If you use a dry herb vaporiser, you finish every session with a small amount of brown, already vaped bud, usually called AVB. Most people throw it away, but it does not have to go in the bin. This guide explains what AVB is, how to store it and how people use it. Cannabis laws vary across Europe, so check the rules where you live.
What is AVB?
AVB is the herb left in your oven after a vaporising session. Because a vaporiser heats herb without burning it, AVB is toasted rather than turned to ash. It looks brown and dry and smells nutty or roasted rather than fresh.
Heating during vaping changes some of the compounds in the herb, which is the same process people otherwise do in an oven before cooking with it. That is why AVB is popular for infusions: some of that preparation has already happened.
Why AVB looks the way it does
The colour tells you how thoroughly the herb was vaporised:
- Light to golden brown: vaporised at lower temperatures. More flavour may remain.
- Medium brown: a typical, even session.
- Dark brown: vaporised at high temperatures or for a long session.
Uneven colour, with green patches in the centre, usually means the grind or pack could be improved. Our beginner's guide to dry herb vaporisers covers the basics.
How to store AVB
- Collect it in a clean, airtight glass jar.
- Keep the jar somewhere cool, dark and dry.
- Label it clearly, and keep it away from children, pets and anyone who should not have access.
Store it separately from fresh herb so you always know which is which.
Ways to use AVB
Infusions with butter or oil
The most common use is infusing AVB into a fat such as butter or coconut oil, then using that in cooking. The basic approach:
- Combine your AVB with butter or oil and a little water in a saucepan.
- Keep it on a low, gentle heat for a few hours. Do not let it boil.
- Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the plant material.
- Let it cool and set, then store it in the fridge.
For more detail, see our guide on how to infuse butter with herbs.
Cooking
Infused butter or oil can be used in recipes the same way as plain butter or oil. Because the strength of homemade infusions varies a lot, label everything clearly and keep it apart from regular food.
Getting more from your herb in the first place
The best way to get value from your herb is an even session. A consistent grind, a level pack and a slow draw help the whole oven vaporise evenly. DaVinci's MIQRO-C and IQ Core both offer Smart Paths, presets that step the temperature up through the session.
FAQ
What does AVB stand for?
Already vaped bud: the herb left in your oven after vaporising.
Can you vape AVB again?
Very little is left to vaporise, so most people use it for infusions instead.
How long can I keep AVB?
In an airtight jar somewhere cool and dark, it keeps for a good while. Throw it away if it smells musty or shows any sign of mould.
Waste less
Save your AVB in a jar, store it safely, and put it to use. For more even sessions to begin with, browse DaVinci dry herb vaporisers.