Leaves are the primary energy gatherers of the cannabis plant. Green chlorophyll in the leaves helps harvest the sun’s energy, transforming it into vital fuel. Without healthy leaves, the cannabis plant is not able to live up to its full potential.
However, it is the buds of the cannabis plant that are harvested for medical and recreational use, meaning marijuana leaves that are pruned during cultivation and harvest are often seen as a byproduct, rather than a valuable product of the cannabis plant.
Types of Cannabis Leaves
Before diving into all the exciting ways to use cannabis leaves, let’s start with some marijuana leaf basics.
Many users ask about how many leaves the marijuana plant has. While the number of leaflets (the individual fingers of the leaf) on marijuana leaves may differ depending on the type of cannabis plant, its place in the growth cycle, and more, they will have a odd number of leaflets, with mature leaves displaying serrated edges. Usually the number of leaflets is between 7-9, but some marijuana leaves can have up to 13.
When deciding how to use cannabis leaves, it’s important to first recognize that there are two types of leaves on a cannabis plant – the fan leaf and the sugar leaf. The two types of cannabis leaves have unique features that you may find makes them more ideal for a particular use.
Fan Leaf: Broad marijuana leaves that shoulder most of the cannabis plant’s light gathering. Cannabis fan leaves are often recognized as the iconic symbol for cannabis. Fan leaves on indica plants are typically darker green with wider “fingers,” while sativa’s fan leaves often are lighter in color with lean, slender “fingers.” Cannabis fan leaves on hybrid cannabis strains generally feature a blend of the two. These leaves are typically trimmed during cultivation and contain low levels of cannabinoids. While they are among the most under-recognized and under-utilized parts of the cannabis plant, cannabis fan leaves are filled with flavor, resin, and phytonutrients that support wellness and health.
Sugar Leaf: Smaller marijuana leaves that grow close to the cannabis plant’s flowers or “buds” during the plant’s flowering stage. Often times marijuana sugar leaves are hidden, with only their tips peaking through the larger marijuana fan leaves. Marijuana sugar leaves are usually trimmed after harvest to make buds appear more appealing to consumers, either before or after drying and curing. So you may need a best trimming machine. Sugar leaves are typically coated in white, delicious trichomes as if coated with a dusting of powdered sugar, and contain higher levels of cannabinoids than fan leaves.
ECO Farm 16/19 Inch Manual Leaf Bowl Trimmer Machine
Material and Includes: Acrylic transparent cover, 24* black rubber strip and black rubber ring, stainless steel mesh and basin(16inch), 4* rubber column, 1* serrated blade for dry trim, 1* straight blade for wet trim, 1*scissors.
Visual Cutting: Transparent plastic cover with high transparency, easy to observe the cutting situation. The cover made of acrylic is strong and firm.
Function: Trim twigs and remove leaves (hydroponic)
Powerful Scissors: Harness the power of 30 scissors in 1 unit
Highly quality: Come with sharp blade make clean quality cuts and minimize the damage done to the plants.
These two types of marijuana leaves are often discarded, but they can be very valuable for making nutritious and cannabinoid-infused beverages and edibles that you can make at home or to amend previously-used soil to grow strong and healthy plants.
HOW TO USE CANNABIS FAN LEAVES
So, are fan leaves really worth saving? The answer is: absolutely! Fan leaves provide powerful phytonutrients and can be used to make your own skin products, teas, and more. To make better use with leaves, a best rosin press machine can help you more. Learn how to use them below.
USE YOUR FAN LEAVES IN SALADS AND SMOOTHIES
There’s a big difference between raw and cooked fan leaves. In raw leaves, the trace amounts of cannabinoids exist as cannabinoid acids; this means THCA, and CBDA. It’s only when heat is applied, through a process known as decarboxylation, that these cannabinoids are converted into their conventional, active forms.
THCA and CBDA exhibit impressive health benefits nonetheless. CBDA boasts anti-inflammatory effects, whereas THCA is effective for pain and potentially protecting the brain against degenerative diseases. These traits make raw cannabis a superfood—and one capable of putting other salad leaves to shame. Simply enrich your dishes with cannabinoids by sprinkling cannabis leaves into salads and fruit smoothies.
USE THEM IN VEGETABLE ROASTS
THCA starts to decarboxylate into THC at around 115°C. You can convert the cannabinoid acids in your fan leaves by using them in a dish such as a vegetable roast. They offer a superfood punch alongside potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.
MAKE A RELAXING TEA
Fan leaves can be used to make a soothing tea. Steeping dried leaves into hot water will extract tasty terpenes and offer a refreshing drink. The cannabinoids aren't water-soluble, but you can extract them too by adding a source of fat such as butter or coconut oil. If you’re after THC and CBD, be sure to decarboxylate your leaves in the oven beforehand.
CRAFT BALMS AND LOTIONS
Cannabis balms, creams, and lotions do wonders for the skin. CBD and THC activate cannabinoid receptors in the skin and help to combat inflammation and regulate cell proliferation. These receptors have even been referred to as a potential pathway in the treatment of skin disorders.
Cannabis topicals can help to keep skin healthy, and can also help tackle the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Cannabis leaves can be infused into a plethora of topicals. It’s up to you to get creative and add as many skin-nourishing plants, oils, and nutrients as possible. Discover a lotion recipe here, simply replace cannabis flowers with fan leaves.
DO FAN LEAVES CONTAIN CANNABINOIDS?
Some growers only value parts of the cannabis plant based on cannabinoid content. Hence, the flowers are the most prized structure. Fan leaves do indeed contain cannabinoids, but only in trace amounts. The average fan leaf contains around 0.3% THC and 0.7% CBD. Many growers may scoff at these levels, but we’re not suggesting to roll a 2m joint for a half-baked high. Fan leaves are a decent source of dietary cannabinoids and can be incorporated into many culinary creations.
Final thoughts
The cannabis bud is not the only part of the plant with THC. In fact, you can also extract it from the leaves.
There are ample opportunities for what to do with marijuana leaves and stems.
Cannabis leaves can also be used to make hash oil or hash. It also makes a good tincture. Be creative and you would be surprised to know what you can do with cannabis leaves. What's more, you really can take ECO Farm rosin press as a consider.