What Part of Pot Plant Can You Smoke?

Pot, weed, marijuana – these are some of the common names used to refer to cannabis. The plant is known for its psychoactive and medicinal properties. The cannabis plant contains various compounds that have different effects on the body when smoked, ingested or applied topically. The part of the plant that is smoked the most is the buds, but other parts of the plant can also be smoked.

The Cannabis Plant

The cannabis plant is made up of various parts – stem, leaves, flowers, and roots. Each part of the plant has a different use. The roots of the cannabis plant are not smoked or ingested, but they can be beneficial for controlling erosion and preventing soil runoff. The stem and leaves of the cannabis plant contain lower levels of THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol) – the psychoactive compound in marijuana – compared to the buds or flowers.

The Buds of the Cannabis Plant

The buds, also known as the flowers, are the most potent and widely smoked part of the cannabis plant. The buds contain the highest concentration of THC, which is the reason why they are preferred for smoking. The buds are usually harvested after the plant has gone through the flowering stage, which takes anywhere from 8-12 weeks. Once the buds are harvested, they are dried and cured before they are ready for smoking.

The Leaves of the Cannabis Plant

The leaves of the cannabis plant also contain THC but in lower concentrations compared to the buds. Some strains of the cannabis plant have higher levels of THC in their leaves, making them suitable for smoking. The leaves can also be used for making edibles or extracts for medicinal purposes. However, the leaves have a harsh taste and can cause an unpleasant smoking experience. As a result, most smokers prefer to smoke the buds rather than the leaves.

The Cannabis Plant's Resin

The resin, also known as the trichomes, is where the highest concentration of THC is found. The resin is found on the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant and is responsible for giving the plant its sticky texture. The resin can be harvested and used for making concentrates like hashish, wax or shatter. These concentrates have a higher concentration of THC compared to smoking the buds or leaves, which can result in a stronger high.

Conclusion

When it comes to smoking cannabis, the buds are the most popular part of the plant to smoke. However, other parts like the leaves and resin can also be used for smoking or making extracts. It is important to note that smoking any part of the cannabis plant can have negative health effects, especially if it is smoked frequently or in large amounts. Always smoke cannabis responsibly and consult a doctor if you experience any health problems related to smoking cannabis.