AVB Recipes: 5 Ways to Save Money on Already-Vaped Bud
- What is AVB: Already Vaped Bud — vaped 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 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 vaporisation temperature
- Water Curing: Soak AVB in water for 2–3 days (change 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 the AVB depends directly on the vaporisation temperature. The following table shows how THC extraction and residual content shift 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 the flavour) leave more active ingredient in the AVB — ideal for further use. Those who vape at high temperatures extract more, but the remaining AVB will be 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 has been 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 retains 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 effective when taken orally.
A scientific study examined cannabinoid degradation during heating. The results explain why AVB is still effective:
The graph shows: during typical vaporiser sessions of a few minutes, only a portion of the cannabinoids is extracted. Depending on temperature and duration, 10–30% of the active compounds can remain in the AVB.
Methods of Use
1. Direct Consumption
Eat AVB with fatty 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 into gelatine capsules for precise dosing.
AVB Dosage
AVB is already decarboxylated and therefore effective when taken orally — but considerably more variable in potency than fresh material. The following table provides starting doses by experience level as a rough guide; always start cautiously.
| Experience Level | Starting Dose AVB |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 0.5-1g |
| Moderate | 1-2g |
| Experienced | 2-3g |
Golden rule: start low, go slow. The oral effect is stronger and longer lasting.
The colour helps with assessment: dark brown AVB contains fewer active compounds than light brown. Wait at least two hours after the first dose before taking more — oral absorption takes longer to kick in but lasts longer. Experienced users report an effect duration of six to eight hours with oral AVB consumption.
The Chemistry of AVB
What happens chemically during vaporisation? The cannabinoids undergo several processes:
Three chemical processes occur during vaporisation. First, decarboxylation: from around 105°C, THCA converts to THC and CBDA converts to CBD. Then vaporisation begins at approximately 157°C, at which point the cannabinoids transition into the gas phase. With prolonged heat exposure, oxidation also sets in, whereby THC partially converts to CBN.
The AVB therefore contains a different cannabinoid composition than the starting material: more CBN, fewer terpenes, but still significant amounts of THC and CBD.
Water Curing in Detail
Water curing improves the taste and tolerability of AVB considerably:
- Place AVB in cheesecloth or a fine tea bag
- Fill into a mason jar with distilled water
- Store in the refrigerator, changing the water 3–4 times 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 substances) that are responsible for the bitter taste. Cannabinoids are not water-soluble and are preserved.
AVB Recipes
AVB Cannabutter (Detailed)
Ingredients:
You will need 14 g AVB (collected over time), 250 g unsalted butter, and 500 ml water.
Instructions:
- Melt water and butter in a saucepan over low heat
- Add 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 harden in the refrigerator overnight
- Separate the hardened butter from the water
The butter can be used for baked goods, on toast, or for cooking.
AVB Tincture
An alcohol tincture extracts cannabinoids effectively:
Place the AVB in a mason jar and cover it with high-proof alcohol such as Everclear. Leave the mixture to steep for 2–4 weeks, shaking the jar daily. Afterwards, filter the liquid and fill it into 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 — ensure the best absorption. Avoid temperatures that are too high: above 150°C, the remaining active compounds degrade.
Oral Effect vs. Inhalation
Important to understand: 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 THC, when taken orally, is metabolised in the liver to 11-hydroxy-THC — a more potent compound with different properties.
Safety Information
The following must be observed when using AVB:
Patience is essential when taking AVB orally, as the effects take 30 to 90 minutes to set in. Do not take additional doses before the effect kicks in. Always start low, as the potency is difficult to gauge. Do not drive, as the effects can last 4–8 hours and are easily underestimated. Do not combine AVB with alcohol or other substances at first. Store AVB edibles safely, as they often look like regular food.
AVB Potency Calculation
A rough estimate of AVB potency:
Assuming the starting material has 20% THC and you vaporise at 200°C: approximately 70% is extracted, meaning around 30% remains in the material. This gives approximately 6% THC in the AVB. One gram of AVB then contains roughly 60 mg THC.
This is only an estimate — the actual potency varies greatly depending on vaporiser temperature and session length.
Advanced Extraction Techniques
For higher concentrates, AVB can be extracted in a fat-water emulsion. To do this, the AVB is first simmered in water (water curing) to remove chlorophyll and unwanted flavour compounds. The extraction into coconut fat or butter then takes place at 85°C for 2–4 hours. This method produces a more flavour-neutral end product with a more concentrated effect.
Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
The use of AVB embodies the principle of sustainability in consumption. Instead of disposing of material after vaporisation, its lifecycle is extended and its value maximised. This resource-conscious approach not only reduces costs but also minimises waste. For environmentally aware users, making use of AVB is a logical complement to vaporising — and for budget-minded readers just starting out, an affordable starter device like the XMAX V3 Pro, with its replaceable 18650 battery and ceramic vapor path, keeps the entry cost low while still producing plenty of AVB to reuse.
Conclusion on AVB Use
Making use of AVB is more than mere frugality — it is an intelligent use of all available resources. With the right techniques, you can turn what appears to be waste into valuable products. Whether as a quick snack, processed into edibles, or for DIY projects — AVB offers diverse possibilities. Start collecting today and discover the hidden value in your already vaped material.
Many vaporiser users have established AVB use as a fixed part of their routine. Collecting and processing it becomes a habit that pays off both financially and practically. Join this growing community and make the most of your plant material — from the first vaporisation to the final use of the AVB.
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 & Entourage Effect · Cannabinoid Boiling Points · Best Session Vaporisers
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is AVB/ABV?
AVB (Already Vaped Bud) or ABV (Already Been Vaped) is cannabis material after vaporising. It still contains residual cannabinoids and can be put to further use.
Does AVB Need to Be Decarboxylated?
No. Through vaporising, the material has already been decarboxylated. AVB can be used directly in edibles or other preparations.
How Much AVB Is Needed for Edibles?
Depending on the degree of vaporisation, 2–4 g per portion. Lightly vaped (light brown) AVB is more potent than dark brown, heavily vaped material.