Don't Throw Out 'The Duff'! Here's Why

Some people call it "the duff." Some people called it AVB (Already Vaped Bud). Others just call it what it is: what's left in your vape after you're done a session. It usually looks something like this: golden brown and crispy.

Many people assume that all the THC has been extracted, and bud is therefore useless once it's been vaped. But that's not true: in fact, there are other cannabinoids that are left untouched in the leftover plant material, and which you can get the most of by following these six tips.

1. Save it up

Some bigger-batch cannabutter recipes recommend using anywhere from an ounce up to 40-60 grams of already-vaped product. As Bustle's Rachel Krantz puts it, "You'll need about twice as much of the duff to make the recipe as strong, and it won't be quite as tasty - but hey, leave no trace, right?"

2. Grind it

If you've done your homework, you're already sold on the importance of grinding: "I really can't stress this point enough," writes The Vape Critic. "I can almost guarantee that grinding finer will get you better results if you're not doing it already, especially with a vape like the Pax." But if you're going to cook with or otherwise consume the AVB, it's necessary to grind it again into an even finer, powder-like consistency, exposing any remaining available THC in the plant matter. All the more reason to invest in a quality grinder.

3. Cook something

If your palate isn't particularly refined, whip up some firecrackers with Nutella or all-natural peanut butter and toss them in the oven. If the thought of sprinkling toasty, post-vaped weed on a bunch of crackers doesn't tantalize you, we hear you on that. Fortunately you can get a little more highbrow. A water cure is supposed to make AVB taste better - and from there, you can make any number of infused goodies.

4. Make capsules

"By putting your AVB into capsules, you can easily carry them with you and take them when you want discreetly," writes Mr Vape of VaporBlog. Check out these image-heavy instructional guides out there to make capsules at home using a dizzying array of gear including soy lecithin, coffee filters, and pizza box with holes punched in the top. It's worth attempting, if you dare: the end product keeps for as long as two years and provides a lovely five-hour body stone.

5. If there's ash, it's trash

Never try to cook with, or otherwise consume, remnants that appear black or ashy. Gross. On this note: if what's left in your vape seems burned, not lightly browed, you're using a higher temperature setting than you need to be. Turn it down.

6. Start small

Leftovers vary in strength: a potent strain will yield more potent AVB - and, as a rule, a lighter colour means higher potency. "On that basis, 1/4 teaspoon of ground AVB is an excellent starting point dose for healthy people to try mixing with their food," writes blogger Old Hippie. "This gets me to a highness level of around 2 to 5, depending on what food I use it with. For a first-time, elderly, anxious user, cardiac patient, or someone with low blood pressure, you might start with 1/8 teaspoon instead, just to be extra safe."

Need more ideas? Happily, there's a subreddit and at least one YouTube channel dedicated to the subject of using AVB.