Small leaves on the cannabis plant that buds form around as the plant matures and flowers. Sugar leaves are so named because they produce trichomes, which makes them look as if covered in sugar. They can be saved as “trim” during harvest and used for pre-rolls, extracts, and other cannabis products.
“I like to save sugar leaves I trim from colas to make hash.”
“Sugar leaves are harsher and not as strong as buds.”
What are sugar leaves?
Sugar leaves are small, protective leaves that cannabis buds grow around as the plant flowers. Like buds, sugar leaves produce fragrant trichomes which protect the plant and contain the cannabinoids and terpenes that get you high or offer medicinal benefits. Because of the trichomes, they look as if dusted in sugar, hence their name. Sugar leaves aren’t as potent or flavorful as buds and are trimmed off before buds are dried.
Sugar leaves are trimmed off so as not to trap moisture in buds, which can lead to mildew or mold. Trimming off sugar leaves also makes buds look better and taste less harsh. After trimmed off, sugar leaves can also be dried and used to make pre-rolls, extracts, and other cannabis products.
How to use sugar leaves
While sugar leaves are fine to smoke, they produce a much harsher smoke with less flavor, and are less potent than buds. They are best used to make cannabis concentrates, and are commonly used in pre-rolls. Like buds, sugar leaves need to be dried before use to remove moisture.