For many, it is cannabis’ calming effects that make it so enjoyable to consume. But have you ever tried cannabis in tea? There’s something special about it that sets it apart from smoking cannabis or eating cannabis-infused foods or edibles. Tea preparation and drinking is a relaxing experience in itself that some approach almost spiritually, so it should come as no surprise that cannabis tea is such a natural addition to the activity. Read on to find out the how and why of Cannabis Tea.
NOTE: If you don’t want to make your own tea, check out our Dip Trip™ Cannabis Pouches.
H2O is the Way to Go
There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to the differences between tea and the other common methods of consuming cannabis. Smoking can be harsh, smelly, and unpleasant for some, while pre-made edibles often bring in unwanted levels of sugar or other ingredients. Tea, on the other hand, primarily contains water.
You’re not only high, you’re also hydrated. A winning formula if there ever was one.
But is Cannabis Tea/Weed Tea Hard to Make?
No, Cannabis Tea is not hard to make, nor does it take much time to prepare.
Here’s the how:
1. Decarboxylation (Optional)
Decarboxylating cannabis is an often-overlooked step when infusing cannabis into something drinkable or edible. It isn’t absolutely necessary but will greatly increase the THC and CBD levels of tea, honey or butter (more on the latter two another day).
Cannabis buds have cannabinoids known as THCA, which when heated are converted to THC. The higher the THC level, the higher the potency of the cannabis. It is a process called decarboxylation and it occurs as an inherent part of smoking or vaporizing cannabis, but not necessarily when you boil cannabis with water, butter or honey.
To decarboxylate cannabis, place the buds on a baking tray with parchment paper and put it into a preheated oven at 118° C / 245° F for 30-40 minutes (heat can be increased for decreased duration but lower and slower is better). Shake the tray every 10 minutes to move the buds and distribute heat.
2. Tea Time
Boil 2-4 cups of water ready for 1 gram of chopped or ground cannabis (experiment with quantities and strains to get the right potency for you.
Pro Tip: Citrus or Tangy cannabis strains work well in tea
Optional – Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or unsalted butter to boiling water first for taste and consistency. Stir thoroughly until mixed.
Lower the boil to a simmer and add your 1 gram of cannabis and any other tea you want to add your favorite flavor and aroma (some like to do this after the cannabis infusion is done). Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Again, experimentation is your friend!
Strain the water with either a very fine metal strainer or cheesecloth. Add any desired sweeteners such as honey and voila, your tea is served.
Cannabis Tea Strength and Consumption
Just as with any method of ingestion, drinking cannabis or weed tea is about knowing what works for you. This applies to taste and concentration alike.
It is best to ease yourself into it, try the tea slowly to see the effects it has on you. This is particularly applicable if you are new to cannabis and/or have decarboxylated the cannabis buds before making your tea. Experiment with amounts/weight, different types of cannabis and other things you add to the drink. That’s half the fun.
Note: It can take up to 30-90 minutes to feel the effects of the cannabis when ingested as tea. Drink slowly and observe how your unique physiology reacts.
NOTE: If you don’t want to make your own tea, check out our Dip Trip™ Cannabis Pouches.
