Consuming cannabis typically involves smoking (combustion) or vaporizing (using heat without burning). When users ask if they can smoke vaporized weed, they are referring to the dark, spent material left behind, known as Already Vaped Bud (AVB). While it is physically possible to smoke AVB, it is generally considered an undesirable method of consumption. Vaporization is designed to avoid harmful combustion byproducts, but smoking the leftover material reintroduces those same risks.
Understanding Already Vaped Bud
AVB is the cannabis flower remaining after use in a dry herb vaporizer. Vaporization heats the flower between 350°F and 430°F, which is below the combustion point. This process releases volatile cannabinoids and terpenes into vapor but does not extract all active compounds. The material changes from green to a dull, dry, brown or tan color, often described as toasted. This color shift shows that most terpenes have been extracted, though a reduced amount of cannabinoids still remains.
Effects and Potency of Smoking AVB
Smoking AVB results in psychoactive effects because residual cannabinoids, including THC, are retained. However, the experience is much milder and less desirable than smoking fresh flower. Potency is significantly reduced, with AVB typically containing only 10% to 30% of the original THC content. Users often report the high feels “duller” or more sedating, possibly due to the presence of CBN (cannabinol), which forms as THC degrades with heat. Furthermore, the sensory experience is characterized by an extremely bitter and unpleasant taste because the flavorful terpenes evaporated during the initial heating cycle.
Health Implications of Smoking Vaporized Material
The primary health advantage of vaporization is avoiding combustion, which reduces exposure to toxic byproducts like tar and carbon monoxide. Smoking AVB immediately negates this benefit, subjecting the material to high burning temperatures. Because AVB is already extremely dry and toasted, its combustion is particularly harsh on the lungs. The degradation of the plant material and lack of moisture contribute to producing dense, acrid smoke containing particulate matter. Reintroducing combustion to this processed material re-exposes the user to the same respiratory irritants and chemical toxins found when smoking fresh flower.
Better Uses for Already Vaped Bud
Given its reduced potency and harshness when smoked, AVB is better suited for non-inhalation methods of consumption. The initial heating acts as decarboxylation, activating the cannabinoids and making them bioavailable for oral consumption. The simplest method is mixing the AVB directly into high-fat foods, since cannabinoids are fat-soluble. Common examples include sprinkling it on yogurt, mixing it into peanut butter, or blending it into a smoothie. Alternatively, AVB can be infused into a carrier fat, such as coconut oil or butter, for baking and cooking. Tinctures can also be made by soaking the AVB in high-proof alcohol to extract the remaining active compounds.