Can You Snort Kief?

Before wondering whether you should snort kief or not, you may want to know what kief actually is. You have likely noticed the small, sticky crystals that cover cannabis flowers. This is kief — also known as keef, dry sift, or pollen. Many growers pride themselves on cultivating strains with plenty of kief, and the ‘stickiness’ of weed is often a good indicator of its quality.

So, what does kief do? Kief is made up of the resin glands of the cannabis plant. These glands contain two of marijuana’s most prized substances: cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids are primarily responsible for weed’s medicinal and mind-altering effects. Terpenes are the agents behind weed’s unique smell and taste. Kief, the glands that produce these substances, is starting to seem pretty crucial to the marijuana experience. Marijuana without kief still has cannabinoids, but not nearly as much.

We now know what kief is and why it’s important. So, what do we do with it? Kief can be used to make a cannabis concentrate. Separating the kief crystals from the plant is a good way to maximise the effects of marijuana without inhaling as much plant matter. Most grinders come with a compartment that will catch any kief. Once you have separated kief crystals from the rest of your bud, there are many things that you can do with it. Snorting is not one of them. THC — the cannabinoid responsible for getting you high — is not going to be absorbed through your mucus membranes. Furthermore, THC should be activated with heat before consumption.

Seeing as you hopefully won’t be snorting your kief, here are some ways to enjoy it. You can “crown a bowl” by sprinkling kief on top of it. You can also add kief to a joint. Some people even coat the top third of their joint in kief — this is known as a “twaxed” joint. All three of these methods will increase the potency of your bud.

Kief is also commonly used to make hash. In fact, hash is really just kief that has been heated and pressurized. The heat and pressure change the kief’s flavour, colour, and effects. Hash is one of the oldest and best-loved cannabis concentrates.

You can also use kief to make moonrocks. To make them yourself, heat your oil and use it to coat your best nugs. Sprinkle the nugs with kief while they’re still warm, then let them harden. When you’re ready to enjoy them, break them up by hand and toss them in your bowl. Enjoy this potent, DIY treat.

Kief can be used to augment the potency of just about any weed product, cannabutter included. Mixing in some kief with your flower is a good way to give your cannabutter a boost without adding any extra steps.

However you choose to enjoy your kief, just remember — don’t put it up your nose. It’s not worth it.