How to grind without a grinder: 9 home methods that work

Quick answer: to grind without a grinder, the most practical option is a small pair of scissors inside a shot glass; the finest result comes from a sharp knife and a board; and if you have nothing, your fingers (with well-dried buds). Always remove the stems and break it up before cutting: that way the weed burns evenly and the joint draws better.

A grinder is one of those bits of kit you only realise you’re missing when you don’t have it. Whether you’re travelling, have left it at home or it’s broken, there’s no need to resort to makeshift solutions. Here are the methods that work best, when to use each one, and the most common mistakes people make when grinding weed.

Why it’s worth mowing the lawn properly

• Even burning: with pieces of a similar size, the joint burns evenly and doesn't “run” down one side.
• Better draw: not so coarse that it leaves gaps, nor so fine that it clogs the paper or the filter.
• More flavour and less waste: the trichomes, where the cannabinoids and terpenes are, stay on the weed and not on your fingers or the table.
• If you vape, a medium, even grind is essential so that the heat reaches the whole load properly.

9 ways to grind without a grinder

1. Scissors and a shot glass (the best makeshift option)

Place the bud in a shot glass or small cup and cut it with a pair of fine-tipped scissors using quick movements, as if you were «chopping» inside the glass. In 30 seconds you’ll have a fairly even chop and nothing will slip away. It works even better with manicure scissors or small kitchen scissors.

2. Knife and chopping board

Break the bud into small pieces and chop it with a very sharp knife, as if you were chopping parsley. This method gives you the most control over the final size. Use a clean, dry chopping board and be careful with your fingers: a blunt knife crushes rather than cuts and is more likely to slip.

3. With your fingers

It’s the tried-and-tested method. It works well with dry weed: crumble the bud bit by bit, removing stems and seeds. Downsides: the trichomes stick to your fingers, and with damp or very resinous weed, it clumps together.

4. Coffee or spice grinder

It gives quick results, but you need to be careful: a couple of short pulses are enough. If you leave it running, you’ll turn the weed into powder and the joint won’t draw properly. Clean it thoroughly before and after, as the smell and taste linger.

5. Cheese grater

Freeze the heart for a few minutes so that it’s firm, then grate it using the fine side. It produces a surprisingly even grind. When you’ve finished, scrape the grater with a card to remove any residue left on the blades.

6. Pizza cutter

Run the cutter over the core several times in different directions on a chopping board. It’s safe and quick, although it produces slightly more irregular pieces than a knife.

7. Mortar

Useful for small quantities. Tap gently and turn the mallet; if you pound too hard, the herbs will become compacted. With very dry herbs, it’s easy to overdo it and end up with them being too fine.

8. Coin jar

Put the weed in a jar or pill box with a couple of clean coins and shake it vigorously for a minute. The coins act like the blades of a grinder. It’s slower and the result is uneven, but it’ll do the job if you don’t have anything sharp to hand.

9. Folded paper and card

Fold a piece of paper, put the bud inside, then press and slide along the edge of a card or a lighter. This breaks up the weed without it sticking to your fingers. Good for a quick fix with just one puff.

Quick comparison

Tips for grinding a bud more effectively

• Remove stems and seeds first. Stems tear the paper, and seeds pop and taste bad.
• Break it up before cutting. Separating the bud into pea-sized pieces makes any method more even.
• If it's damp, dry it a little. Leave it out for a few minutes somewhere out of direct light. Never in the microwave: you lose terpenes and flavour.
• If it's very resinous, chill it. Five minutes in the freezer in a sealed container hardens it and makes it easier to grind.
• Choose the size according to how you will consume: medium for joints and vaporisers, coarser for a pipe or bong.
• Make the most of the pollen. Chop over a clean, folded sheet of paper; at the end, collect whatever is left on it.

Common mistakes

• Turning it to powder: it clogs the joint and burns too fast.
• Using dirty utensils or ones with food residue: you can taste it.
• Crushing instead of cutting: the weed clumps together and doesn't spread evenly.
• Chopping it all at once: ground weed loses its aroma sooner. Better to chop only what you are going to use.

What if you want a proper grinder?

If you consume often, a four-piece grinder with a screen is the most convenient option: it grinds evenly, protects the trichomes and also collects the pollen (kief) in the bottom compartment. Metal ones last for years; wooden or acrylic ones are cheap but wear out sooner. If you are interested in pollen, you'll find more information in what hashish is.

Frequently asked questions

Can you chop cannabis by hand?

Yes, as long as it’s dry. It’s the quickest method without tools, although some of the resin sticks to your fingers and the grind is coarser.

Which is better, scissors or a knife?

Scissors in a glass are quicker and tidier; a knife produces a finer, more controlled chop. For a standard joint, scissors are sufficient.

Can I use a hand mixer?

You can, but only with very short pulses. It’s easy to turn the herb into powder, and you’ll also end up wasting some of the resin on the sides of the glass.

How finely should the weed be ground for a vapouriser?

A medium, even grind, with no dust. If it is too fine, it passes through the screen and clogs the device; if it is too coarse, the heat does not reach the centre properly. You'll find more tips in our guide on the marijuana vaporiser.

If you are a member of The High Class and have questions about how best to prepare your consumption, ask the team at the club. And if you want to try other ways of consuming, have a look at our alternative ways to consume marijuana.