ABV (Already Been Vaped) also known as AVB (Already Vaporized Buds) is the leftover plant matter after vaporizing weed. Most people toss the ABV assuming it’s worthless. Turns out if enough ABV is saved up, the residual cannabinoids can be extracted. Since the ABV has already been heated, it tends to have more of a pungent smell to it compared to regular dry weed. This tends to overpower when used to cook. Luckily, we have an ancient method for removing that smell/taste: water curing!
What is water curing? Water curing is the act of placing a dry ingredient (tea, coffee, weed, etc) into the water until the water takes on the flavor of the ingredient. (THC doesn’t dissolve in water, this won’t reduce the potency of the ABV)
One example of water curing is using a tea bag. When placed inside a hot cup of water, the water takes on the taste of tea. Each time that same tea bag is used, the tea will taste weaker, and weaker. This is exactly what we are trying to do with the ABV.
What you will need:
- Cheesecloth
- ABV (1oz or more
- Glass bowl
- Scissors
- Pyrex glass pan
How to Water Cure ABV
Step 1: Cut the cheesecloth into squares. Try to make them as big and even as possible
Step 2: Place the cheesecloth squares down, and begin placing a handful of ABV on each square
Step 3: Tie the squares to contain the ABV
Step 4: Place an additional cheesecloth over the tied knots to ensure no ABV will leak out
Step 5: Fill the bowl with water
Step 6: Place the cheesecloth balls in the water and let them soak for 60-120 minutes
Step 7: Squeeze the cheesecloth balls turning the water to dark brown
Step 8: Keep repeating steps 6 & 7 at least 3 times. Some people prefer to do this for 12 hours
**If you plan on immediately cooking with the ABV you can skip the following steps**
Step 9: Open the Cheesecloth and place the ABV in the pyrex glass pan
Step 10: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees (F) and place the ABV pan on the middle shelf. Keep stirring every 30 minutes until the ABV is dry
Now your ABV has less toasty shit flavor, which will make your edibles more delicious!
I have found by simply putting A.V.B. in a fine sieve and running it under the hottest tap water you can until the water runs clear much quicker and easier than all this “soaking” business. The cannabinoids are not water soluble so the faster the process the better. Then simply dry the vegetation either on top of your pellet stove (as I do) or in a warm oven. The result is like original product and with plenty of THC and CBD to enjoy all over again…
That’s brilliant!! Thank you so much for the tip Connie! I’ll definitely try this. I have to find a fine sieve big enough to do a LARGE batch of abv though.
Heat liquefies THC; you’re washing it out. Too much agitation is bad, too. Do this but in ice water. Soak, occasionally dipping them a bit like tea bags (they are basically) and each time you gently squeeze the water out, use new, clean ice water.
Why is it okay to skip the drying step if planning on using the ABV right away?
I believe it is simply that if you are using it in cooking or maybe an infusion it doesn’t matter if there is some water. As long as you use it right away there is also no need to dry, as you only dry it to avoid mould.
I have a thing for cold brewed coffee. It has a very fine mesh holder for the coffee that you insert into a pitcher you fill with cold water. You soak the coffee over night and done. Sounds like the perfect product to also do this soaking technique. Thanks a bunch everyone!
Yeah I’m doing the cheesecloth thing but I’m putting that in my French press.
Connie, I tried and it works really well! good option and it takes roughly 15 minutes per oz rincing it in a fabric tea pouch for “free leave” easy and cheap and fits easely 1oz per batch!
Wow, thanks. This mmakes more sense than I thought.
@Jeremy the only reason it needs to be dried at all is to prevent mold growth if it’s being stored away somewhere