How to Make Cannabis Tea
While smoking or vaping cannabis is an efficient way to reap the plant’s benefits, taking edibles can be a convenient (and tasty!) way to consume cannabis.
While typical edibles like brownies are delicious, cannabis tea is a healthier alternative and, best of all, is easily customizable based on your personal preferences.
The Effects of Cannabis Tea
Like all edibles, cannabis must pass through the digestive system before the body can metabolize it. This usually takes a few hours, but it will vary depending on your body composition, metabolism, and other individual factors (1). With all edibles, start slow and increase based on the effects and your preferences. If one cup of tea is too little, you can always brew another.
You can drink cannabis tea to help you relax at the end of the day, ease symptoms of nausea, improve your digestive system and bowel health, and reduce anxiety.
The Process
Cannabis tea isn’t as simple as putting the cannabis plant in a pot of boiling water. While several steps are required to create the best effects, these steps are relatively simple and will significantly improve the taste and drinking experience.
Raw cannabis contains THCA, which must be converted to THC, so it’s vital to decarboxylate your cannabis before adding it into the tea. Decarboxylation occurs when the cannabis flowers are heated to 221F/105C (2). The THCA compounds are then converted into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). An easy way to achieve this is by lightly breaking up the cannabis into pieces before placing it in the oven. After 45 minutes, the cannabis is ready and should look toasted and golden brown.
Another excellent way to up the potency of your cannabis tea is by adding a bit of fat with cream or milk. Fat-based formulations can greatly enhance cannabis absorption (3).
Cannabis Tea Combinations
The best part about cannabis tea is how easy it is to customize and add ingredients, depending on your taste preferences. Feel free to add in any part of the cannabis plant, including the flowers and stems, and experiment with what works best for you, as they will have slightly different effects.
You can also substitute different types of fat into your teas. Some popular options include coconut oil and butter, but you can try hemp, MCT, or other plant oils.
Some people find the earthy flavor of cannabis particularly hard to enjoy. Feel free to add in a sweetener like honey, and other herbs and flowers, like dried chamomile, rosebuds, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, or mint.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis tea is an easy, safe, and delicious way to take cannabis. The best way to start is by creating a blend that you love and starting slowly, with one cup a day.
You can then up your intake by increasing the frequency and trying out different blends. If you’re concerned about the side effects, please get in touch with a health professional.