A weed grinder is a major piece of smoking equipment. It processes buds into a finer product that’s easier to work with, enabling a smooth, consistent smoke.
But if you don’t have a weed grinder in your kit at home, don’t panic! You can still break apart your weed (including while you’re on the go) using some of our recommended grinder alternatives.
Here are 8 ways you can break up your weed without a grinder.
1. Mill
Milling rolls and crumbles your herb where it naturally wants to break apart.
Unlike the force and shredding of a conventional grinder, the Flower Mill requires less effort with easy loading and access. It doesn’t grind – it mills. This results in a naturally soft and fluffy weed that you can use in a variety of ways.
Curious what your milling options are? Learn about the differences between standard and premium editions for the best grinding alternative.
2. Your hands
It might seem obvious, but sometimes you just need to go back to the basics. Breaking up weed by hand can be an inherently rewarding and even a therapeutic experience.
Sure, cannabis is sticky, and breaking it up with your hand can be a bit boring. That’s one of the reasons people grind weed. Putting those fingers to work won’t hurt you, though.
You might not want to get your hands dirty, but using your hands is a cool way to cultivate a relationship (pun intended) with your weed. Feel the structure and consistency of the buds. You might also get a little more personal with the unique aromas the flower has.
3. Coffee grinder
That old coffee grinder your grandparents have on their countertop is an easy way to grind weed, believe it or not. A coffee grinder can break down large amounts of flower in no time and with little effort. This can be a good alternative in the absence of a traditional weed grinder.
4. Cutting board and knife
Cutting boards and knives you can find in just about every kitchen, so you don’t need to be at home to grind your weed.
Grab a knife (the same one you’d use to slice potatoes and onions) and go deep into your buds! If you have a serrated knife, use that. It’s better for pulling and tearing.
5. Keys and cards
Who doesn’t have a set of keys on hand? You can whip these out in a pinch. This grinding alternative is a simple concept: use the saw-toothed edges of the key to cut down into your weed. If possible, try to clean the key as much as possible. Your key might get sticky, but that’s the trade-off for being able to smoke without a weed grinder.
Another alternative is a credit or ID card, which are typically firm enough to break down your buds with snapping. And to think you hated carrying plastic…
6. Mortar and pestle
Chances are you probably don’t own a mortar and pestle. It’s not something we all have in the junk drawer. But scientists, cooks, and herbalists use this tool to grind all sorts of things, so why can’t you use it to grind weed?
The mortar and pestle as a grinder alternative work effectively when your flower is properly dried. If there’s even a little bit of moisture in the buds, the grinding result might be a smashed product.
7. Pill bottle and coin (DIY shaker)
For this DIY method, find an empty pill bottle. Drop a coin in there and a bud or two. Then be like Andre 3000 and shake it like a polaroid picture!
Coins can be downright filthy, so give it a good scrub first. Sure, your pill bottle method may look far from being a real pollen shaker, but it’s still an effective method without any mess.
8. Shot glass and scissors
A shot glass and scissors are common household items, and no doubt you’ll be able to get your hands on them at a party. This grinding alternative is quick, neat, and efficient. Put your buds into shot glass (or even just a narrow glass), insert the scissor blades, and then start snipping.
We know, we know. Cutting your beautiful flower into tiny pieces sounds like a tedious effort. Take a shot out of that glass to reward yourself.