What is Kief and How Can it be Used?

Have you ever stopped to admire those shiny, sticky crystals that coat your cannabis buds? They’re called kief! 

Kief refers to the resin glands on the cannabis plant, and while every part of the plant contains cannabinoids and terpenes, these resin glands contain concentrated amounts that have the greatest impact. 

Kief vs Trichomes

Kief specifically refers to the crystal formation on the tip of a gland and is just one part of what makes up these hairs, called trichomes. The cannabis plant developed trichomes as a way to deter herbivores, theoretically disorienting them with a psychoactive experience.

Separating Kief From Your Cannabis

Due to the high concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids, kief is a great way for patients to experience more potent relief. If you decide to buy kief at your dispensary, you can skip these next steps and head straight to the consumption section.

Extracting kief from your flower is simple. You will need a three-chamber grinder, as two chamber grinders often waste kief. A three-chamber grinder will allow you to grind your flower down while sifting the kief into the bottom chamber. 

What to Do with Kief

Kief makes a great addition to many different cannabis products. It can be added to the inside of joints or rolled on the outside. It makes a great topper for a bowl. Kief is versatile, and can even be added to your cannabutter-making process!

Have you used kief before? Tell us about your experience below!