How to Use the Whole Plant After Harvest
We like big buds it’s true, but there is so much more to breaking down your cannabis plant than just the dried flower. After all the hard work of harvest is done, the sheer volume of leftover leaves, stem, and roots can feel a bit overwhelming to first time growers. But don’t go throwing that lush greenery in the trash! Making use of the full cannabis plant is cost-effective, useful, and actually kind of fun - not to mention the added perk of fully embracing your inner Martha Stewart.
Sugar Leaves
The small, resin coated leaves that form around the buds are known as sugar leaves. These little leaves are absolutely packed with trichomes and rich in cannabinoids. Not to be confused with trim, sugar leaves have a higher potency making them ideal for making canna-butter, or a solventless concentrate like bubble hash.
Trim
Trim refers to the larger leaves of the cannabis plant, also known as fan leaves or solar panel leaves. These leaves are essential while the plant is growing, their broad surface capturing solar energy. After harvest, the majority of leftover plant material will likely be trim leaves. They have a low cannabinoid content, making it great for making salves, brewing into tea, or as a compost.
Stems
The stems are just like any other plant, composing the base and branches on which the leaves and flowers grow. Cannabis plants have extremely fibrous stalks, which is why it can be used to make everything from paper to clothing (where the laws allow). In terms of home use, stems break down into a nutrient-packed mulch that can be used in the garden or compost.
Roots
There is evidence dating back to 2700 BCE to support cannabis roots being used as a medicine in ancient societies. Healers believed brewing roots into tea could treat pain, gonorrhea, and hemorrhaging during pregnancies. Now, we aren’t saying that cannabis roots will cure your STI because spoiler alert - it won’t. However, if you would like to make use of cannabinoids in your plant’s roots, they can be brewed into a tea or ground into a powder to add to oils or topical creams.