How to Use AVB/ABV: Edibles, Cannabutter and Tinctures from Already Vaped Bud (2026)
- What is AVB: Already Vaped Bud — vaporised cannabis that still contains 10–30% of the original cannabinoids
- Already decarboxylated: AVB can be used without further heating — eat it directly or infuse it in fat
- Simplest method: Mix 0.5–1 g of AVB into yoghurt, peanut butter or a smoothie (fat improves absorption)
- Dosage: Start with 0.5 g and wait 90 minutes — potency varies depending on the vaporisation temperature
- Water Curing: Soak AVB in water for 2–3 days (changing it daily) to remove the bitter taste
How to make good use of Already Vaped Bud
After vaporising, material remains that still contains significant amounts of cannabinoids. Simply throwing away this “Already Vaped Bud” (AVB) is wasteful.
What remains after vaporising?
How much active ingredient remains in AVB depends directly on the vaporisation temperature. The following table shows how THC extraction and residual content change across the typical temperature range.
| Temperature | THC extraction | Remaining in AVB |
|---|---|---|
| 170°C | ~30-40% | ~60-70% |
| 185°C | ~50-60% | ~40-50% |
| 200°C | ~70-80% | ~20-30% |
| 210°C+ | ~80-90% | ~10-20% |
Rule of thumb: Those who vape at low temperatures (for flavour) leave more active ingredient in the AVB – ideal for reuse. Those who vape at high temperatures extract more, but the remaining AVB is correspondingly weaker.
AVB colour as an indicator
The colour of your AVB reveals a great deal about its residual content. Light brown to golden AVB was vaporised at low temperatures and still contains around 30-50% of the active compounds. Medium-brown material has a moderate residual content of approximately 20-30%. Dark-brown AVB has been heavily extracted and contains only 10-20% of the original cannabinoids.
Important: Decarboxylation is complete
One major advantage: Decarboxylation has already taken place. AVB can be consumed directly and is orally active.
A scientific study examined cannabinoid degradation during heating. The results explain why AVB remains effective:
The graph shows that during typical vaporizer sessions lasting a few minutes, only some of the cannabinoids are extracted. Depending on the temperature and duration, 10-30% of the active compounds may remain in the AVB.
Methods of use
1. Direct consumption
Eat AVB with high-fat foods (yoghurt, peanut butter, smoothies).
2. AVB butter/oil
Infuse AVB in butter or coconut oil in a bain-marie at ~85°C for 2-3 hours.
3. AVB capsules
Fill gelatine capsules for precise dosing.
AVB dosage
AVB is already decarboxylated and therefore orally active – but its potency is considerably more variable than that of fresh material. The following table provides starting doses by experience level as a rough guide; always approach it cautiously.
| Experience level | Starting dose of AVB |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 0.5-1g |
| Moderate | 1-2g |
| Experienced | 2-3g |
Golden rule: Start low, go slow. The oral effect is stronger and lasts longer.
The colour helps with assessment: Dark-brown AVB contains fewer active compounds than light-brown AVB. Wait at least two hours after the first dose before taking more – oral absorption has a delayed onset but lasts longer. Experienced users report effects lasting six to eight hours when taking AVB orally.
The chemistry of AVB
What happens chemically during vaporisation? The cannabinoids undergo several processes:
Three chemical processes take place during vaporisation. First comes decarboxylation: From around 105°C, THCA converts into THC and CBDA into CBD. Then vaporisation begins at approximately 157°C, during which the cannabinoids enter the gas phase. Prolonged exposure to heat also causes oxidation, with some of the THC converting into CBN.
AVB therefore has a different cannabinoid composition from the original material: more CBN, fewer terpenes, but still significant amounts of THC and CBD.
Water Curing in detail
Water Curing (water purification) considerably improves the flavour and tolerability of AVB:
- Place the AVB in cheesecloth or a fine tea bag
- Put it in a preserving jar filled with distilled water
- Store it in the refrigerator, changing the water 3-4x daily
- Continue for 3-7 days until the water remains clear
- Dry thoroughly (important to prevent mould!)
The water dissolves water-soluble compounds (chlorophyll, plant compounds) responsible for the bitter taste. Cannabinoids are not water-soluble and are retained.
AVB recipes
AVB cannabutter (detailed)
Ingredients:
You will need 14g of AVB (collected over time), 250g of unsalted butter and 500ml of water.
Instructions:
- Melt the water and butter in a saucepan over low heat
- Add the AVB and stir
- Simmer at 85°C (do not boil!) for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally
- Pour through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a container
- Leave to set in the refrigerator overnight
- Separate the hardened butter from the water
The butter can be used for baked goods, spread on toast or used in cooking.
AVB tincture
An alcohol tincture extracts cannabinoids effectively:
Place the AVB in a preserving jar and cover it with high-proof alcohol such as Everclear. Leave the mixture to infuse for 2-4 weeks and shake the jar daily. Then filter the liquid and transfer it to a dropper bottle.
AVB in the kitchen
AVB is versatile: Classic brownies and biscuits benefit from AVB butter, smoothies with AVB coconut fat are a discreet option, and savoury dishes such as pasta sauces or dressings can also be enriched. Because cannabinoids are fat-soluble, recipes with a high fat content – dairy products, oils, nut butters – provide the best absorption. Avoid excessively high temperatures: Above 150°C, the remaining active compounds degrade.
Oral effects vs. inhalation
It is important to understand that AVB consumed orally works completely differently from vaporising:
| Aspect | Inhalation | Oral (AVB) |
|---|---|---|
| Onset of effects | 1-5 minutes | 30-90 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 1-3 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Intensity | Moderate | Often stronger |
| Body sensation | Less pronounced | Stronger, “body high” |
This is because, when taken orally, THC is metabolised in the liver into 11-Hydroxy-THC – a more potent compound with different properties.
Safety information
Be sure to observe the following when using AVB:
Patience is essential when taking AVB orally, as the effects take 30 to 90 minutes to appear. Do not take another dose before the effects begin. Always start low, as potency is difficult to estimate. Do not drive, as the effects can last 4-8 hours and are easily underestimated. Do not initially combine AVB with alcohol or other substances. Store AVB edibles safely, as they often look like ordinary food.
Calculating AVB potency
A rough estimate of AVB potency:
Suppose the original material contains 20% THC and you vaporise it at 200°C: Approximately 70% is extracted, leaving around 30% in the material. This results in approximately 6% THC in the AVB. One gram of AVB then contains roughly 60mg of THC.
This is only an estimate – actual potency varies greatly depending on the vaporizer temperature and session length.
Advanced extraction techniques
For stronger concentrates, AVB can be extracted in a fat-water emulsion. The AVB is first boiled in water (Water Curing) to remove chlorophyll and unwanted flavour compounds. It is then extracted in coconut fat or butter at 85°C for 2-4 hours. This method produces a more neutral-tasting final product with a more concentrated effect.
Sustainability and resource efficiency
Reusing AVB embodies the principle of sustainability in consumption. Instead of disposing of the material after vaporisation, its lifecycle is extended and its value maximised. This resource-efficient approach not only reduces costs but also cuts waste. For environmentally conscious users, reusing AVB is a logical complement to vaporising.
Conclusion on reusing AVB
Making use of AVB is about more than just saving money – it is an intelligent use of all available resources. With the right techniques, you can turn supposed waste into valuable products. Whether as a quick snack, processed into edibles or used for DIY projects – AVB offers a wide range of possibilities. Start collecting it today and discover the hidden value in your already vaped material.
Many vaporizer users have made using AVB a regular part of their routine. Collecting and processing it becomes a habit that pays off financially and practically. Join this growing community and unlock the full potential of your plant material – from the first vaporisation to the final use of the ABV.
Related Articles
Scientific Sources
- Hazekamp, A. et al. (2006). Evaluation of a Vaporizing Device (Volcano) for the Pulmonary Administration of Tetrahydrocannabinol. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 95(6), 1308–1317. PubMed 16637053
- Grotenhermen, F. (2003). Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cannabinoids. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 42(4), 327–360. PubMed 12648025
Related Articles: Decarboxylation · Terpenes & the Entourage Effect · Cannabinoid Boiling Points · Best Session Vaporizers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AVB/ABV?
AVB (Already Vaped Bud) or ABV (Already Been Vaped) is cannabis material that has already been vaporised. It still contains residual cannabinoids and can be used further.
Does AVB need to be decarboxylated?
No. The material was already decarboxylated during vaporisation. AVB can be used directly in edibles or other preparations.
How much AVB do you need for edibles?
Depending on the degree of vaporisation, 2–4 g per serving. Lightly vaporised (light brown) AVB is more potent than dark brown, heavily vaporised material.