Discover how to properly clean your grinder for improved performance and enjoy a better smoking experience. Boiling your grinder in milk or water has become a popular method, and we’ll guide you through the process for optimal results.

Can I Boil My Grinder To Clean It?

When it comes to cleaning your grinder, you have multiple options. While soaking parts in isopropyl alcohol and using a toothbrush is a common method, boiling your grinder offers unique advantages. However, it’s crucial to note that boiling should be done with a metal grinder to avoid potential toxins leaching into the liquid, making it unsuitable for plastic or painted grinders.

Can I Boil My Grinder in Milk?

Although it may seem unconventional, boiling a grinder in milk is a surprisingly effective cannabis trick. The benefits include a thoroughly cleaned grinder, no loss of kief, and the bonus of THC-infused milk, ideal for making a delicious cup of hot chocolate. The science behind it lies in the fat content of milk, which helps dissolve and absorb the THC present on the grinder’s surface. As the milk simmers, it loosens the trapped plant material, simplifying the scraping process.

How to Boil My Grinder in Milk

To effectively boil your grinder in milk, it’s essential to gather the necessary materials: a dirty grinder, a double boiler specifically designed for cooking purposes, a strainer, and milk. Whole milk is recommended due to its higher fat content, which aids in the extraction process. However, if you follow a vegan lifestyle, you can opt for alternative milk options such as cashew, oat, coconut, or almond milk. In such cases, it is advisable to choose higher fat versions instead of reduced fat varieties.

For those unfamiliar with using a double boiler, it consists of two pots—an outer pot filled partially with water and an inner pot where the milk will be placed. The purpose of the double boiler is to generate steam from the water in the outer pot, which gently heats the milk in the inner pot, minimizing the risk of scalding.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process:

1. Fill the bottom of the double boiler with water, filling it approximately halfway.
2. Add the milk to the top pot, filling it about halfway as well.
3. Disassemble your grinder and submerge its parts in the milk.
4. Set the burner to medium-high heat and allow the water in the bottom pot to reach a boiling point. As the water boils, the milk will begin to simmer. It’s crucial to adjust the heat at this point to maintain a steady simmer without allowing the milk to boil and scald.
5. Gently heat the milk for approximately one hour, ensuring it stays at a consistent simmer throughout the process.
6. Once the heating is complete, turn off the heat and let the milk cool down naturally.
7. Retrieve the grinder parts from the milk and clean them thoroughly using warm water and soap.
8. To separate the THC-infused milk from the grinder residue, strain the mixture using a strainer.
9. Congratulations! You have successfully boiled your grinder in milk, extracting the desired components.

Please note that this process is specifically aimed at extracting THC from the grinder using milk.

Will It Get Me High?

While having a clean grinder is desirable, let’s address the primary question. Consuming THC-infused milk through this method is unlikely to provide an intense high due to the relatively low amount of THC present. However, the level of potency also depends on the accumulation of kief in your grinder. Adding the leftover milk to your preferred beverage or coffee may induce a mild euphoric effect.

Is Boiling Your Grinder in Milk a Safe Practice?

As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to avoid using plastic or painted grinders for this method. The boiling process can lead to the leaching of toxins, which may contaminate the milk. No one wants to consume a significant amount of plastic unknowingly.

Additionally, it is advisable to ensure that the exterior of the metal grinder is clean to prevent the introduction of dirt or undesirable non-cannabis substances into the milk.

By following these precautions, the milk obtained after the boiling and straining process should be safe for consumption

Is It Possible to Boil Your Grinder in Almond Milk or Other Milk Alternatives?

Almond milk, a popular plant-based milk option, can serve as a suitable substitute if you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply prefer the taste of milk alternatives. When opting for almond milk, it is crucial to select a product with a high fat content, ideally containing 3 grams of fat per serving. This higher fat content facilitates maximum THC absorption. Additionally, you can explore creating your own cannabis-infused almond milk using a specific recipe.

Utilising Your Cannabis-Infused Milk

Imagine a chilly evening, snuggled up in your favorite comfortable attire, and indulging in a binge-watching session of your latest streaming obsession on the couch. To enhance your experience with THC-infused milk, we have an enticing hot chocolate recipe for you to consider. By substituting two cups of your infused milk in place of whole milk, you can elevate the THC-infused hot chocolate experience.

If you prefer tea as your beverage of choice, you can explore making cannabis-infused tea and add a splash of your THC-infused milk for an extra kick of flavor and effects

Boiling Grinder in Water

The process of boiling a grinder in water differs from boiling it in milk, but it offers a straightforward and effective cleaning solution. This method is particularly useful for plastic or painted grinders that are not suitable for boiling in milk or cleaning with alcohol.

As THC is not soluble in water, it is unlikely that your water will become infused with cannabis unless you incorporate a source of fat, such as coconut oil or butter. After filtering the mixture, the resulting water can be utilized to create infused tea. However, an additional cleaning step is required to remove the fat residue from your grinder. This involves using soap and water to ensure thorough cleaning.

How Do I Clean My Grinder With Water?

Let’s go through the process:

1. Begin by disassembling your grinder, separating the chambers.
2. Tap the grinder parts gently against a paper towel on a hard surface to dislodge and remove any residual plant material.
3. If needed, you can opt for an additional step: Place your grinder in the freezer for an hour to loosen stubborn, caked-on plant material, making it easier to remove.
4. Bring a pan of water to a boil on your stovetop.
5. Submerge the grinder in the boiling water and allow it to soak for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Carefully remove the grinder from the water, let it cool for a few minutes, and use a clean toothbrush to scrub away any remaining residue.
7. Thoroughly rinse your grinder under lukewarm water, ensuring all parts are clean, and place them on a paper towel to dry.
8. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes or abrasive cleaners, as well as cleaning products containing chlorine or bleach, as these can negatively impact your smoking experience.

Maintaining a clean and gunk-free grinder is essential for optimal weed housekeeping. Not only does it enhance your smoking experience, but it also minimizes wastage.

Enrico Bratta

Medical cannabis professional based in Phuket, Thailand.

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