ABV (Already Been Vaped) refers to cannabis that has already been vaporized. In this article, I share a series of photos that demonstrate the vaporization process, starting from heating the cannabis to a temperature that doesn't cause combustion but is high enough to release all the active compounds like THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
In this photo sequence, I use the Da Buddha vaporizer with a fixed temperature. In other examples, you’ll see how different temperature settings affect the vaporization process. It's important to understand that there is no single "best" temperature for vaporizing marijuana — it's all about what works best for you. By experimenting with temperature, you can find the optimal balance for yourself.
1. Indica Marijuana Nugget Ready for Grinding
In this first photo, you can see a beautiful Indica nug, fresh and perfectly cured. Notice its vibrant, lush green color, complemented by hints of orange pistils and a frosty layer of trichomes. The texture is just right — neither too wet nor overly dry — ideal for achieving a consistent, fluffy grind. Proper moisture ensures the cannabis will vaporize evenly, releasing its full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Tip: Always check the freshness of your flower before grinding. A well-preserved nug will maximize both flavor and potency during vaporization.
2. Freshly Ground Weed, Ready to Vape
Here, the cannabis has been ground to a medium-fine consistency, perfect for most conduction and convection vaporizers. A finer grind increases the surface area, allowing more cannabinoids and terpenes to be efficiently extracted with each draw. Notice how fluffy yet consistent the material looks — no clumps, no stems, just pure, aromatic herb ready to release its goodness.
Pro Tip: Giving the herb an extra few pulses in your grinder can significantly enhance vapor production, especially in portable vapes.
3. Herb After 5 Hits in the Vaporizer
After about five steady draws at a medium temperature, the cannabis starts to show early signs of vaporization. The color has shifted from vibrant green to a light golden brown. You may still notice slight green patches, indicating there are still plenty of cannabinoids left to enjoy. At this stage, you're about halfway through your session — the flavor is still rich, and the effects are just beginning to peak.
Observation: Light brown ABV still contains a fair amount of cannabinoids and can be reused later for edibles or tinctures.
4. After 12 Hits — It’s Officially ABV
Following around twelve solid pulls, the herb has transitioned into what is recognized as true ABV — Already Been Vaped cannabis. The color is now a consistent earthy brown, and the texture is noticeably dry and brittle. The flavor becomes more subdued, slightly nutty, or roasted, and the vapor production decreases significantly. At this point, most of the active compounds have been extracted, leaving behind a depleted but still usable material.
Note: Properly collected ABV can be an excellent ingredient for low-dose cannabis recipes — don't toss it!
5. Fully Cached After 20+ Hits
After turning up the temperature for those final, deep pulls, the cannabis is completely spent. The color is a dark, almost coffee-like brown, and the texture crumbles easily between your fingers. There's a faint roasted, herbal aroma — a telltale sign that you’ve extracted every last bit of goodness. Both the flavor and effects are minimal now, marking the official end of the session.
Final Thought: Fully cached ABV is usually best for composting or other non-consumable uses, but some enthusiasts still collect it to make strong infusions.
Should You Save Your ABV?
Many vaping enthusiasts wonder: is it worth saving ABV (Already Been Vaped) cannabis? The answer depends largely on your personal preferences and how you plan to use it.
Some users choose to save their ABV for later use — smoking it, cooking with it, or even encapsulating it for easy consumption. Since ABV still contains residual cannabinoids (especially if you vape at lower temperatures), it can be repurposed into edibles, tinctures, or capsules to extract a second round of effects.
However, it's important to note that the flavor and potency of ABV are far from what you get with fresh flower. Smoking ABV often results in a harsh, unpleasant taste and may only deliver a mild, sometimes headache-inducing buzz rather than a clean, uplifting high. Personally, I usually toss mine out — the flavor and experience just aren't worth it for me anymore.
Tip: Your experience may vary depending on how thoroughly your herb was vaporized and at what temperature. If you're curious, try experimenting with small amounts to see if it's worth saving for your needs.
How to Properly Store ABV (Already Been Vaped) Cannabis
If you decide to save your ABV for future use, proper storage is critical to preserve its potency, prevent contamination, and avoid the risk of mold.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Make Sure It's Completely Dry: Before storing, ensure that your ABV is thoroughly dried. If your vaporizer runs at lower temperatures, some moisture might remain. Let the ABV air out on a piece of parchment paper for a few hours after your session to eliminate any residual moisture.
- Use an Airtight Container: Store your ABV in a clean, airtight glass jar or a vacuum-sealed bag. This helps to protect it from humidity and airborne contaminants, both of which can lead to mold growth.
- Keep It in a Cool, Dark Place: Heat and light can degrade cannabinoids over time. To maximize the shelf life of your ABV, keep it in a cool, dark spot — such as a pantry, cupboard, or drawer — away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Avoid Refrigerators or Freezers: While it might seem like a good idea, refrigerators and freezers introduce moisture every time they are opened, which increases the risk of mold and mildew on your stored ABV.
- Label and Date Your Storage: If you're saving multiple batches, label your jars with the date and vaporization temperature (if you know it). Fresher, lighter-colored ABV usually contains more cannabinoids and is better for edibles or infusions.
Pro Tip: Some users also gently toast their ABV in the oven (at around 200°F / 93°C for 20–30 minutes) to ensure it's thoroughly dried before storage. This step helps prevent mold, especially if you plan to keep it for a long time.
5 Signs Your ABV Has Gone Bad
Even with careful storage, ABV doesn’t last forever. Here are five warning signs that your ABV may have spoiled and should not be used:
- Musty or Moldy Smell: If your ABV develops a damp, musty, or mildew-like odor, it’s a clear indication of mold growth. Do not use it — inhaling or consuming moldy cannabis can be dangerous.
- Visible Mold or White Fuzz: Any signs of white, gray, or green fuzzy patches mean your ABV is contaminated. Even small spots of mold make the entire batch unsafe.
- Damp or Sticky Texture: ABV should feel dry and crumbly. If it feels moist, sticky, or clumps together, moisture has gotten inside the container, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
- Unusual Darkening or Sliminess: While ABV naturally turns brown during vaporization, an excessively dark, almost black, or slimy appearance points to decomposition rather than normal aging.
- Sharp Decline in Smell or Potency: If your ABV smells stale, like burnt popcorn, or you notice it no longer produces any noticeable effects, it has likely degraded past the point of usefulness.
Reminder: When in doubt, it’s better to discard old or suspicious ABV rather than risk your health.
Already Been Vaped (ABV) cannabis might look spent, but with proper storage and a little creativity, it still holds surprising value. Whether you choose to cook with it, craft tinctures, or simply experiment, ABV can extend the life of your herb and offer a second wave of benefits. Always store it carefully to maintain quality, and trust your senses — if it looks, smells, or feels off, it's safer to discard it. With the right approach, ABV can be a smart, sustainable part of your cannabis experience.