What is Marijuana Shake: How It’s Made & How to Consume

December 26, 2024

If you’ve ever opened a bag of cannabis flower and noticed tiny bits at the bottom, you’ve already seen marijuana shake. Shake is the tiny pieces that break off during handling, and while it’s less potent than whole flower, it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and shouldn’t be thrown away. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from what is shake to how to use it. 


What is Shake?

Shake refers to the small pieces of cannabis flower that “shake” or fall off during handling—and that’s where it got its name. These bits include tiny buds, trichomes, and sometimes small stems or leaves. Shake is often a mix of several strains, though you can buy single-strain shake. While it’s less potent than whole flower, shake is more affordable and can be used in various ways, from packing it into a bowl to adding it to your favorite food or beverage for an edible. Shake is a great option for budget-conscious cannabis enthusiasts.1

Pile of cannabis shake sitting loose on a table


How Do You Use Shake?

Shake can be used in many ways, making it a versatile choice for cannabis connoisseurs.

Smoke Shake

You can sprinkle shake into a bowl, use it to roll joints, or pack it into a blunt. Shake also works well as a filler for larger joints, giving you an affordable way to stretch your stash. Or if you’re simply on a very tight budget, you can buy only shake instead of using the leftovers from a bud in the packet.2

Make Edibles or Tea

Edibles with shake are ideal. You can easily make cannabutter or cannaflour. Be sure to decarboxylate (heat) it first to activate the THC. You can also use shake to brew tea—simply steep it in hot water with your favorite tea, strain, add honey or lemon, and enjoy.

Create Tinctures & Topicals

Make DIY tinctures or topicals with shake for a budget-friendly way to experiment with different combinations. This is especially great if you’re trying to find what works best for your needs, and you can even microdose with a THC tincture made from shake.3 To make your own tincture, decarboxylate shake and soak it with high-proof alcohol for a full day. Stir the mixture occasionally, strain it, and pour it into a dropper bottle.


Pros of Purchasing Shake

If you’re looking for a cost-effective and flexible cannabis option, shake might just be what you need. While it’s not as flashy as full buds, it offers several advantages that make it worth considering:

  • Cheaper: Shake is significantly less expensive than whole flower, making it a budget-friendly choice for cannabis consumers.

  • Convenient: It’s already broken down, so there’s less need for grinding, saving you time and effort during preparation.

  • Versatile: Shake can be used in a variety of ways, from smoking in a bowl or joint to making edibles, tea, or even tinctures.



Cannabis shake laying loose on a table next two five joints


Cons of Purchasing Shake

While shake has its perks, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. Depending on your preferences, these factors might make it less ideal for your needs:

  • Inconsistent: Shake is often a mix of different strains, meaning the flavor, aroma, and effects can vary from batch to batch.

  • Less potent: Over time, marijuana shake can lose potency due to exposure to light, air, and heat, which can convert THC into CBN and dull its effects.

  • Appearance: Shake isn’t as visually appealing as whole cannabis flower. And while this doesn’t matter for practical use, it may not appeal to all cannabis enthusiasts.


Comparing Shake to Other Types of Cannabis Flower

Shake often gets confused with other cannabis byproducts, but each has unique characteristics. Here’s how shake compares to other types of cannabis flower:4

  • Shake vs Popcorn: Popcorn flower refers to smaller buds that grow near the stalk of the cannabis plant. These buds are compact and slightly less potent than premium flower but still full buds. Shake, in contrast, is made up of loose bits that fall off during processing, making it more fragmented.

  • Shake vs Trim: Trim consists of the leaves and trimmings that cultivators remove from buds during harvesting. Trim often includes sugar leaves, which have fewer cannabinoids. Shake, however, comes from small flower pieces and trichomes, making it more potent and flavorful than trim.

  • Shake vs Kief: Kief is made up of dried trichomes, the resin glands of the cannabis plant that contain high concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes. Kief is far more potent than shake and is often used as a topper or in making hash. Shake contains a mix of plant material and trichomes, making it less concentrated and potent than kief.


Hand in a black latex glove holding a nugget of cannabis flower over a clear jar

FAQs About Shake

If you’ve been curious about marijuana shake or wonder if it’s the right option for you, these common questions might help clear things up. Whether you’re considering shake for its affordability or versatility, understanding how it compares to other cannabis products can make your decision easier. And remember, you can always ask a budtender at your local LivWell dispensary for personalized advice.

Is shake bad?
Shake isn’t bad—it’s value depends on your preferences and how you plan to use it. Ultimately, it’s a budget-friendly and versatile option for cannabis enthusiasts.

Are shake and trim the same?
Shake and trim aren’t the same thing. Trim refers to the leaves trimmed from the buds, while shake is the small pieces of flower that fall off.

Is shake as potent as flower?
Shake is often less potent than flower, but the difference depends on storage and quality.

Is shake worth it?
Shake can be worth it if you’re looking for an affordable option or planning to use it for edibles or tinctures.


Purchasing Cannabis Shake

Shake can be an affordable and versatile option for many cannabis consumers. If you’re curious to try it, visit your local LivWell dispensary to explore their selection and speak with a budtender to find the perfect product.


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Sources:

1. “What is shake?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/what-is-shake

2. “What Is Shake Weed: Everything You Need To Know,” Veriheal, July 3, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/cannabis-shake-what-can-you-do-with-it/

3. “What Is Shake Weed?” Leadwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/shake-weed/

4. “Do Cannabis Edibles Expire? Tips for Maximizing Freshness and Potency,” Veriheal, November 16, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/do-edibles-expire/

5. “Shake,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/shake




Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations

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