by Leaves are an important part of marijuana plants, as they play a fundamental role in their development. Photosynthesis begins in them., the process by which plants transform inorganic matter into organic matter, on which they feed. Additionally, it is responsible for respiration, absorbing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide during the day, and performing the reverse task at night. However, once they have finished flowering, they are usually discarded. But, Do marijuana leaves have usable properties?
Properties of marijuana leaves
Generally, two types of marijuana leaves can be distinguished based on their position in the plant. On the one hand, those that are close to the buds are usually impregnated with the resin of these. On the other hand, those furthest from the flowers remain untouched, like any leaf of any vegetable. The properties and benefits of these are totally different.
Resin free sheets
The known medicinal properties of cannabis come from its trichomes, these small glands that cover the buds and give them a frosty appearance. The effect will vary depending on the genetics of the marijuana and the composition of said trichomes. At a higher concentration of THC, psychoactivity will be higher. However, if the level of CBD is higher and the amount of THC insignificant, the medicinal benefits will predominate, and the psychotropic effects will be practically non-existent.
Thereby, resin-free sheets will not have the benefits of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids in the plant. This does not mean that these marijuana leaves do not have properties. Like the rest of the edible green leaves, they will provide a series of minerals and vitamins. More specifically, they are rich in vitamins D and C while their most abundant minerals are calcium and iron.
This means that the properties of marijuana leaves help to oxygenate the blood, repair body tissues, to protect cells from free radicals, and maintain bone health. In addition, are antioxidants.
Leaves with resin
Fresh leaves with traces of resin contain the cannabinoids and terpenes of the marijuana plant, that is, it can produce all of its effects and benefits. However, it depends on many factors. Naturally, the plant creates cannabinoids in their acidic form (THCA, CBDA…), so they don’t have psychoactive effects because they are “deactivated”. To convert THCA to THC, it is necessary to apply heat to the terpenes (decarboxylate them), so when introducing raw marijuana into the body the same psychotic properties and effects will not be achieved.
Even so, non-decarboxylated cannabis leaves have therapeutic benefits thanks to the acid form of cannabinoids. Additionally, terpenes have been shown to have medicinal effects as well, albeit in smaller amounts. In fact, they work best when consumed together where the entourage effect occurs, just like cannabinoids.
Therefore, you can take advantage of the properties of these marijuana leaves by decarboxylating them, in the case of looking for a higher potency, or naturally for a softer and more controlled effect. Despite the few studies on cannabinoids, in its sour version so far, the following benefits have been demonstrated:
- Neuroprotective
- Antiemetic
- anti-inflammatory
- sleep aid
- Chronic analgesic
- Reduces muscle spasms
How to take advantage of the properties of marijuana leaves
Marijuana leaves can be incorporated into various recipes to take advantage of their properties. Although there are many options, the most common is to use them in green smoothies or in teas. In fact, its flavor is usually not very pleasant, so it is advisable to add a sweetener or food sweetener.
To cook resinous marijuana leaves and take advantage of their properties, it is necessary to take into account that trichomes are not water soluble it is, They do not dissolve in water. On the contrary, need some kind of fat for this, so when cooking with them, it must be done with whole milk, cream, coconut oil, or any other ingredient with a high-fat content.
Green smoothie with marijuana leaves
Ingredients
- cannabis leaves
- 1 green apple
- 100g spinach
- ½ stalk of celery
- 2 sprigs of mint
- chia seeds
- ½ lime
- 250ml coconut water
- 250ml water
* To note: measurements and ingredients are indicative, to advise you to try making your own shakes with your favorite ingredients without forgetting cannabis leaves.
How to make a green cannabis smoothie
Making this smoothie is very easy and quick. You just have to wash the ingredients, peel the cucumber and clean the celery and put everything in the blender jug or food processor. Next, crush everything at high speed until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture. It will now be ready to serve!
How to make cannabis tea
The easiest way to take advantage of the properties of marijuana leaves is by cooking tea. To take full advantage of the benefits of the leaves, they can be boiled for 20-30 min in milk and after that, make a tea with the same leaves or any other infusion to which said milk is added.
