If you are a cannabis or herbal enthusiast, you are probably familiar with the grinder.A grinder is a handy tool for grinding herbs, making them easier to use. But where does this useful tool actually come from? Let's dive into the history of the grinder together and discover how it has evolved from the past to the present.
History of Grinders:
Grinders have been used for a long time to grind herbs. In ancient times, they were used, for example, in China to grind herbs for medicinal purposes. In Europe, they were mainly used to grind coffee beans. It wasn't until many years later, in the 1960s, that grinders also became popular among cannabis users.
The first grinders were simple in design and were usually operated by hand. They consisted of two parts, each with a sharp pointed tooth. By twisting the two parts against each other, the herbs were ground. These were usually wooden grinders, plastic grinders, or metal grinders.
In the 1970s and 1980s, grinders became increasingly popular among cannabis users, and designs became more sophisticated. For example, grinders were made with multiple compartments, where the ground material ended up in different compartments. There were also grinders made with filters, allowing the kief from the cannabis to be collected separately.
In the 1990s, electric grinders were introduced to the market, making grinding even easier. These grinders were equipped with a motor and could automatically grind herbs. Moreover, more and more grinders were made of high-quality materials such as aluminum or even titanium, making them more durable.
Types of Grinders:
Today, there are many different types of grinders available. Below is an overview of the most common types:
Manual grinders
Manual grinders: as the name suggests, these are the classic grinders that are operated by hand. They are usually made of metal, wood, or plastic.
Electric Grinders
Electric grinders: these grinders are equipped with a motor and automatically grind herbs. They are especially useful if you want to grind large quantities of herbs or cannabis at once.
Compartment Grinders
4-piece grinders: these multi-layer grinders have multiple compartments where the ground material is collected. For example, you can collect the kief separately.
Hash Grinders
Hash grinders: have only been around since 2018 and there are different models for both hard and soft hash.
Cleaning with a toothbrush
In the past, grinders were often cleaned by hand, and no special cleaning tools were used as they are today. To clean the grinder, it was first disassembled, and the various parts were rinsed with warm water and soap.
To make cleaning easier, a toothbrush was sometimes used to clean the small corners and crevices. Sometimes, a needle or other small object was used to scrape the grinder clean.
In the 20th Century:
Another method that was sometimes used was soaking the grinder in hot water with vinegar. This would loosen the dirt and make cleaning easier. After soaking, the grinder was cleaned by hand and rinsed.
Although there are now all sorts of special cleaning tools and products available for grinders, the basics of cleaning remain the same.
By regularly cleaning the grinder, you ensure that it continues to function properly and that no dirt and residues remain that could affect the taste of your cannabis.
Conclusion:
The grinder is a handy tool that has been used for centuries to grind herbs. From simple manual grinders to advanced electric models, there is something for everyone. By understanding the history of the grinder, you can better understand how this useful tool has evolved and what different types are available. Whether you use cannabis or other herbs, a good grinder can make the difference between a great experience and a mediocre one. So invest in a grinder that suits your smoking style.
