We've all been there. You have some flower but no grinder. Now what?! Unground weed can burn away more weed and in some cases not even burn. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so we've rounded up some effective methods for when you're in a pinch.
What is a Weed Grinder?
Grinders break down cannabis buds into smaller bits to provide a more convenient and smooth smoke. They come in many sizes and shapes, often with multiple inserts, to enhance the cannabis experience. Some grinders have three chambers to include a kief catcher, while others are made from a simple small container.
If you don't have one of these on hand, here's a few work-arounds:
Coffee Grinder
If you find yourself at home without a grinder, you are in luck - there are plenty of household items that can do the trick! Just put your weed bud into the coffee grinder and turn it on until the weed is in even, small pieces.
Make sure to clean out the device of coffee bean residue properly - unless you want a hint of coffee bean with your next smoke.
Key Notes
- Clean your grinder before and after.
- Don't use large buds as they may damage your coffee grinder.
- Pack the buds loosely into the grinder to protect the device.
Cheese Grater
A cheese grater can help you simplify the grinding process. Using the side of the cheese grater with smaller holes, rub marijuana bud up and down to grind it up. Just be sure to watch your fingers as you get into it.
The downside of this method is that it may be tough to get weed out of tiny crevices. Use a poker for the hard-to-reach places and rinse the cheese grater thoroughly.
Mortar & Pestle
When grinding your cannabis with Mortar & Pestle, make sure to use dried and cured weed. Moist cannabis is harder to grind down by mortar and pestle, so be sure to apply some elbow grease.
For the best overall experience with your cannabis, try not to smash it with your pestle completely. As always, be sure to clean your equipment properly before and after each use.
Key Notes
- Allow your cannabis to dry before using your mortar and pestle.
- Clean your equipment well before and after to keep your herb and "herbs" separated.
- Do not grind too hard as it reduces the quality of your cannabis and smoking experience.
Cutting Board and Knife
Lay out your cutting board and get a sharp knife. A dull knife will smash your cannabis, which isn't ideal, particularly if grinding buds for a joint. Use your kitchen knife to julienne your cannabis, leaving perfect small pieces behind.
Shot Glass & Scissors
Wash a shot glass and pair of scissors. Place your bud into the shot glass and cut it apart with your scissors. The shot glass keeps everything contained while the scissors work their magic. When you finish chopping away at your cannabis flower, you can use the shot glass to pour your ground weed into a bowl, bong, or joint.
Pill Bottle and Coin
Take an empty pill bottle and put a couple of your favorite dank buds into it. Ideally, add a coin, dime, or penny before fastening the top of the bottle. With the coins inside, shake the pill bottle quickly to mix the contents inside. The coins will tear away at the buds, grinding down the cannabis in different ways without the need for a flat surface.
Take some time every once in a while to check your progress. Once you are satisfied with how the flower looks and are ready to load it into your bowl, you can pour the contents using a credit card to guide the cannabis down the paper toward your bowl or another piece of smoking equipment.
Key Notes
- All you need is a pill bottle and spare change
- Shake vigorously
- Check your progress every 30 seconds or so
- Sanitize coin first
Pick Apart
Picking apart your weed by hand is fine and effective if you aren't trying to break down large quantities. Some buds are so sticky some non-stick gloves could come in handy.
Key Notes
- Ideal in a pinch, but not great for large quantities
- Sticky bud will adhere to your fingers.
- Wash your hands and dry them properly first.
DynaVap Built-In Grinder
DynaVap dry herb vaporizers have a built-in grinder, so you can grind your herb while you are out and about.
Take a small amount of your herb and place it into the grinding chamber at the end of the device. As the bud fits snugly into the grinding chamber, firmly turn the device itself to allow the serrated edge to break down the bud. You will quickly notice that the cannabis grinds to a fluffy composite.
The difference between a traditional grinder and the DynaVp built-in grinder will come down to the consistency and quality of the cannabis. The DynaVap built-in grinder will leave cannabis slightly larger and fluffier rather than ground down super fine.
Key Notes
- Consider wearing gloves as bud can be pretty sticky.
- The DynaVap built-in grinder can be used on the go.
Black Pepper Grinder
Black pepper grinders are the perfect last-minute fix. Wash out the inside of the device thoroughly to avoid any potentially harsh and spicy tastes with your next bowl. Only use dried weed because moist cannabis can gum up the mechanism, ruining your cannabis. Finally, empty the grinder of all leftover kief and resin.
