CANNABIS STEMS, LEAVES, ROOTS AND SOIL: HOW TO USE THEM?

Growing cannabis is all about producing big, aromatic flowers, but at the end of the harvest we are left with so much more - stems, leaves, soil and roots. While these parts of the plant may not be the most desirable, each of them can be used in different ways to get the most out of each cannabis plant. So how can you use the stems, leaves, roots and soil? Are stems, leaves, roots and soil worthless or can you use them to create products that are just as valuable as flowers?

What to do with hemp stems?

After harvesting cannabis, you are left with a stalk that is very fibrous. For this reason, industrial hemp cultivation focuses on exploiting the fibrous properties of the plant to produce a variety of materials. For centuries, the stems of the hemp plant have been used to make paper, rope, sails, uniforms and virtually everything made from synthetic fibres.

Garden mulch

You can also shred the stems with a chipper to make mulch that can be used as compost. Mulching is beneficial because it gives life back to the soil. The crushed pieces of stems in the mulch reduce evaporation and allow the soil to retain moisture better. This can be great for growing in dry and hot climates.

Stem tea

The stems can also be used to make a tasty tea. Just be sure to decarboxylate the stems. Preheat the oven to 110°C and bake the stems for 60 minutes. Once the stems are baked, boil water and add the chopped, baked stems. Leave to cook for 7-8 minutes. Then drain the stems. The result will be a delicious tea with a distinctive flavour.

What to do with hemp leaves?

Hemp leaves, like the stems, are great for composting, but they can also be used for other purposes. There are two types of hemp leaves: fan-shaped and sugared. Sugar leaves are dense and covered in trichomes, which give them a higher CBD and THC content. The concentration of resin on sugar leaves makes them ideal for making tea, hash or oils. The larger fan-shaped leaves are also ideal for making teas. They do not contain high levels of cannabinoids but are suitable for juicing and making salves.

Perhaps the most widely used cannabis leaves are for bookmarks or decoration, as their distinctive shape is a feast for the eyes.

Hemp leaf tea

Heat water in a pot, add the leaves and boil them for 30 minutes. Add half a tablespoon of coconut oil to the tea and add honey, lemon or mint to taste. The oil absorbs the cannabinoids, so the tea will be stronger than if you just use water. Strain through a sieve to remove any remaining leaves and a drink full of medicinal properties is ready.

What to do with cannabis roots?

Cannabis roots aren't used as often as stems and leaves, but they still have a purpose once harvested. The roots have a long history of medicinal use due to their anti-inflammatory properties. In the past, boiled cannabis roots were used to treat pain, gonorrhea and bleeding during pregnancy. The roots can be brewed into a tea to relieve the digestive tract. They are also commonly used to make ointments.

Making creams from cannabis roots

If you want to make your own homemade ointment, you can use the leftover roots from the harvest. For this, you will need chopped dried roots that you grind into a powder. Mix this cannabis root powder with oil or fat to make homemade creams and ointments that make the most of the healing properties of cannabis roots.

What to do with the soil?

Used soil is the biggest liability you'll be left with after harvesting. But you don't have to take it anywhere. One of the best ways to save money when growing is to save soil. At the end of the harvest, the soil is depleted of minerals and nutrients, but it can still be used in a variety of ways. If you plan on replanting in the same soil, try giving it a boost with some minerals and supplements. Also, till and fertilise the soil well before planting new seeds or new plants. If the plants are in pots, just add compost or fertiliser to the soil. Tending the soil will ensure that your plants are happy and save you money in the long run.