Shake vs. Bud, Plus more n00b questions

1. I understand that shake can't compare to actual bud, but I have alot of shake. So my question is How much dry shake would it take to equal the potency of dry bud for a recipe.
For example, If I wanted a cup of Cannaoil for a standard recipe how much shake should I add to the oil for it to be effective? I understand the high is different for everyone but but what's a good ammount to start experimenting with.

2. I want to make sure my understanding of what shake is is correct. I'm under the impression that shake includes the little leaves cut from the bud during trimming, and fan leaves, but I'm wondering if I can throw stems in there, as well as the leaves that die that I pick off my plant during flowering.

3. I have stalks like trees, are there any recipes that I can use stalks and stems in. I have been doing a little reading on tea but an a bit confused. Do you "steep" your stems in water and cream/milk, and if so for how long?

4. Say I made brownies, how can I store them? Can I freeze a batch without drastically affecting the effect?

Thanks alot guys, I've been reading for a few days but I figured while I work through all this maybe a few of you can speed my search.

Hi CC,

I will use just about double shake for anything I would use bud for in cooking. I always strain out the stems etc..and weigh things post straining. Cannot answer your question about freezing though.

Cannabutter might be the best way to get the most out of your extra stems; let it simmer and you should be able to get the thc seperated, then strain through cheesecloth or something. I know there are several recipes for it in this forum.

I LOVE eating weed and will choose it over any other way hands down. :)

PS IMHO "trim" is what's cut away etc from the buds and "shake" is the rest of the leaves etec...;)

CC,
I've tried complicated recepies where you strain the oil/butter through cheeseclothes 2 times to get more THC... I've used ghee (pure butter), and I've tried butter in water but honestly, I'm all about cheap and easy.

So, here's my take on making brownies the cheap and easy way...
I buy cheap weed (1/2 once = $40-45) and use an electric food processor to chop into fine flakes, stems and all (chop to the size of flakes from a seasoning like basil flakes). The stems create a "sharper" high so leave them out if you want. I saute it in veggie oil (same amount as recepie on box). Strain through a cheeseclothe into the mixing bowl. Squeeze out ALL the oil (wear rubber gloves as the oil is hot and will burn you). I use Gheridelli (sp? ) brownie mix which includes a chocolate sryup - yummy - of course I lick the bowl clean like a dog. I've kept these frozen for up to 6 months and just pop in the microwave as needed. There's no smoke breath and it's like a nice snack. Takes about an hour for the first "high wave" to hit then another hour for the pseudo-psychodelic stuff to hit so plan your day/night accordingly. The overall high can last up to 5 hours. Start with a small piece with each new batch as the THC levels are a little different each time.

Other stuff:
I've made butter and put it in the freezer then spread on toast. Does ok but doesn't taste very good - I had to mix it with garlic salt. However, when cooling, the THC seemed to settle to the bottom so the top portion of the solid butter was very weak. I kept upping my doses of butter and then when I hit the bottom of the butter stick I got WAY too much and the high lasted into the next day. It was actually a little scary. But, unlike alchohol, I recovered without being sick or having a headache. I hardly ever drink alchohol now. So instead of a glass of wine after a hard day at work, I munch on a brownie. Life is good.

Enjoy!