What is a Cannabis Grinder and Why Do I Need One?

Last updated on

Are you experimenting with new and different ways to smoke your favorite buds? If so, you could benefit from learning more about cannabis grinders.

Here we’ll explore exactly what a marijuana grinder is, how to use one, and the benefits of grinding your cannabis flowers.

What is a Marijuana Grinder?

A marijuana grinder is exactly what it sounds like — a small, handheld grinder used to grind your own cannabis buds. Not all grinders are created equal. Some are as simple as a simple board, similar to a cheese grinder where users scrape the buds against the rough edge.

While others are more complex and include several different chambers for holding and grinding cannabis flowers while simultaneously catching falling particles (more on this later).

Where Can I Get One?

Despite popular belief, it’s not hard to get your hands on a cannabis grinder. Most can be found at your local smoke shop or online. Smoking or vaping cannabis is also growing in popularity, making grinders more readily available.

Users feel the immediate effects of the active ingredients when they are inhaled. That’s because the cannabinoids enter your body directly through the lungs. There, they’re instantly absorbed into the body, with users feeling the effects within minutes.

GrindeROO Herb Grinder

How Do I Use a Marijuana Grinder?

If you’re looking for the most effective and efficient way to grind your own cannabis flowers, you’ll want to invest in a multi-chamber grinder from the capu.de.

That’s not to say that you can’t use other methods to grind your nugs, but a grinder is the easiest and most efficient way to do so.

A multi-chamber grinder helps create a smoother end product. Ground herbs can be used in bowls, pipes, or rolled into joints and blunts.

The screen is where you place the whole cannabis bud. Above the screen are the grinding blades, also known as teeth. These are the sharp parts of the grinder that do most of the work.

The lid then attaches to this chamber to keep the contents safely inside the chamber while grinding.

Quality grinders also have a kief catcher below the screen. This area of the grinder collects any kief knocked off of the flowers. Kief are the tiny, sticky crystals found on the cannabis flower and are similar to pollen found on other plant life.

Some people don’t realize just how beneficial these crystals are. Kief is an extremely potent part of the cannabis flower and popular for use in cooking edibles.

A quality grinder will collect the kief during the grinding process so you can use it later on. Some people choose to top their bowl or pipe with the kief before smoking.

Reasons to Use a Cannabis Grinder

Don’t be intimidated by the grinding process. While it may sound complex and involved, it’s actually quite easy to learn and extremely beneficial.

Grinding allows you to get the most out of your cannabis buds. Not only is this one of the freshest ways to create ground cannabis, but it also preserves the kief.

Grinding your own cannabis also takes the guesswork out of what supplier to buy from or if the product you’re smoking is potent. You’re the one grinding the flowers and therefore can keep the process pure.

The cannabis never comes in contact with your hand during the grinding process, preserving its smell and taste. This guarantees you get the most out of your cannabis experience.

The smoke of freshly ground cannabis is also less harsh, making it perfect for beginners or those more sensitive smoking cannabis.

In the long-run, using a cannabis grinder also saves you time and money.

Clean-Up

While the sticky crystals found on the cannabis flower are some of the most potent parts of the plant, they’re also the messiest! Once the grinding process is over, you’ll need to clean-up.

Properly caring for your grinder will ensure it lasts a long time and functions properly at each use. The good news is it takes several uses for this sticky residue to build, but to avoid it altogether, wipe down your marijuana grinder after each use.

Be sure to check the threading on each piece of your grinder. This is where the sticky kief collects, creating a seal that’s sometimes impossible to break.

Ready to give your grinder a thorough cleaning? Here are a few tips!

This process is similar to cleaning a traditional bong or pipe. Start by using salt and isopropyl alcohol. This combination works perfectly for removing sticky residue from the grinding mechanism.

Next, take a small paint brush or toothbrush and knock any kief residue from the screen. A pro tip for easy clean-up — store your cannabis grinder in the freezer. Not only does this reduce the amount of sticky build-up, but it makes removing the stuck-on kief much easier.

A cannabis grinder costs anywhere from $10 to $100 or more, depending on the brand and quality.

If you plan to grind your cannabis buds regularly, consider investing in a more expensive grinder. Otherwise, opt for an inexpensive but effective one that you can keep clean or replace when the time comes.

What to Look for When Buying a Marijuana Grinder

Interested in grinding your own cannabis but aren’t sure what type of grinder to buy? Here are a few features to look for before making a purchase.

Price

You get what you pay for. As mentioned earlier, the more expensive the grinder, the longer it will last. Start with a reasonably priced cannabis grinder to see if you enjoy the process and the end result. If so, it may be time to upgrade to a more expensive grinder.

Material

Marijuana grinders come in a variety of materials including wood, metallic, and acrylic. Each has their own pros and cons.

While wood grinders are often ornately decorated, they only contain one chamber, meaning they lack the additional chamber for collecting kief.

Although acrylic grinders are perfectly safe, they’re not as durable as their metallic or wood counterparts. Metallic (or aluminum) is the most popular grinder choice thanks to its durability, multiple chambers, and easy clean-up.

marijuana kief

Manual vs. Electric

That’s right — cannabis grinders come in both manual and electric varieties. Electric grinders are battery operated and often produce a finer product than the manual variety. They also work fast, thanks to the electric powered motor.

On the other hand, manual grinders are more reasonably priced and have less risk of breaking. Electric grinders can also be more difficult to clean.

Invest in a Cannabis Grinder for a Purer Product

Cannabis products are beneficial in all forms — from gummies and edibles to oils and topical creams.

But if you’re looking for fine, pure ground cannabis flowers, investing in your own marijuana grinders is the way to go. With a little research, practice, and maintenance, you can make your pure and potent dry blend every time.

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.