The Wonderful World of AVB: An In-Depth Guide to Using Already Vaped Bud for Edibles and More

When you use a dry herb/cannabis vaporizer like the Volcano Hybrid or other similar devices, the leftover material is called already vaped bud or AVB. Sometimes, it's also referred to as ABV, which stands for 'already been vaped'. This material still contains 10-15% of the original potency, according to some sources. It's a valuable resource for cannabis enthusiasts, as you can use this material to make edibles or other cannabis-infused products.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about AVB, from its properties and benefits to a step-by-step recipe for making cannabis butter or coconut oil using this versatile byproduct. We'll also discuss the benefits of using MCT oil as a substitute for coconut oil in your recipes and touch on the Moka pot, a simple and affordable piece of equipment that can help you make your own cannabis-infused concoctions.

Part 1: Understanding AVB and Its Many Uses

1.1 What is AVB?

Already vaped bud, or AVB, is the residual material left after using a dry herb vaporizer to consume cannabis. The vaporization process involves heating the cannabis to a temperature that releases the active compounds, such as THC and CBD, without combusting the plant material. This results in a cleaner, smoother experience compared to smoking.

1.2 Decarboxylation and AVB

One of the best aspects of AVB is that it's already decarboxylated. Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate the THC, making it psychoactive and able to produce the desired effects. Since the vaporization process involves heating the cannabis to a temperature that releases the active compounds, the leftover AVB is already decarboxylated and ready for use in your edibles or other cannabis-infused products.

1.3 The Benefits of Using AVB

There are several benefits to using AVB, including:

• It's economical: Since you've already used the cannabis in your vaporizer, using the AVB is essentially getting a second round of usage out of your material. This can help stretch your cannabis budget further.

• It's environmentally friendly: By using the AVB, you're reducing waste and making the most out of your cannabis.

• It's versatile: AVB can be used in a variety of recipes, from edibles to tinctures and topicals, providing plenty of options for incorporating it into your cannabis routine.

• It's potent: While the potency of AVB may be lower than that of fresh cannabis, it still contains a significant amount of active compounds that can provide therapeutic effects.

1.4 The Importance of Properly Storing AVB

To ensure the potency and quality of your AVB, it's essential to store it correctly. AVB should be kept in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, and in a cool, dark place. This will help prevent degradation and ensure that your AVB remains effective for your recipes.

Part 2: Making Cannabis Butter or Coconut Oil with AVB

2.1 MCT Oil: A Great Alternative to Coconut Oil

MCT oil stands for medium-chain triglycerides and is derived from coconut oil. It's a great substitute for coconut oil in many recipes, including those for cannabis edibles. MCT oil is often used in the ketogenic diet due to its unique properties. It's easily converted into ketones, which are an alternative energy source for the brain. MCT oil is also easier to digest than other fats, making it a great choice for those with digestive issues or sensitivities to other types of fats.

MCT oil has several advantages over traditional coconut oil when it comes to cannabis infusions:

• It has a more neutral taste, allowing the flavors of your edibles to shine through.
• It's less likely to solidify at room temperature, making it easier to work with in recipes.
• The higher bioavailability of MCT oil means that the active compounds in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, are more easily absorbed by the body, potentially leading to more potent edibles.

2.2 The Moka Pot: A Simple and Affordable Tool for Making Cannabis Infusions

The Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that's perfect for making cannabis infusions. Its unique design allows for gentle heating, ensuring that the active compounds in cannabis aren't destroyed during the infusion process. Plus, the Moka pot is an affordable and easy-to-use piece of equipment that can be found in most kitchenware stores.

2.3 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cannabis Butter or Coconut Oil with AVB

18-25 grams of AVB (or whatever — experiment) Enough water to fill at least half the lowest chamber in the espresso pot “A decent amount” of butter or coconut oil (maybe 2–3 tablespoons, but you can experiment with more Instructions.

These are pretty un-scientific, but ought to serve to get you most of the way there.

YouTube has some videos which show parts of this under slightly different arrangements, but last time I looked there wasn’t one that showed the super simple full technique as described below.

Again, this is just to describe the basic technique so you can experiment:

Unscrew the top of the espresso pot, and remove the middle chamber.

Put your butter/oil into the bottom chamber, and fill it at least half way with water (maybe slightly more for good measure — I think not less than that though, or you may have issues bringing to a boil at required temps).

Weigh out (and record) the quantity of AVB/decarbed herb you use, and put it into the middle chamber where the coffee grounds would normally go.

Screw the top back on, and put the espresso pot on the stove for at least 10 minutes on medium heat. It may take a little longer than that, depending on various factors that I have not perfected (possibly including quantity of water). I have not got it completely dialed in, but I think you don’t want to use high heat because… reasons.

Might burn the butter? (Probably) Might also reduce the amount of time where the heated water is passing up through the herb. I don’t really know.

This technique has been pieced together from various online sources and a few rounds of experimentation.

In any event, you will hear it begin to “burp” as the heated water/butter mix passes up through the herb in the middle chamber, and bubbles out into the top chamber internally.

(The Wikipedia page linked above has a good animated diagram to show you how the espresso pot works; I didn’t understand it at first either.)

You want to make sure you get all the herby oily juice out of it, so make sure it’s done spurting up into the upper chamber. You can slightly raise the heat at the tail end of this process if needed to chase out the last of it, but you’ll see it stop at some point.

Pour the resulting liquid off into a pyrex measuring cup, or something similar, and stick it into the refrigerator once it has cooled a bit. Let the butter/oil and the water completely separate. This might take an hour or more, depending on relative quantities and the temperature at which you put it into cold storage.

You can also speed this process slightly by putting it into the freezer, but have to be careful you water does not freeze, as this makes the resulting butter/oil layer much harder to separate than what the water is still liquid. After the butter/oil and water are separated from the water, use a butter knife to poke in around the edges of the top enough so that you can pry it out of the pyrex cup.

Part 3: Exploring AVB Edible Recipes and Other Uses

3.1 Edibles

AVB-infused butter or oil can be used in a wide variety of edible recipes, from brownies and cookies to pasta sauces and salad dressings. Simply substitute the regular butter or oil called for in the recipe with your AVB-infused version, and enjoy the benefits of cannabis in a delicious, discreet form.

3.2 Tinctures

AVB can also be used to make tinctures by soaking the material in high-proof alcohol, such as Everclear or 151-proof rum, for several weeks. This process extracts the active compounds from the AVB, creating a potent, alcohol-based tincture that can be used sublingually (under the tongue) or added to beverages and recipes.

3.3 Topicals

AVB-infused oil can be incorporated into homemade topicals, such as balms, salves, or lotions, for localized relief from pain, inflammation, and other conditions. Simply combine your AVB-infused oil with other skincare ingredients, such as beeswax, shea butter, or essential oils, to create a soothing and effective topical treatment.