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    Home » Articles & How-To Guides

    15 Best Ways To Use Leftover Cannabis Pulp

    Published: Feb 27, 2020 · Modified: Jan 15, 2023 · Written by Emily Kyle · This post may contain affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    15+ Ways to Use Leftover Cannabis Pulp

    Instead of throwing out that leftover cannabis flower pulp from making cannabutter or infused oil or even tincture, learn how to store it, save it, and use it in one of these delicious recipe ideas for using leftover cannabis pulp.

    15+ Ways to Use Leftover Cannabis Pulp
    Table of Contents Expand
    1. Features
    2. Why This Method Works
    3. Buy Cannabutter Online
    4. Is There Anything Good Left?
    5. Reclaim the Remaining Oil
    6. How to Store Leftover Cannabis Pulp
    7. How Much To Use?
    8. Recipe Ideas To Use Up Leftover Cannabis Pulp

    Features

    • Tips and tricks for using spent flower
    • 15+yummy recipes to try with leftover pulp
    • Other ways to reclaim the butter or oil

    Why This Method Works

    I recently received a question over in my Well With Cannabis Community from a reader who said:

    "You've got the best cannabis cookie recipe and the easiest way to infuse coconut oil! Is there anything I can do with the leftover pulp?"

    The answer: YES! Don't throw out that pulp!

    Leftover cannabis pulp, also called sludge, is the cannabis flower material that is leftover after making an infusion or tincture.

    In this guide, we will explore all of the different ways you can store and use up these leftovers in tasty, delicious recipes - so nothing goes to waste!


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    Is There Anything Good Left?

    When making any of the following, there is leftover plant material from the straining process:

    • Cannabutter
    • Coconut oil
    • MCT oil
    • Olive oil
    • Kief butter
    • CBD butter
    • Alcohol tincture

    Some folks argue that the spent cannabis flower is 'garbage' after the extraction process.

    Many counter-argue that the leftover weed material is full of beneficial nutrients, compounds, and even a few cannabinoids and terpenes.

    Chances are, there is some good stuff (i.e., CBD or THC) stuck in the leftover plant material, making it worth saving and enjoying.

    I value all parts of the plant, especially for a full-spectrum experience.

    Anecdotally, many Well With Cannabis Community members report that they find it beneficial to save the leftover pulp and use it with various effects.

    As long as you like the taste and enjoy it, it's great to reuse and recycle cannabis plant byproducts wherever possible.

    Leftover Cannabis Pulp by Emily Kyle

    Reclaim the Remaining Oil

    If you have already made an oil infusion, you can try to reclaim any remaining oil from the leftover pulp using boiling water.

    To do so, pour boiling water over the leftover pulp and let the butter or oil and water separate and cool. Once cooled, the remaining butter or oil will solidify and rise to the surface.

    Remove the remaining solid fat or oil slab and discard the water and remaining plant material.

    Note, this process only works for oils that solidify when cold, like coconut oil and butter.

    This process will not work for infused olive oil or infused MCT oil.

    Or you could skip this process and try one of these awesome tried and true ways to use up leftover cannabis pulp below!

    Leftover Cannabis Pulp by Emily Kyle

    How to Store Leftover Cannabis Pulp

    After the infusion and straining process, you will be left with a ball of plant material leftover in your filter, cheesecloth, strainer, or French press.

    If you don't plan to use it in one of these recipes right away, there are many different ways you can store it, including refrigerating, freezing, or drying it out.

    I recommend refrigerating or freezing for oil infusions, and for alcohol extractions, I recommend drying it out. Just keep in mind what you may want to use it for, and store accordingly!

    Breakdown For Immediate Use

    If you plan on using your leftover cannabis pulp in a recipe right away, one suggestion is to break down the material before adding it to a dish.

    This is because, oftentimes, the cannabis flower is not ground before infusing into an oil.

    This means that the leftover pulp can have a coarse consistency, which may not be palatable for use in some of these recipes.

    To overcome this problem, break down the leftover pulp in a blender or food processor first before adding the material to a recipe.

    This will help to ensure no large buds or stems are caught up in the delicious recipe you're about to enjoy.

    Store in the Refrigerator

    If you plan on using it within the week, you can store the leftover pulp in an airtight container in the fridge. 

    Remember that if you store it in the refrigerator for longer than a week, you run the chance of it molding or spoiling.

    Store in the Freezer

    If you want to store your leftover cannabis pulp for longer than a week, simply store it in the freezer.

    Freezing does not dilute or destroy any remaining potency, and if anything, helps to retain it. The leftover pulp can be stored in the freezer for a long time, months even.

    From personal experience, I do recommend storing it in ¼ cup or ½ cup portions so it's easier to pull from the freezer and use it when you want.

    If you freeze it in one big block, you will have to thaw it all out at once together too.

    Just remember, when thawing to never thaw it out in the microwave, as the microwave can destroy the potency of any remaining cannabinoids.

    Dry For Long Term Storage

    If you've made a cannabis alcohol tincture, it is easy to leave the leftover cannabis pulp out to dry to evaporate off any remaining alcohol.

    Spread the leftover pulp out on a large surface - like a lined baking sheet or large pan.

    Leave uncovered and allow to air dry for a few days, stirring frequently. Feel the material to see how moist or dry it is. Once it is completely dried, you can store it in an airtight container.

    Note: this method will not work for oil infusions as the oil does not dry out completely.

    My Well With Cannabis Community membership has also reported putting this dried-out material in tea bags, capsules, and more.

    Leftover Cannabis Pulp by Emily Kyle

    How Much To Use?

    If you're brand new to edibles or making cannabis recipes, it's important to note that it can oftentimes be difficult to estimate your final product potency.

    It will be even more difficult to estimate the potency because many cannabinoids will have already been extracted during the infusion process.

    Ultimately, the potency of your leftover weed material will depend on many variables.

    Specifically, two things, the potency of your starting material (i.e. flower buds, fan leaves or trim, regular vs. CBD flower) and the cooking process you have already used.

    For these recipes featuring cannabis pulp, it is recommended to start low and go slow. We recommend starting with just a ¼ cup of leftover flower pulp addition and going from there.

    This will give you time to experiment with not only the potency but the taste too, as the spent cannabis flower can have a very strong taste to some individuals.

    Recipe Ideas To Use Up Leftover Cannabis Pulp

    Discover all of my favorite ways to use up the leftover pulp, with general ideas to try and recipes to guide you.

    Make Cannabis Capsules

    Even though it’s great to reuse and recycle cannabis plant byproducts wherever possible, the taste and texture of leftover cannabis pulp may be offputting to some.

    That makes filling capsules with leftover cannabis pulp a perfect solution.

    How To Fill Cannabis Capsules
    In this guide, you will learn how to make your own cannabis capsules at home with various cannabis options, including decarbed flower, infused oils, FECO, leftover pulp, and more for a quick, easy, effective, and essentially tasteless way to dose your cannabis.
    Get The Recipe
    A picture of homemade cannabis capsules.

    Make a Cannabis Smoothie

    Instead of throwing out leftover cannabis flower pulp from making cannabis oil or tincture, many people choose to use it up in a delicious smoothie recipe.

    For smoothie recipes featuring cannabis pulp, I still recommend starting low and going slow. 

    I recommend starting with just a tablespoon of leftover flower pulp to your smoothie and going from there. This will give you time to experiment with not only the potency but the taste, too.

    Mint Chocolate Cannabis Smoothie
    Creamy and delicious, this chocolate mint smoothie makes a decadent breakfast, snack, or even dessert. The bananas and milk make for a light and creamy base, and the chocolate and mint come together to create the perfect, decadent flavor. The spinach is not noticeable in taste, but it does help to increase the nutritional benefits of this smoothie.
    Get The Recipe
    Mint Chocolate CBD Smoothie

    Cannabis-Infused Coffee

    Everyone knows that the best way to wake up is with cannabis in your cup. To do so, steep the leftover cannabis pulp in a teaball inside your hot cup of coffee.

    This cannabis coffee option is good for using up the pulp from either oil infusions or alcohol extractions.

    9 Ways To Make Cannabis Coffee
    Learn how to make the smoothest, most delicious cup of cannabis-infused coffee for a delicious way to start your day - wake and bake style. You can easily customize this cup of cannabis coffee to your personal coffee preferences by controlling the sugar, creamer, and other additional ingredients.
    Get The Recipe
    Cannabis Coffee Emily Kyle

    Cannabis-Infused Tea

    This is the most popular way for many of my Well With Cannabis Community to use the leftover pulp.

    The best way to add cannabis pulp leftovers to your tea is to place the leftover plant material in a teaball and steep it in your mug. 

    9 Ways To Make Cannabis Tea
    Learn how to make a delicious cannabis herbal tea, also known as tisane, using your favorite cannabis flowers along with other herbs and spices for a truly relaxing experience. Or infuse with cannabis oil, cannabutter, cannabis sugar, cannahoney and more. ,
    Get The Recipe
    A white teacup full of cannabis tea with a cannabis plant

    Cannabis-Infused Golden Milk

    Cannabis golden milk is a creamy, delicious warm beverage made with anti-inflammatory superfoods like turmeric and cannabis. 

    Traditionally made with infused coconut oil, alternatively, you can pack a teaball with your leftover cannabis leaves from oil or butter and steep them directly into this delicious healing beverage.

    This cannabis golden milk option is good for using up the pulp from either oil infusions or alcohol extractions.

    Cannabis Golden Milk
    This creamy, cozy cannabis-infused golden milk is a soothing warm beverage made with superfoods like turmeric, cannabis, coconut milk, and other spices that help to warm you from the inside out.
    Get The Recipe
    A picture of a glass of cannabis infused golden milk.

    Cannabis-Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte

    It doesn't need to be Fall to enjoy a delicious cannabis-infused pumpkin spice latte.

    The best way to add these cannabis pulp leftovers to this drink is to place the leftover plant material in a teaball and steep it in your finished drink. 

    Cannabis Pumpkin Spice Latte
    Classic, soothing, and packed with warming spices, this easy-to-make cannabis pumpkin spice latte brings together this traditional Fall favorite with soothing cannabis for a relaxing experience.
    Get The Recipe
    Cannabis Pumpkin Spice Latte

    Zesty Cannabis-Infused Lemon Vinaigrette

    This cannabis lemon vinaigrette is a perfect recipe to use up that leftover cannabis pulp.

    Its flavor profile blends in well with the other ingredients, and the use of the immersion blender helps to break down the plant material, so it is not too coarse.

    This option is good for using up the pulp from either oil infusions or alcohol extractions.

    Zesty Cannabis Lemon Vinaigrette
    Made with fresh lemon juice and white balsamic vinegar this zesty lemon cannabis vinaigrette is perfect to pair with all of your favorite salads, act as a marinade for meats, or dip for your favorite crusty bread. Complete with multiple infusion options!
    Get The Recipe
    Zesty Cannabis-Infused Lemon Vinaigrette

    Strawberry Cannabis Vinaigrette with Burrata Salad

    The vinegar in this strawberry cannabis vinaigrette will act as a solvent to help remove the remaining cannabinoids from the plant. 

    We recommend adding just a small amount, around 2-3 tablespoons, to the entire batch for this recipe.

    From there, you can choose to pair your vinaigrette with our deliciously creamy strawberry burrata salad or your own personal favorite.

    Its flavor profile blends in well with the other ingredients, and the use of the immersion blender helps to break down the plant material, so it is not too coarse.

    This option is good for using up the pulp from either oil infusions or alcohol extractions.

    Cannabis Strawberry Vinaigrette with Burrata Salad
    Learn how to make a delicious Cannabis Strawberry Vinaigrette with fresh strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, and cannabis oil to pair with a deliciously creamy Strawberry Burrata Salad that is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
    Get The Recipe
    Cannabis Strawberry Vinaigrette with Burrata Salad

    Homemade Creamy Cannabis Ranch Dressing

    This delicious, tangy, creamy homemade cannabis ranch dressing comes with various cannabis infusion options to fit any taste and preference.

    We recommend adding just 2 teaspoons of leftover flower pulp in addition to the other ingredients of this recipe and going from there. 

    This will give you time to experiment with the potency and the taste, too, as the spent cannabis flower can have a powerful taste for some people.

    Homemade Cannabis Ranch Dressing
    Learn how to make a delicious, tangy, creamy homemade cannabis ranch dressing with various ranch dressing options and multiple cannabis infusion options to fit any taste and dietary preference.
    Get The Recipe
    Homemade Cannabis Ranch Dressing

    Easy Homemade Cannabis Pesto

    Making a quick and easy homemade pesto is one of the best ways to use up that leftover pulp.

    The leftover cannabis pulp will not be nearly as strong as your infusion would be, so you can use your discretion as to how much you want to use. 

    It will depend on how much you have, how strong the flower you started with was, and your desired end experience.

    Easy Cannabis Pesto
    Use up all parts of your homegrown cannabis plant with basil and parsley in this easy-to-make, savory cannabis pesto that can be enjoyed as a dip, on meat, served over vegetables, swirled into pasta, used as a spread on sandwiches, and more.
    Get The Recipe
    Cannabis Pesto by Emily Kyle

    Storebought or Homemade Salsa

    Spice up your Taco Tuesday with a tasty infused salsa made using leftover cannabis pulp. The leftover pulp mixes well into an already made salsa or our own personal favorite cannabis salsa recipe. 

    We recommend mixing 2 tablespoons of leftover cannabis pulp per 1 cup of salsa for a delicious medicated salsa.

    Paired with your favorite tortilla chips, you'll have to be careful not to eat too much!

    Fresh Cannabis Salsa (Pico de Gallo)
    This quick, easy, and delicious fresh cannabis salsa, also known as pico de gallo, is a great way to use up all of your garden-fresh produce, complete with your favorite herbal infusion option.
    Get The Recipe
    A finished bowl of cannabis infused salsa

    Storebought or Homemade Guacamole

    Just like with your medicated salsa, you can spice up your Taco Tuesday with this tasty infused guacamole made using leftover cannabis pulp.

    The leftover pulp mixes well into an already made guac or your own personal favorite recipe. 

    For a delicious infused guacamole, we recommend following our delicious cannabis guacamole recipe paired with your favorite tortilla chips and maybe even some infused salsa from above.

    Fresh Cannabis Guacamole
    Fresh, zesty, delicious cannabis guacamole made with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and ground, decarbed cannabis for a quick and easy edible snack or side-dish everyone will love!
    Get The Recipe
    A bowl filled with guacamole garnished with a cannabis leaf

    Storebought or Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

    Spaghetti sauce is a great place to add in that leftover cannabis pulp.

    It is already herbaceous, and the pulp's flavor and texture blend well with the traditional Italian herbs used to make spaghetti sauce. 

    We recommend adding ¼ cup leftover cannabis pulp to an entire batch of either homemade sauce or your favorite storebought sauce.

    Homemade or Store Bought Chili

    Who says cannabis-infused recipes can't be delicious and savory?

    This delicious chili made with leftover cannabis pulp will make this hearty wintertime comfort food everyone's new favorite.

    For this recipe, you can either add ½ cup of spent cannabis flower to the entire batch by stirring it in and simmering just before serving. Or you can stir in a teaspoon at a time into each person's bowl to individualize the dosages.

    Chili Made with Leftover Pulp

    Cannabis Pulp Garlic Bread

    What better way to use up those spent cannabis flowers leftover from making cannabutter than to make a delicious infused garlic bread?

    Likely, your cannabis flowers are already saturated with remaining butter from your straining process, making them perfect for this recipe. 

    You can either use your already made cannabutter here or mix 1 tablespoon of plant matter with 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to taste.

    Mix well and apply to your bread of choice and then bake until warm and toasted and enjoy!

    Homemade Cannabis Brownies

    It’s not my favorite way to make brownies, but yes, you can absolutely add the leftover cannabis pulp from making butter to your brownie mix. 

    I would recommend using the infused butter or oil as called for and then adding a ¼ to ½ cup of the leftover pulp as an additional ingredient.

    Easy Homemade Cannabis Brownies
    An easy recipe for irresistible weed brownies ready in as little as 30 minutes; no fancy ingredients or special equipment needed. Plus - discover how to make these delicious brownies with many different infusion options like my Bliss cannabutter.
    Get The Recipe
    A white plate with three cannabis brownies stacked on top, garnished with a cannabis leaf
    Edibles made easy course mockup

    My Edibles Made Easy Online Cooking Course will teach you how to easily make cannabis edibles and topical recipes at home. This step-by-step video course will teach you how to infuse, extract, and create edibles with many different product types - all from the comfort of your own home.

    Learn more and enroll today →

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      Recipe Rating




    1. David

      March 04, 2023 at 5:29 pm

      When i make cannabutter i break it apart, decarb then i use clarified butter to make the cannabutter.

      I just got the idea to rinse from your article...
      If I rinse the pulp to get the leftover butter out of the pulp, is there any use for the rinsed pulp?

      hope that makes since

    2. Renée from Team EKN

      March 05, 2023 at 9:42 pm

      Hi David. There isn't really any goodness left in the remaining pulp so it can be tossed.

    3. David

      March 23, 2023 at 6:54 pm

      I have 2 entire ounces worth of leftover 190 proof extracted green dragon pulp which produced 24oz (3 cups) of liquid tincture. Is there any sense in trying to extract fat soluble compounds from it at this point or is it limited to powdered consumption in brownies or capsules, etc.? Also, I ran out of alcohol halfway through (I thought I had another bottle) so that green dragon is insanely potent (2 ounces flower to 3 cups 190 alcohol). Should I just get more Everclear and was the pulp again?

    4. Renée from Team EKN

      March 24, 2023 at 9:10 am

      Hi David. We’ve heard people say all of the cannabinoids have been removed, but I’ve also had people save it and say they’ve had a great experience - so I think it’s at least worth experimenting with to see what works for you. The pulp can be used in other ways, but you try a new alcohol wash as well. Make a small sample to start and go from there.

    5. Becky

      March 25, 2023 at 12:22 pm

      I freeze my leftover cannabis in ice cube trays, each cube is 2 TBSP. I’ve used 1/4 to 1/2 cup in a Chex Mix recipe. Just follow the regular Chex mix recipe, add the pulp in with the butter/oil & other seasonings before mixing with the Chex. Once done 1/4 cup is a good dosage. If you like more kick, use your infused butter/oil also. Enjoy!

    6. Renée from Team EKN

      March 26, 2023 at 9:19 am

      Hi Becky! Thank you so much for sharing your process with us. I love the idea of saving and freezing in small portions. ☺️

    7. Sam

      April 20, 2023 at 1:33 am

      Could you use the pulp to infuse sugar?

    8. Renée from Team EKN

      April 21, 2023 at 11:18 am

      Hi Sam. If its alcohol-based pulp, you can use it to make another tincture for the sugar, yes. If it's oil-based pulp, then no.

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