Male marijuana plants are of no use. Have you ever heard a medical cannabis grower saying it? Probably yes. Many growers believe that they will lessen the potency of female plants. On top of that, their worth decreases when one comes to know that they lack the necessary cannabinoids and terpenes.
But are they truly of no use and can do more damage than good? Wrong! They have their own benefits, and the experienced weed growers know their true potential.
So, before tossing your male cannabis plants down the drain next time, read this article about them that may change your perspective.
How do you know if you have a male marijuana plant?
Here are some common characteristics that can help you identify a male cannabis plant:
- Thicker and stronger stalks
- Fewer leaves
- Small sacks (balls) at the node of plants
- Fewer buds
- No pistils (hair)
- Start flowering earlier
Benefits of Male Pot Plants
Here are some of the benefits of male weed plants that most inexperienced growers are unaware of:
1. Genetic Diversity in Breeding
Many growers prefer separating male and female cannabis plants. However, they might not know the benefits, in terms of breeding, that they are missing out on.
One of the benefits of male weed plants is that they help to keep certain traits in a plant for many generations. Weed growers can use it to their advantage as it allows them to grow more cannabis strains with the specific qualities they want. Cross-breeding can truly enhance the benefits of cannabis.
2. Make Hashish and other Concentrates
There is no doubt that male pot plants have less THC content as compared to female weed plants. But less never means absence. They do have some THC content that can help make hash and other concentrates.
What if we ask you, is it better to have low-potency hash (little high effects) from male cannabis plants or to simply discard them? We believe that it is always better to have something than nothing.
3. Pest and Disease Resistance
Male marijuana plants produce terpenes like pinene, limonene, and borneol. So what? Well, these terpenes help repel insects and pests. They are useful in protecting other plants in the garden.
Male plants also have valuable nutrients that can be turned into compost or mulch to improve the soil. They help improve the soil quality in other ways, too. For example, they use their long taproots to go deep into the soil. These taproots help water and nutrients reach further into the ground to improve soil health.
So, did these benefits change your perspective about male plants? Keep reading to learn more about how you can use male cannabis plants so you can ask yourself next time, do you really want to throw them away?
What are male cannabis plants used for?
Male cannabis plants are often neglected. However, they can be used in a number of ways. Here are some of the best ways of using male pot plants:
1. Soil Enrichment
Male marijuana plants can contribute to healthier soil. Yes, they contain fewer terpenes and cannabinoids; however, the available ones help repel pests. Additionally, their long taproots not only allow them to access water and nutrients deeper in the soil but also help improve the soil structure.
2. Hemp Fiber for Sustainable Products
Male cannabis plants are rich in hemp fiber. This means cultivators can use them for a wide range of sustainable products. For example, their softer fibers are ideal for clothing, napkins, linens, and ropes.
3. Edibles and Cannabinoid Infusions
One can also use male marijuana plants to create cannabis-infused edibles. You can follow the weed butter recipe to make one and use it to make your favorite edibles at home.
While the potency may be lower compared to female plants, the milder effects can be ideal for those looking to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the stronger effects typically associated with female plants.
4. Cannabis Tea and Juices
Male cannabis plants can also be used to make refreshing cannabis-infused beverages, like tea or juice. While they have a lower concentration of cannabinoids, they still offer benefits such as CBD without causing the “high” that THC is known for.
Juicing male cannabis provides a unique way to take advantage of the plant’s therapeutic compounds, and many people use it for its potential health benefits, such as promoting relaxation or reducing inflammation.
Male Cannabis Plant vs. Female Cannabis Plant
Male cannabis plant vs. female is a hot topic. Many people are confused and are curious to know their differences. Here are some common differences that will help you enhance your understanding of the two:
Male Cannabis Plant vs. Female Cannabis Plant | ||
Features | Male Weed Plants | Female Weed Plants |
Primary Use | Breeding | Consumption (smoking or edibles) |
Appearance | Have round sacs, fewer leaves, and are taller | Have white pistils, more leaves, and are bushier |
THC/Cannabinoid Content | Low level of THC and other cannabinoids | Higher THC content and other cannabinoids |
Bud Production | No buds production | Produce dense, resin-covered buds |
Trichomes | Few or none | Have many trichomes on buds |
What do weed plants look like?
How a weed plant will look depends on the type of cannabis plant. For example, is it Sativa or Indica, and is it a male plant or female?
Sativa plants are tall, have long and thin leaves, and have more spread-out branches. On the other hand, Indica plants are shorter, bushier, and have wider leaves.
When we talk about male vs. female cannabis plants, male plants don’t have buds. Instead, they have pollen sacs, while female marijuana plants have buds.
Can you smoke male weed leaves?
The short answer is yes. You can smoke male weed leaves without a second thought. The only downside that many people can find is that it lacks many cannabinoids and terpenes.
On the other hand, people prefer using female cannabis leaves for smoking as they have higher concentrations of CBD, THC, and other compounds. These compounds are what make smoking more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Male cannabis plants are often overlooked compared to female cannabis plants. While the female cannabis plant is the primary focus when it comes to cultivating weed, male plants also play an important role. Male plants offer many benefits, including pest control and help with breeding.