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Younger cannabis users might not be familiar with brick weed, but older generations still remember this low-quality bud distributed in brick form. What is brick weed? Is it safe to smoke? Where can I buy brick weed?

What Is Brick Weed?

Brick weed, also known as compressed weed, was a popular form of cannabis in the 1970s and 1980s. Drug dealers, usually from Mexico or South America, would compress the harvested material for easier transport and smuggling over the U.S. border.

History of Brick Weed

Before cannabis legalization took hold, many cannabis users in the United States would buy brick weed smuggled from Mexico, South America, and Thailand. Although brick weed would be the lowest quality by today’s standards, it was cheap and easy to distribute.

Today, brick weed is not as popular in cannabis culture as it was in its heyday. As users began to grow weed at home and legalization swept the world, the need for cheap and low-quality cannabis went down. Nowadays, users can legally buy weed with high potency and a burst of flavor and aroma.

brick weed packed in tape

How Is Brick Weed Made?

Unlike modern cannabis buds, which you can buy at legal dispensaries, brick weed’s production is not as refined or safe. In indoor cannabis cultivation, legal cannabis growers trim, dry, and cure their cannabis in environmentally-controlled rooms.

Brick weed does not go through a trimming or curing process. Instead, the harvested plants are dried outdoors over tarps. Once they are dry enough and the buds have been removed, they are pressed with a hydraulic press into bricks, with seeds, stems, and all. Overall, the harsh handling methods break off many of the plant’s trichomes.

Can Brick Weed Get You High?

Yes, brick weed can get you high. However, it does not have as high of a potency as legal cannabis. Today’s legal cannabis can have 15-30% THC. Brick weed is lower quality and can contain between 5% and 10% THC.

Is Smoking Brick Weed Safe?

Many people have used and continue to use brick weed. Since brick weed quality varies, it’s hard to say if all brick weed is safe to use. Overall, brick weed has a higher risk of being unsafe.

For one, harvesting methods are not refined. If plants aren’t dried well enough, it could lead to mold formation, which can be harmful when consumed. 

Some growers even use adulterants to bind the material or even increase the potency. In addition, this weed may be grown with harsh chemicals that can leave behind residue on the final product.

How Much Is a Brick of Weed?

If you are wondering how much does a brick of weed cost, it depends on the quality of brick weed. Generally, a brick of weed can run you between $2,000 and $4,000 dollars.

How Much Does a Brick of Weed Weigh?

Interested in buying brick weed? The size of a brick of weed varies, but an average brick of weed would weigh between 500 grams and 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). A one-kilogram brick of weed would usually be 8.5 inches by 11 inches by 2 inches.

How to Make Brick Weed Fluffy

Cannabis legalization has significantly reduced brick weed’s popularity, but you may still find some nowadays. Many often search online for “how to fluff up brick weed.” If you have dry and hard brick weed on your hands, here is how you improve its looks and usability.

Citrus Fruits

Slices of citrus fruits from a lemon or an orange can provide hydration to your brick weed. Cut the brick into smaller pieces and place those pieces inside a jar with the citrus slices for about a week. Use tin foil or plastic wrap to cover the jar and poke a few holes. Take off the covering daily for at least 10 minutes to let the bud breathe.

Steam

Steam can also be used to rehydrate brick weed. For smaller chunks, you can use the steam from a boiling kettle. Place the brick weed inside a clean sock or other permeable material and steam it over the kettle for 30-45 seconds. Allow the bud to air dry for 4-6 hours before using it.

For larger portions of brick weed, you can use a large pot to fluff up your brick weed. If possible, break down the large brick into smaller chunks. Place the portions in a strainer and hold them above a boiling pot for 60-90 seconds. Allow the weed to air dry for several hours or overnight before using it.

Brick Weed Recap

Brick marijuana is a term used to describe a kind of cannabis that has been crushed and formed into bricks, typically to facilitate transportation and make the most of available space. Although it is frequently connected to poor-quality cannabis, this isn't always the case.

It is frequently observed in locations where cannabis must be smuggled or where packaging effectiveness takes precedence above presentation.

How Brick Weed Is Made

Harvested cannabis plants are compressed into a solid, brick-like shape, frequently using a hydraulic press. This compresses stems, seeds, and occasionally even leaves in addition to the buds.

Characteristics of Brick Weed

Appearance

It resembles a brick, as suggested by the name. It could be challenging to distinguish between distinct buds due to the tight compression.


Due to the inclusion of stems, seeds, and leaves, the quality is frequently of lesser quality, though this is not always the case.


Smell

Brick weed frequently loses the distinctive aromatic features of well-cured cannabis and sometimes takes on a musty or moldy smell due to compression and sometimes poor storage conditions.


Taste

Once more, because to the factors discussed above, the flavor may not be as nice as that of well-cured, uncompressed marijuana.


Most Frequently Asked Questions About Brick Weed

Why is brick weed frequently seen as inferior?

Trichomes, the little hair-like structures on cannabis buds where many of the cannabinoids and terpenes are found, can be harmed during the compression process. Additionally, the inclusion of plant parts other than the flowers and probable mold or mildew from inadequate storage diminish the quality.

Is brick weed less expensive than other varieties of marijuana?

In general, yes. Because of its reputation as a product of poorer quality, it is frequently offered for a reduced price.

Is brick weed potentially harmful?

If the weed contains mold or mildew from improper storage, eating it could be dangerous. Before using any cannabis, whether in a brick or another form, always inspect it.

How can I make utilizing brick marijuana better or more enjoyable?

When breaking it up, think about using a grinder to help unleash some of its natural fragrances. The smoking or vaping experience might be improved by removing any visible stems and seeds. Last but not least, instead of smoking or vaping it if you're concerned about its quality, think about using it to make edibles.

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Is brick weed more widespread in some places?

Yes, it is more typical in regions where marijuana must be smuggled or where compact packaging is necessary. Due to the requirement of smuggling, places with strict anti-cannabis legislation frequently see higher levels of brick weed.

What is the THC content in brick weed?

Despite having a lower potency than cannabis of greater quality, it nevertheless contains THC and can have psychoactive effects.

Are all types of brick weed subpar?

No, not always. Although compacted cannabis often has a reputation for being of inferior quality than brick marijuana, this is not always the case, especially if care was taken during growth and harvesting.


Learn to Grow Good Weed at CTU

Don’t settle for less. Cannabis Training University’s Master of Cannabis certification program trains you to grow your own weed at home, depending on your local laws on cannabis cultivation. 

Learn the ins and outs of setting up an environment where cannabis plants can thrive. Enroll at CTU, the leading marijuana college today!

Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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