Cannabis Grinding 101

by Sage Vasquez October 14, 2021

If you’re new to the world of cannabis and still trying to figure things out, you may have quickly realized the large, lumpy buds you bring home don’t burn well straight from the bag. Why? It’s only after your cannabis flower has been cleared of its stems and seeds, and ground into smaller uniform bits, is it ready for you to enjoy. And while breaking up all those fresh nugs by hand into same-size pieces can be done, it commonly turns into a sticky, frustrating mess. To aid with such issues, cannabis smokers employ the use of a grinder. A grinder is a device designed to break cannabis bud into fine, evenly ground bits. Using a grinder can quickly alter your smoking experience for the better—since ultimately the secret to a slow-burning joint with a smooth draw is perfectly ground cannabis.

The Benefits of Grinding Cannabis

Speed. The obvious benefit of using a grinder to break up cannabis flower is speed. Even super sticky bud which requires serious dedication to breaking down by hand can be ground down in seconds with a grinder.
Consistency. Unlike hand-ground bud, flower worked through a grinder will be uniform and consistent, usually allowing an easier and tighter roll. Being able to pack the bud tighter, whether in a joint or a bowl, will generally result in a slower burn.
Potency. Much of your cannabis flower’s potency is derived from its trichomes, the small, hair-like structures giving fresh nugs their frosty aesthetic. Since trichomes are delicate and sticky—a grinder keeps these potent sticky trichomes on your bud instead of all over your hands.
Kief. The crystal, powder-like formations on the end of your bud’s trichomes are called kief. Some grinders offer kief-catchers, collecting these fine kief powders into their own chamber. After grinding an adequate amount of flower, the chamber will contain a highly potent kief collection to incorporate into your next joint.

Regardless of your rolling abilities, crafting a perfect joint is nearly impossible without a grinder. There are several ways to grind cannabis if you don’t have a grinder, but if you’re still not achieving those smooth-hitting joints, blunts, bowls, it’s likely time to consider one.