Ganja Guides

How to Grind Weed Without A Grinder

grinding weed methods

Have you found yourself without a grinder or simply want to break up your weed without buying an extra accessory? Almost every stoner has been there. Learning how to grind weed without a grinder is an essential skill for anyone who likes to smoke on the go or even those who prefer a more minimalist smoking session. Check out these helpful tips and you’ll never have to worry about finding a way to grind herb sans grinder, ever again.

Photo: Pexels

Easily Break Up Your Weed

There’s no need to worry when you find yourself without any accessories to break up your precious cannabis flower. You might be happily surprised at how easy it is to crush weed without a grinder when you find a method that works with your favorite smoking routines. Whether you want to smoke weed that’s chunky or ground into a fine powder, there’s certainly a technique here for you to achieve that perfect weed consistency without a grinder in sight! 

5 Ways How to Grind Weed Without A Grinder

Experiment with these following methods and you might not want to go back to using a grinder at all! From DIY weed grinders to using everyday kitchen items, you don’t need to spend any extra money to ensure your cannabis is the best texture every time. 

Pick Flower Apart

finger ground weed
Grind weed with just your fingers and some patience! (Source: Unsplash)


This is hands down the simplest method to crush weed without a grinder. It’s so easy to grind weed with your hands so that the buds are ready to smoke! Pull the buds apart into smaller chunks. If the weed is especially powdery, crushing it between your thumb and index finger usually does the trick. With stickier cannabis, carefully pull your small pieces of bud apart into even smaller pieces until the consistency is to your liking. 

Container and Coins

weed container for coins
All you need is a plastic or metal container, coins, and momentum! (Source: Unsplash)


If your cannabis already came in a small jar, you only need some coins to break it apart! You can also use plastic prescription bottles or small Tupperware/mason jars. First, clean the coins with isopropyl alcohol followed by soap and water and dry them off. Then, place your weed and 2 to 3 small coins into the jar. Pennies and dimes usually work the best. Shake the jar vigorously for about a minute. Look inside and find your weed broken down! 

Knife or Scissors

knife for chopping
You can skip a grinder by using a knife or scissors and a smooth surface (Source: PxFuel)


Marijuana is organic plant matter just like the vegetables and fruit in your kitchen are! Place your cannabis on a cutting board and chop up the weed the same way you would with a bundle of herbs or garnishes. Scissors also work if you prefer to use them! Both of these objects let you closely control the consistency of the ground up flower. 

Coffee Grinder

coffee grinder alternative
Empty out your coffee grinder and transform it into a multipurpose grinder! (Source: Unsplash)


If you have either an electric or handheld coffee grinder, you’re already prepared to grind weed right in your own kitchen. First, clean the coffee grinder so that coffee residue doesn’t mix with your cannabis. Place your weed inside the grinder, leaving a good amount of room for the cannabis to be mixed up. This is a great option for those who prefer a much finer consistency when smoking. 

Mortar and Pestle Grinder

mortar and pestle option
Mortars and pestels are classic, trusty grinding tools! (Source: Unsplash)


Last but not least, your mortar and pestle is more than just a helpful cooking and medicinal tool. Just put your weed into the bowl and crush it until the bud is broken down the way you like it. It’s a little more difficult than simply cutting up the weed, but this lets you control the process a lot more! Try it for yourself and you’ll look cool as hell preparing weed in your kitchen with a mortar and pestle.

Smoke Some Weed Without A Grinder!

Now that you’ve read up on the best ways to grind weed when you don’t have a grinder nearby, you can begin breaking down even the densest of nugs. When marijuana is ground down before smoking, it makes for a better hit that extracts more of the flower’s THC when lit. Plus, the process brings out the best aromas out of the strain you’ve chosen, so it’s always important to grind your weed! 

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About Olivia

Olivia, our Oakland-based cannabis guides writer, graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She's an independent writer, cannabis enthusiast and Sales Lead at her local dispensary. She's also a recent grad, history buff, and has a passion for animals. You can reach her at [email protected].