Making cannabis tea isn’t just tossing weed into hot water – that’s amateur hour. First, decarboxylate your cannabis at 230°F for 30 minutes to activate THC. Mix 0.5-1 gram with water and fat (butter or coconut oil is essential). Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes; boiling destroys the good stuff. Flavor with honey or cinnamon to mask the earthy taste. Effects take 30-90 minutes, so start small. The perfect cup awaits those who follow the science.
Many tea drinkers are discovering the ancient art of cannabis-infused beverages. This isn’t your grandmother’s cup of Earl Grey. It’s a process that requires attention to detail and, frankly, some basic chemistry knowledge.
The magic starts with decarboxylation, fancy word for baking your cannabis. Raw weed contains THCA, not THC. No high there. Bake ground cannabis at 230°F for half an hour and voilà, psychoactive potential released. Skip this step and you’ll be drinking a very expensive cup of nothing special.
The recipe itself isn’t rocket science. Take 0.5-1 gram of ground, decarboxylated cannabis per serving. Mix with water, usually 1-2 cups. But here’s the kicker: water alone won’t extract THC effectively. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble. They need a fat friend to bind with. Butter or coconut oil does the trick. No fat, no fun. Simple as that.
Preparation matters. Boil water first, then add your fat. Once dissolved, add your cannabis and preferred tea. Keep it simmering, not boiling, high heat destroys cannabinoids and terpenes. That would be a waste of perfectly good weed.
Five to ten minutes of gentle simmering, occasional stirring, then strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
Flavor-wise, cannabis is an acquired taste. Mask it with cinnamon, honey, lemon, or whatever floats your boat. Black tea, green tea, herbal, all work as bases. This tradition of cannabis tea drinking has historical roots dating back to Ancient Egypt and traditional Indian beverages like bhang.
The effects? Slower than smoking, stronger than you might expect. Takes 30-90 minutes to kick in. Start small. Dosing is tricky business with cannabis tea. You might experience anti-inflammatory benefits when using THCA cannabis tea without the psychoactive effects.
For the non-psychoactive crowd, there’s an alternative. Use raw cannabis without decarboxylation. You’ll get THCA benefits without the high.
Store leftovers in airtight containers. And remember, this isn’t like regular tea. It packs a punch. Delayed punch. Hard punch. You’ve been warned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Cannabis Tea High Last?
Cannabis tea delivers a longer-lasting high than smoking, typically 4 to 8 hours.
No quick hit here, folks. The effects kick in slowly, sometimes taking up to 90 minutes as your liver transforms THC into its more potent cousin, 11-Hydroxy-THC.
Duration varies based on metabolism, dose, and whether you’ve eaten. Full stomach? Slower onset.
First-timer? Be patient. Many have made the classic mistake: “Not feeling it. Better drink more.” Rookie error.
Can I Store Cannabis Tea for Later Use?
Cannabis tea can absolutely be stored for later, but don’t expect it to last forever.
Refrigerated fresh brew stays good for 5-7 days, tops. Serious enthusiasts use airtight, opaque containers, plastic bottles are a mistake. They’ll sap potency fast.
Encapsulated powder versions? Those last up to a year. Light, heat, and oxygen are the enemy. They’ll turn your precious THC into CBN. Not exactly what you paid for.
Will Cannabis Tea Smell as Strong as Smoking?
Cannabis tea produces considerably less odor than smoking.
No smoke particles means no clingy smell on clothes or furniture. The aroma dissipates quickly, unlike that persistent “just smoked” cloud that follows people around for hours.
While brewing does release some herbal, grassy notes, it lacks that intense “skunky” punch that smoking delivers.
No combustion, no problem. The difference? Night and day. For those concerned about discretion, tea wins hands down.
Can I Use Stems or Trim Instead of Buds?
Absolutely, stems and trim can replace buds in cannabis tea.
Stems contain fewer cannabinoids, creating a milder effect, perfect for newbies. You’ll need more material though, at least 1/4 cup of stems per serving.
Critical point: add a tablespoon of fat (butter, coconut oil) while steeping. Without it? No extraction.
Steep longer than regular tea, minimum 10 minutes. Strain thoroughly before drinking.
How Does Cannabis Tea Affect You Differently Than Edibles?
Cannabis tea hits faster than edibles, about 15-30 minutes versus up to 2 hours.
But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t last as long. Edibles transform THC into 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver, creating that infamous, sometimes overwhelming high that lasts 4-8 hours.
Tea? Milder. Gentler on the stomach too. Some folks can’t handle those rich, fatty edibles. Digestive nightmare.
For sensitive stomachs or newbies, tea’s the less intimidating option.
