What is Weed Shake?

Every part of a cannabis flower is valuable, even the often overlooked pieces like weed shake that accumulate at the bottom of your stash jar. You can even buy weed shake at your local dispensary at a discount but it’s normally lower quality with reduced potency. Here’s our guide on weed shake and what you can do with it.

Photo: Unsplash

Shake weed definition

Weed or marijuana shake refers to the tiny and loose pieces of cannabis flower that settle at the bottom of a container. It comprises small buds, trichomes, leaves, and trimmings that naturally break off during handling or storage.

Because the weed shake was once part of the whole cannabis buds, it still contains the precious THC, CBD, and terpenes. 

Shake weed vs nugs

Now that you know what a weed shake is, let’s now compare it to the much-coveted nugget or nug across various aspects. 

Appearance 

Nugs or buds usually have an aesthetically pleasing and compact appearance. Some strains also have royal purple leaves and buds, adding appeal to the whole outlook. Shake, conversely, is made up of broken and tiny buds and stems that lack the attractiveness of whole buds.

Cost 

When it comes to cost, whole buds usually cost more compared to shake. This is because nugs have higher potency and quality than shake which can contain broken leaves and stems. 

However, your choice will depend on your preferences, budget, and more. For instance, whole nugs might be your ideal option if you’re looking for a powerful buzz. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, convenient option, weed shake is the way to go, especially for rolling joints.

Is shake weed good?

Some prefer weed shake as it provides a convenient way to consume cannabis since you don’t have to grind up your bud. Also, it’s versatile in that it can be consumed in several ways, including smoking, in edibles, tinctures, topicals, and more. 

Is weed shake less potent?

The potency of shake is typically lower than flower, due to the lower amount of cannabinoids. However, it can still deliver a milder psychoactive experience. 

The potency of a shake will depend on: 

Quality 

Occasionally, the shake breaks off of top shelf, potent flower. If so, it contains lots of kief or resin, increasing the potency of your shake. 

In most cases though, shake will consist of broken leaves and stems that won’t deliver enough of the much-needed cannabinoids and terpenes. 

Storage conditions 

As most of you know, exposing weed to elements such as light, high temperature, and air can degrade the cannabinoids, leading to lower potency. Hence, storing your weed shake in unfavorable conditions will definitely affect the potency. 

For this reason, it’s crucial to store the shake in an airtight and dark container to preserve the potency. 

What do you do with shake 

Here are ways to consume marijuana shake:

Smoking 

Smoking is one of the popular ways to enjoy weed shake. Its finely ground consistency makes it easier to roll the classic joints. You can also use it in your hand pipes and bong bowls and enjoy the subtler effects of your favorite strain. 

In tea

Add enough shake to hot tea to create a cannabis-infused chai latte. However, it’s crucial to mind the dosage to avoid issues such as overconsumption. Additionally, you must decarboxylate the shake before infusing it with your tea. Add a sweetener or lemon to improve the whole experience, especially if you don’t like the earthy taste of cannabis.

Besides brewing tea, you can also use shake weed to prepare brownies, cookies, cannabutter, and more. Once the herb is  ready to go, you can enjoy high tea in all its glory.Tinctures 

Worried about the shake at the bottom of your storage container? In today’s DIY world, most people prefer undertaking projects themselves instead of purchasing finished products. This is no different when it comes to homemade tinctures and topicals. 

Moreover, you can infuse the shake into oils or lotions to create homemade cannabis topicals. 

What are the cons of shake 

Here are the negatives of a cannabis shake:

Inconsistent potency 

Shake is composed of small buds, trichomes and leaves that have fallen off during handling or storage. Thus, the concentration may vary from one batch to another. This makes it hard to predict the effects, affecting the whole experience, especially for novice smokers. 

Potential contaminants 

Contaminants such as broken stems and leaves can affect the quality of your stash. They can even lead to irritation and a burning feeling in your throat. 

Shaking up cannabis culture 

Weed shake can still deliver a satisfying, although unpredictable high. You can use it to roll your joints, and make morning tea or topicals for your skin.