Picking out the seeds and stems from marijuana buds is an essential step in preparing cannabis for consumption. While some novice users may be unaware of the importance of this process, removing seeds and stems improves the quality, taste, and potency of your cannabis.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking out seeds and stems. including
- Why it’s important
- When to do it
- How to do it properly
- Tools and supplies that help
- What to do with the seeds
- Common mistakes to avoid
Why Is It Important to Remove Seeds and Stems?
Seeds and stems are considered impurities that detract from the overall quality of cannabis buds. Here’s why you should take the time to remove them:
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Improves taste – Seeds and stems add a bitter, vegetal taste when smoked or vaporized. Removing them results in smoother, tastier hits.
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Increases potency – Stems and seeds contain very low levels of THC and other cannabinoids compared to the bud Eliminating them allows you to get the full potency from your marijuana
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Smooths the smoking experience – Stems can snap and pop when burned, creating an unpleasant sensation. Picking them out prevents this.
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Reduces headaches and coughing – The woody/plant matter flavor of stems commonly causes headaches and coughing when smoked
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Enhances effects – With stems and seeds removed, the full effects of the THC and other cannabinoids come through. The high feels cleaner and more enjoyable.
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Improves appearance – Buds look more dense and impressive when stems and seeds are picked out.
As you can see, taking the time to remove impurities really pays off with better taste, potency, and overall experience. Now let’s look at when and how to properly pick them out.
When to Remove Seeds and Stems
The ideal time to pick out seeds and stems is after harvest but before using the buds. Here are the basic steps:
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Harvest and dry the buds.
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Carefully break up the dried buds by hand over a clean surface.
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Inspect for and pick out any seeds and stems.
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Enjoy your clean marijuana buds!
Seeds are easiest to spot and remove when buds are dried but not yet cured. The drying process causes the buds to contract away from the seeds, making them more visible.
You generally don’t want to pick out seeds and stems from fresh buds right after harvesting. The seeds are harder to see, and it can damage the delicate trichomes on the buds.
The most thorough seed and stem removal happens when breaking up buds right before smoking or vaporizing. But be very gentle, as fully cured buds are quite dry and delicate.
How to Properly Remove Seeds and Stems
When you inspect and break apart your marijuana buds, follow these tips for safely maximizing removal of seeds and stems:
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Work over a smooth, clean surface like a mirror, glass, or ceramic plate to catch fallen trichomes. Use a credit card or scraper to collect them afterward.
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Pick out stems first. They are harder and easier to feel than seeds. Take your time and be thorough in removing even tiny stem pieces.
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Next look for seeds. Tend to dense buds gently, opening them up to uncover hidden seeds. Seeds feel oval and firm.
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Pull out seeds and stems with tweezers for precision. Using fingers can damage trichomes.
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Avoid breaking up buds too finely. Crushing releases more vegetal flavors. Stop once the major stems and most seeds are removed.
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Inspect each bud individually and turn it to see all sides. Check inside natural folds and crevices.
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Keep plucking until no more seeds or stems are found. Check again before using the buds.
Taking your time ensures the most thorough removal of impurities for maximum quality and potency. Being methodical about it leads to the best outcome.
Tools and Supplies for Easy Seed and Stem Removal
Having the right tools makes removing marijuana seeds and stems much simpler. Here are some recommended supplies to have:
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Sharp tweezers or hemostats – For precision removal of stems and seeds. The sharp pointed tips can get into tight spaces.
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Plastic scraper – Collects trichomes that fall off while working. Also useful for scraping work surface.
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Clean mirror, glass, or ceramic surface – Provides an optimal smooth, hard surface for breaking up buds over.
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Cannabis trimming tray – Special trays with a screen bottom to safely capture trimmings.
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Magnifying glass – For inspecting buds closely. Helps identify small stems and seeds.
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Toothpicks or probes – For digging out stuck stems or seeds in denser buds. Avoid damaging buds.
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Container for collecting seeds – A coin envelope, pill bottle, or small jar to collect seeds if saving them.
The right tools allow you to easily break apart buds, tweeze out impurities, and gather up trichomes without making a mess or damaging delicate trichomes. Quality tools are a smart investment for improving your preparation process.
What to Do With the Seeds
When you’ve picked all the seeds and stems out of your marijuana buds, you’re left with the question of what to do with the seeds. Here are some options:
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Discard seeds if unlikely to be viable – Seeds that came from lower quality cannabis often aren’t worth planting. Toss them out.
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Save viable seeds for planting – If the seeds came from high quality buds, they may produce quality plants. Store in a cool, dry place.
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Use seeds for arts and crafts – Glue seeds to make pictures or jewelry. Just avoid inhaling fumes if heating or treating them.
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Extract seed oils – The oils from cannabis seeds can be extracted and used in cooking or topicals. Requires proper equipment.
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Throw in bird feeder – Seeds can provide food for wild birds in your yard. Not suitable for pet birds.
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Use as compost – Effective green compost can be made using discarded seeds and stems. Chop or grind them first.
Consider how much time and effort went into the grow before throwing viable seeds away. But also be realistic about their likely quality and viability. With lower grade seeds, throwing them out is usually the best option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Seeds and Stems
Picking out cannabis seeds and stems does take some finesse. Here are common mistakes to be aware of:
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Breaking up buds too early or roughly – Handle freshly harvested buds very gently and wait until fully dried before picking.
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Failing to inspect thoroughly – Take your time and check each part of each bud closely for seeds and stems.
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Not working over a smooth surface – Use something like a plate or glass to collect fallen trichomes. Don’t lose them!
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Pulling too hard on stuck stems – Use tweezers and toothpicks gently to remove stubborn stems. Avoid tearing buds.
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Forgetting to check again before using – Give your buds one last inspection right before consuming to catch any last impurities.
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Pushing seeds into buds – Use tweezers to remove seeds. Pushing them in just hides them deeper in the bud.
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Assuming bud appearance means it’s free of stems – Even buds that look smooth and stem-free can hide tiny stem pieces within. Check thoroughly.
With careful attention and the right techniques, you’ll master the art of thoroughly picking out seeds and stems for pure, smooth-smoking buds. Just remember to be patient and handle the buds gently.
Picking out cannabis seeds and stems is an essential step all medical and recreational marijuana users should incorporate in preparing their buds. When done properly after harvest and again before smoking or vaping, removing impurities provides huge dividends in potency, smoothness, and enjoyable effects. Equip yourself with quality tools, take your time, and be thorough. With a bit of practice, you’ll be proficient at de-seeding and de-stemming your buds like a pro!
