Are you looking for a great way to make the most of your product and re-use the leftover plant matter leftover from making cannabis-infused butter or cannabis-infused oils? Instead of throwing out that leftover cannabis flower pulp, learn how to save it, store it, repurpose it or use it to make your own cannabis edibles with one of my delicious recipe ideas.
Table of Contents
Article Features
- Tips and tricks for using spent flower
- 15+yummy recipes to try with leftover pulp
- Want to make it easy? Skip he hard work and have my premium cannabis edibles delivered directly to your doorstep. Now shipping across the US!
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 is YES, don’t throw out that pulp!
Leftover cannabis pulp, also called sludge or raffinate, is the cannabis material that is leftover after making an infusion or tincture.
Many people believe that this material still contains many medicinal properties, making it worth saving and using in a variety of ways.
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!
We will also talk about recommended dosages and why it’s a good idea to start with just a little bit until you know the right dose for you.
Is There Anything Good Left?
If you make your own infusions, you know that there is leftover plant material from the straining process:
Now, some people argue that the spent cannabis flower is ‘garbage’ after the extraction process.
Others counter-argue that the leftover weed material is full of beneficial nutrients, compounds, and even a few cannabinoids and terpenes.
Chances are, there are small amounts of cannabinoids like CBD, THC, or CBG 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 ranging from a sleep aid to providing pain relief.
As long as you like the taste and enjoy it, it’s great to reuse and recycle cannabis plant byproducts wherever possible.
Lets explore all of the ways you can reclaim the good stuff and create some tasty cannabis-infused treats!
Reclaim the Remaining Oil
If you have already made cannabis butter or an oil infusion, you can try to reclaim any remaining oil from the marijuana flowers using boiling water.
To do this, all you need to do is pour boiling hot 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. You can then 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!
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 edible options 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 I have is to break down the material before adding it to a dish.
This is because, oftentimes, the cannabis flower is not ground into a fine powder 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, for best results I recommend you 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.
It is recommended to let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. If you need use use heat, use low heat.
Dry For Long Term Storage
If you’ve made an alcohol tincture, like Green dragon or Golden dragon, 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, cookie 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 community members have also reported putting a tiny amount of this dried-out material in tea bags, capsules, regular brownies, and more.
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 a high concentration of 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.
Ultimately, it will be impossible to know the THC content of this material without lab testing. That is why I recommend exercising caution when you use leftover cannabis pulp.
For recipes featuring cannabis pulp, it is recommended to start low and go slow.
I recommend starting with just a ¼ cup of leftover flower pulp in addition to a recipe 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 people.
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
Make a Cannabis Smoothie
Make Weed Brownies
Make Weed Tea
Make Cannabis Coffee
Make Golden Milk
Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Make Lemon Vinaigrette
Make Strawberry Vinaigrette
Make Ranch Dressing
Make Pesto
Make Salsa
Make Guacamole
Other Ideas
Members of my Well With Cannabis Community are always sharing their best ideas for how to use leftover pulp. Here are a few of the most creative!
- Spaghetti Sauce: It is already herbaceous, and the pulp’s flavor and texture blend well with the traditional Italian herbs used to make sauce.
- Homemade Chili: Chili made with leftover cannabis pulp will make this hearty wintertime comfort food everyone’s new favorite.
- Cannabis Pulp Garlic Bread: 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!
Make Infused Topicals
Instead of tossing it out, you can repurpose it to create even more nourishing topicals and maximize your resources.
Here are a few fun and practical ideas to try with your leftover material:
- DIY Face Masks: Mix the leftover pulp with soothing ingredients like yogurt or honey for a hydrating face mask.
- Exfoliating Scrubs: Combine with sugar or salt and a bit of oil to make a gentle, all-natural body scrub.
- Bath Sachets: Wrap the leftover material in cheesecloth or a small muslin bag and use it as a relaxing addition to your bath.
- Herbal Wraps: Blend it with other herbs and oils to create a warm compress for sore muscles.
With a little creativity, your leftover materials can keep working for you in wonderful ways! 🌿
Conclusion
There you have it, – the ultimate guide to not letting a single leaf of your precious plant go to waste.
Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis culinary expert or just dipping your toes into the world of cannabis-infused creations, I hope you’ve found something in this guide that sparks your interest.
Remember, it’s all about creativity, a bit of trial and error, and, most importantly, having fun in the process.
I’m always here to support your cannabis culinary adventures, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or share your own tips and tricks in the comments below.
Together, we’re building a community that celebrates every part of the cannabis plant, with sustainability and enjoyment at the heart of it all.
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Hello, your website is extremely helpful to someone new to edibles. Thank you, I have a question/comment.
Anyone ever try using the leftover pulp in a Jamaican jerk sauce? The taste of the leftovers is strong but maybe good with the flavors of thyme, allspice, habanero etc. that are in Jamaican jerk marinade? Wasting food bothers me so if someone tried it already and it was gross I’d like to know. Thanks
Thanks for your kind words, Red! Using leftover pulp in a Jamaican jerk sauce sounds like a creative idea! The bold flavors of the marinade might balance the strong taste of the pulp, but we haven’t tried it ourselves. If you give it a go, let us know how it turns out!
Can I use dried pulp leftovers from an alcohol tincture(green dragon) to make cannabutter or oil?
Hello Miera, thank you so much for your question! It is possible to do, just know that most of the good stuff has already been taken out with the tincture, so it will be much less potent than you’re typically used to 😊
Is there anything left in the bud after I make green dragon ? Is it worth doing something else with the bud ? I make sugar out of the tincture ! Love it ! It’s cut down my alcohol use ! I like the sugar much better !!!
Thanks so much !!! I’ve read just about every article but I must’ve missed that answer ?
L.Busch.
Hi Laurie. There is definitely some goodness left behind, the amount is questionable with each experience. I’ve heard people say all of the THC has been removed, but I’ve also had people save it and had 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.
I never drained and separated my flower from the olive because I didn’t want to waste it. I’m ready to do that now so thank you for this information
I’m making mini cannabunt cakes for a party. Maybe I’ll bring canna dip and chips too.
Hi Doris. It’s great to hear you’re ready to drain and separate your flower from the olive oil! Your mini cannabundt cakes sound like a hit for the party, and the canna dip and chips never go wrong. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
This info is so great! I love that I can use my left over pulp and not just put it into the compost bed. Thank you so much for this great video and the recipes.
Cheryl, I am so thrilled to hear that you found the video and ideas helpful! 🥳 It’s always a joy to find new ways to use leftover pulp, isn’t it? I’m glad you’re making the most out of it. Thanks for being a part of our community!
I melt chocolate and stir in the chopped up pulp with some coconut, dried cranberries, nuts, whatever I have. I also add the scraped of bits from the pan after making gummies. It makes a yummy chocolate bark!
Belle, your chocolate bark recipe sounds absolutely delicious 🍫😊 Incorporating fruit pulp and scraped bits from the pan is such a creative and sustainable way to ensure nothing goes to waste. I can’t wait to give it a try myself. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. If you have any other ingenious recipes or tips, we’d love to hear them 🌟
This is so helpful. I loathe to waste anything. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad you found the information useful, Jen 😊 It’s wonderful to know that we share the same values when it comes to reducing waste. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further guidance!
My wife makes homemade energy bars, she adds my leftovers to them.
Hi Paul. I love the idea of using leftover pulp in energy bars! Thank you for the suggestion. ?
Could you use the pulp to infuse sugar?
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.
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!
Hi Becky! Thank you so much for sharing your process with us. I love the idea of saving and freezing in small portions. ☺️
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?
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.
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
Hi David. There isn’t really any goodness left in the remaining pulp so it can be tossed.