Cannabis Infused Tea

Cannabis tea offers a relaxing, soothing, and unique way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Unlike smoking or vaping, drinking cannabis-infused tea provides a longer-lasting, more mellow experience, making it a favorite choice for those looking for a discreet and pleasant way to consume cannabis. However, to ensure that you experience the full effects of the cannabis, it’s important to decarboxylate the cannabis first and properly infuse the tea with it. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making cannabis tea at home, from decarboxylating your cannabis to infusing it into the tea and even enhancing its effects with additional herbs.

Step 1: Decarboxylating Your Cannabis

Before you can brew cannabis tea, you need to activate the THC in the cannabis. Raw cannabis contains THCA, the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. To experience the psychoactive effects of cannabis, you must decarboxylate the cannabis — a process that removes a carboxyl group from the THCA molecule, converting it into THC.

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis:

  1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). This temperature is ideal for decarboxylation without burning the cannabis.

  2. Break up the cannabis into small, uniform pieces. You don’t need to grind it finely for this process; breaking it into smaller buds or nuggets will work fine.

  3. Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps ensure even heating and prevents the cannabis from sticking.

  4. Bake the cannabis for 30-40 minutes. After 15 minutes, gently stir the cannabis to ensure it decarboxylates evenly.

  5. Let the cannabis cool for a few minutes before using it to make tea.

After decarboxylation, your cannabis is now ready to infuse into the tea. This process is crucial because without decarboxylating, the tea would not have the psychoactive effects you’re looking for.

Step 2: Infusing the Cannabis into the Tea

Cannabis is not water-soluble, so it doesn’t naturally dissolve in tea. Instead, you need to infuse it into a fat or oil to effectively release the cannabinoids. This is typically done by creating a cannabis-infused oil or butter, which you can then add to the tea. One simple way to achieve this is by infusing your decarboxylated cannabis into a fat, such as coconut oil, butter, or milk, before adding it to the tea.

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Oil or Butter:

  1. Prepare your decarboxylated cannabis. You will need about 0.25g to 1g of decarboxylated cannabis for a single cup of tea, depending on how potent you want it.

  2. Choose your fat. Coconut oil is a great choice due to its high fat content and ability to absorb cannabinoids effectively. You can also use butter or whole milk if you prefer.

  3. Combine the cannabis and fat in a saucepan. Use about 1 tablespoon of oil or butter for every gram of cannabis.

  4. Simmer on low heat for 30-60 minutes. Stir the mixture every 10 minutes to prevent the cannabis from burning. Be sure the temperature stays below 250°F (121°C) to avoid degrading the cannabinoids.

  5. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the plant material, leaving you with cannabis-infused oil or butter.

Once you have your cannabis-infused oil or butter, it’s time to brew your tea.

Brewing the Cannabis Tea:

  1. Boil water for your tea, either in a kettle or on the stove.

  2. Add your tea leaves or tea bag to your mug or teapot. You can choose any herbal tea you enjoy, but a simple black, green, or chamomile tea works well.

  3. Add the cannabis-infused oil or butter to your tea. Start with about 0.25g of cannabis per serving, adjusting the dosage based on your tolerance and preference. Stir well to ensure the fat is evenly distributed throughout the tea.

  4. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes. If you’re using loose tea, feel free to adjust the steeping time to your liking.

  5. Enjoy your cannabis tea. Sip slowly and allow the effects to build over time.

Step 3: Determining the Right Dosage

Finding the right dosage is key to having an enjoyable experience. Since edibles like cannabis tea can take longer to kick in (usually 30 minutes to an hour), it’s important to be patient and avoid over-consuming.

General Dosage Guidelines:

  • For beginners, start with 0.25g of decarboxylated cannabis per serving. This will allow you to gauge the potency and effects before increasing the dosage.

  • For moderate users, you can increase the dosage to 0.5g per cup of tea.

  • Experienced users can try 1g per serving, though you should always be cautious and adjust based on your tolerance.

Keep in mind that everyone’s tolerance to cannabis varies, so it’s important to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to edibles. Since cannabis tea is absorbed through the digestive system, the effects may take longer to set in but can last for hours.

Step 4: Enhancing Your Cannabis Tea with Other Herbs

To elevate the effects and flavor of your cannabis tea, consider adding other herbs. Many herbs have their own unique terpenes and compounds that can complement or enhance the effects of cannabis. Additionally, some herbs may help with relaxation, focus, or digestion, depending on your desired outcome.

Popular Herbs to Add to Cannabis Tea:

  • Chamomile: Known for its calming effects, chamomile can help promote relaxation and sleep, making it an excellent pairing for cannabis tea.

  • Lavender: With its soothing aroma and calming effects, lavender can complement the relaxing properties of cannabis, enhancing the overall experience.

  • Peppermint: Known for its refreshing and invigorating qualities, peppermint can enhance mental clarity and digestion while complementing cannabis’s effects.

  • Lemon Balm: This herb is great for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. It pairs well with cannabis for a calming, stress-relieving experience.

  • Ginger: Ginger is often used for its digestive properties, and it can also help combat any nausea that may be caused by cannabis, making it a great addition to the tea.

The terpenes in both cannabis and these supplemental herbs can work synergistically to create a more enjoyable and tailored experience. For example, lavender’s linalool terpene can enhance cannabis’s relaxing effects, while peppermint’s menthol can create a refreshing, cooling sensation when combined with cannabis.

Conclusion

Brewing cannabis tea at home is an enjoyable and accessible way to experience the benefits of cannabis. By properly decarboxylating your cannabis and infusing it into a fat, you can create a potent, flavorful cannabis tea. Dosage varies based on tolerance, so it’s best to start low and increase gradually. Enhancing your tea with additional herbs not only improves the flavor but can also amplify the effects, creating a unique experience that caters to your personal preferences. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, stress relief, or just a new way to consume cannabis, cannabis tea offers a calming and enjoyable option.