If you own a Storz & Bickel Volcano vaporizer, you’re already enjoying one of the most celebrated vaping experiences in the world. The signature bags—also called balloons—get filled with smooth, potent cannabis vapor, offering unmatched flavor and efficiency. But after you finish a session and empty the balloon, you’re left with light brown, gently toasted cannabis: this is ABV, or “Already Been Vaporized” weed.
But ABV isn’t just a waste product! Savvy Volcano owners know it holds exciting possibilities, especially for those interested in making edibles or getting more out of their cannabis. In this guide, we’ll explain what ABV is, why it’s valuable, and how to safely collect, store, and use it for making potent homemade products—no recipes required.
What is ABV (Already Been Vaporized) Weed?
ABV (Already Been Vaporized) weed, sometimes called “AVB” (Already Vaped Bud), is cannabis that has already been used in a vaporizer like the Volcano. When you vaporize cannabis with the Volcano, the hot air gently extracts THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, as well as aromatic terpenes.
But unlike smoking—which burns everything, including a lot of leftover cannabinoids—vaporizing at controlled temperatures (typically 180–210°C or 356–410°F) leaves behind a large portion of non-activated or partially activated cannabinoids. These remain in the ABV.
Key Points:
- ABV is not ash; it’s vaporized plant matter, often light to medium brown in color, sometimes with a faint toasty or nutty aroma.
- ABV is already decarboxylated! The Volcano’s heat activates THC and other cannabinoids in the process, meaning ABV can be easily absorbed when consumed orally—ideal for edibles.
- While ABV contains less THC and flavor than fresh bud, it remains psychoactive and useful, especially when collected over time.
Why ABV is Valuable for Volcano Owners
Unlike combustion, Volcano vaporization is extremely efficient and preserves many cannabinoids, especially in the lower or mid temperature ranges. While the freshest and most aromatic compounds (think terpenes) are vaporized quickly, much of the THC, CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids are only partially extracted.
How is this possible?
- Some cannabinoids vaporize at higher temperatures.
- Most owners set Volcano temperatures lower for flavor and smoothness, so extraction is gentle.
- This leaves plenty of active compounds in the spent material.
The bottom line: ABV is a highly efficient, free bonus for every Volcano user! It’s ready for edible making, tinctures, or other home projects.
How to Collect ABV from Your Volcano Vaporizer
Step 1: Prepare and Handle Vaporized Bud Properly
After a session, your Volcano’s bowl will contain spent, brown marijuana.
- Use the brush provided with your device to gently sweep out the AVB after each balloon fill.
- Place the ABV directly into a separate jar or container to avoid confusion with fresh bud.
Pro tip: Don’t throw it out! If it’s only light brown and not dark chocolate or black, it still has potential.
Step 2: Avoid Over-Vaporizing
For the most potent ABV:
- Vaporize at moderate temperatures (180–200°C or 356–392°F).
- Avoid the urge to “milk” every tiny bit—over-vaped (almost black) ABV is less useful.
- Lightly toasted, not burned cannabis works best for future use.
- If you bag up each session using replacement Volcano bags/balloons, you’ll generate ABV regularly—so make it a habit!
Step 3: Let It Cool and Store Properly
- Wait until the used cannabis is fully cooled before storing, to prevent condensation or mold.
- Store only dry, fully vaporized material (don’t mix with sticky, partially-vaped weed).
How to Store ABV Weed
Proper storage ensures your ABV remains potent, flavorful, and safe from mold or contamination.
Tips for Storing ABV:
- Choose an airtight container:
- Glass jars with a tight seal are best (think mason jars or small wide-mouth glass containers).
- Opaque or dark glass can help slow down any further degradation from light.
- Label the container:
- It’s easy to confuse ABV with fresh cannabis, so write “ABV” or “AVB” on your jar.
- Mark the date you started collecting—fresh ABV is best.
- Store in a cool, dry place:
- Avoid humid, steamy, or hot areas (never next to your Volcano’s heating element).
- Keep away from direct light.
- Keep it clean:
- Use only dry, vaporized bud—not bowl debris or sticky remnants.
- Optional: Strain separation:
- Some heavy users separate ABV into “light ABV” (light brown) and “well-done ABV” (darker brown) for different strengths.
How long does ABV last? Stored correctly, ABV stays potent for up to 6–12 months, though flavor degrades over time.
What Can You Do With Volcano ABV? (Practical Uses)
The major advantage of ABV from a Volcano vaporizer is that decarboxylation has already occurred, thanks to vaporization. This means cannabinoids are now in their active form—THC (rather than the inactive THCA)—and the bud can be directly infused in fats, eaten, or extracted into tinctures. Fresh cannabis generally requires heat to activate, but AVB skips this step!
Here are the most popular ways to use ABV from your Volcano:
1. Edibles (Brownies, Cookies, Capsules, and More)
What’s possible:
- Mix ABV straight into almost any fatty food: butter, oil, nut butters, or even chocolate.
- ABV can be sprinkled, blended, or infused.
- Edible potency will be lower than with fresh bud, but you can compensate by using more ABV.
- Some users fill empty gelatin capsules with ABV for homemade AVB pills.
- Create “firecrackers”: ABV sandwiched between crackers with peanut butter, wrapped and heated (just check local legality).
2. Infusions: AVB Cannabutter, Oil, and Milk
How to get started:
- Steep ABV in butter, coconut oil, or whole milk—these fats bind to cannabinoids and maximize absorption.
- No need to decarb or heat at high temps—ABV has already been activated by your Volcano.
- Let it infuse for a few hours (in a slow cooker or double boiler), then strain.
- Result: Cannabutter/oil for baking or direct use.
3. AVB Tinctures and Alcohol Extractions
How to get started:
- Soak ABV in high-proof alcohol (like Everclear or vodka) to produce “green dragon” style tinctures.
- Shake daily and strain after a few weeks for an edible, sublingual liquid.
4. ABV-Enhanced Drinks: Tea, Coffee, and More
How to get started:
- Mix AVB into warm milk-based drinks, or into smoothies with a fatty base.
- The cannabinoids in ABV are fat-soluble, so always use milk, cream, or a nut milk with fat content.
5. Direct Consumption (AVB Capsules)
How to get started:
- Fill empty gelatin or vegetarian capsules with dried ABV and swallow whole.
- Start with a small amount—effects can vary!
6. Topicals and Salves
How to get started:
- Infuse ABV into coconut or olive oil, then blend into homemade body balms, salves, or massage oils.
7. Composting (Last Resort):
If your ABV is very, very spent (dark brown or nearly black), you can compost it—giving your garden a little cannabinoid goodness!
How Potent is ABV?
Potency can vary widely, depending on your vaporizing habits:
- Low temperatures: More cannabinoids remain in ABV.
- High temperatures: Less cannabinoids, but possibly more CBN—creating sedative effects.
- Color: Light brown ABV is usually more potent than dark brown.
Taste: ABV isn’t as aromatic or flavorful as fresh bud, but when mixed into edibles or capsules, the flavor is mild and easy to mask.
How much ABV should you use? Start low: effects can sneak up on you! Edibles and infusions are typically less potent than with fresh cannabis, so use recipes designed for ABV or slightly increase the amount.
Pro tip for Volcano users:
- Save ABV by batch—collect in a jar until you have enough for your project (generally, 7–14 grams is a good starting quantity for butter or oil).
Quick Tips for Best ABV Results
Always keep ABV dry and mold-free.
- Mix and match: Blend ABV from several sessions for more consistent results.
- Reuse mindset: Regularly change Volcano vapor bags/balloons for the cleanest flavor and most efficient use of ABV. (You can find replacements right here at Bestboons.com!)
- Experiment—but dose carefully: The effects of edibles can be delayed and longer-lasting than vapor, and ABV edibles are often described as more “mellow” or “body heavy.”
- No need to decarb: Unlike fresh cannabis, ABV can be directly ingested, infused, or extracted.
Should You Water-Cure ABV? (Optional!)
Some users are sensitive to ABV’s slightly toasted, earthy taste. Water curing is a process where you soak ABV in room temperature water (changing the water repeatedly over a few days), then thoroughly dry it. This can reduce bitterness and harsh flavor, especially valuable if you plan on making pure ABV edibles.
Final Thoughts: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Volcano’s ABV
Thanks to their precise temperature control and gentle convection, Storz & Bickel Volcano vaporizers produce some of the best and most versatile ABV cannabis. By collecting and storing ABV properly, Volcano owners can maximize every session’s value, create custom infusions, and explore the world of homemade edibles—all while saving money and reducing waste.
Ready to take the next step?
- Collect your ABV after each session.
- Store it unexposed to air, heat, or moisture.
- Explore the creative world of AVB edibles, infusions, tinctures, and more.
- Don’t forget, for the cleanest, purest experience—and the easiest AVB collection—swap in fresh Volcano vaporizer bags/balloons from Bestboons.com!
