into psychoactive THC without causing the material to combust. Since the material is not completely burned, the resulting AVB is fully decarboxylated and ready for absorption by the body. AVB is already “activated” and does not require any further heating or cooking before being eaten, unlike raw cannabis, which would simply pass through the body without notable effect.
Safety Considerations When Eating Vaped Material
Consuming AVB introduces unique safety concerns because the material was originally intended for inhalation, not ingestion.
Contaminant Concentration
One significant risk involves the concentration of contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals. These substances, which may have been present on the original cannabis flower, can become concentrated in the leftover plant material after the vaporization process. While not all of these compounds are fully volatilized and inhaled, the residue that remains may contain concentrated levels that are then ingested.
Microbial Growth
Another important health consideration relates to the potential for microbial growth, specifically mold and bacteria. If AVB is stored improperly in a damp or warm environment, the plant matter can become a breeding ground for these organisms. Ingesting moldy material can lead to illness, making airtight storage in a cool, dark location a necessary precaution. Furthermore, if the cannabis was vaped at extremely high temperatures, degradation products may have formed, introducing compounds into the AVB that are not ideal for consumption.
Practical Ways to Consume Already Vaped Bud
To achieve the intended effects, the remaining THC in AVB must be consumed alongside a fatty medium because cannabinoids are fat-soluble. The digestive system absorbs THC much more efficiently when it is bound to a dietary fat like butter, coconut oil, or peanut butter. Simply swallowing the dry AVB material without a fat source will result in significantly reduced absorption and a diminished effect.
One of the simplest consumption methods is to mix the AVB directly into a high-fat food, such as yogurt, a smoothie made with whole milk, or peanut butter on toast. Another popular, discreet method involves filling empty gelatin capsules with the dry AVB material and swallowing them like a pill. Because AVB often has a strong, burnt popcorn-like flavor, many users try a process called “water curing” before consumption, which involves soaking the AVB in water to leach out some of the unpleasant-tasting compounds. This step improves palatability but is not necessary to activate the cannabinoids.
Expected Effects and Potency Management
The psychoactive effects experienced from eating AVB are characteristic of edibles, specifically a delayed onset and a significantly longer duration. Users should expect to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to as long as two hours for the initial effects to begin, as the material must pass through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver. Once the effects begin, they can last for an extended period, typically between four and eight hours.
Potency depends on the original strength of the cannabis and the temperature setting used during the initial vaporization. Lighter brown AVB indicates that more cannabinoids remain in the material, making it more potent than dark brown or nearly black AVB. While fresh cannabis can contain 15% to 25% THC, AVB is estimated to retain a lower percentage, often in the range of 3% to 6%. To manage the experience effectively, it is advisable to begin with a very conservative dose, such as a quarter or half of a teaspoon of AVB, and wait a minimum of two hours before considering any additional amount.