The Complete Guide to Brewing and Enjoying Cannabis Tea

As winter keeps hanging on and spring allergies start coming into play, a rising trend is capturing the hearts of wellness enthusiasts and tea lovers alike: weed tea. This ancient brew, steeped in both history and holistic benefits, is finding its way into modern mugs as a soothing, aromatic escape from the chill of winter and early spring.

Cannabis tea offers a unique blend of warmth and tranquility, making it the perfect companion for brisk spring mornings.  Join us as we explore the art of brewing this distinctive tea, unravel its benefits, and share a recipe.

How To Make Weed Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 gram of ground cannabis buds (strain of your choice)
• 4 cups of water
• 1-2 teaspoons of a source of fat 
• 1 teabag of your choice (optional)
• Flavor enhancers like 1 teaspoon honey, a pinch of cinnamon, or a slice of lemon (optional)

Since cannabis is fat-soluble, the addition of a fat-soluble ingredient (such as heavy cream, coconut oil, clarified butter, or dairy milk) aids in greater THC/CBD absorption. Other ingredients include water and optional flavor enhancers like honey or herbs.

Tools:

• Grinder
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Pot for boiling water
• Strainer (cheesecloth or coffee filters)

As for tools, you’ll need a grinder for the cannabis, a pot for boiling water, and a strainer. To begin the brewing process, you’ll need to first begin with the most crucial step: decarboxylation. During this process, the cannabis is gently heated to activate the THC and CBD, which are not effective in their raw state. By doing this, you convert the non-psychoactive THCA and CBDA into the compounds that provide the desired effects. Skipping this step would result in your tea lacking the potent properties of these cannabinoids, reducing its effectiveness. Decarboxylation is, therefore, the key to unlocking the full power of your weed tea, ensuring that each sip delivers the therapeutic benefits you’re looking for.

Step 1: Decarb Your Flower

• Preheat oven to 245°F (120°C).
• Coarsely grind 1 gram of cannabis buds.
• Put your ground cannabis buds on a baking sheet and spread them evenly.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, stirring regularly for an even heating of all sides of the buds.

Step 2: Boil the Water and Add Your Fat Source

• Boil your water for you tea, either on the stove or in an electric kettle.
• Once the water is boiling, add your fat source and allow it to completely dissolve.

Step 3: Add the Teabag and Flavors

• Add your chosen teabag and your decarbed cannabis to your cup. 
• For first-time drinkers, start with a smaller amount of cannabis.
• For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of honey, a pinch of cinnamon, a slice of lemon, or any other enhancer you prefer.

Step 4: Add Boiling Water

• Add enough boiling water to submerge your cannabis tea bag if you’re using a looseleaf infuser.
• Adjust the flavor to your liking with additional honey or lemon, if desired.

Step 5: Steep

• Steep for an additional 7-10 minutes.

Step 6: Enjoy

• After brewing, strain the tea into a cup using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the solid bits.
• Allow at least an hour after drinking to feel the full effects, as they can be more delayed and potent when ingested.
• Adjust the cannabis amount and brewing time in future preparations based on your experience and preference.

What Are the Health Benefits of Weed Tea?

Cannabis tea offers many health benefits, primarily its ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress and anxiety, thanks to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system,  promoting balance and homeostasis. 

Weed tea users often find relief from chronic pain, inflammation, and nausea, making it a holistic option for discomfort management. The tea form allows for a controlled and gradual release of cannabinoids, resulting in gentle, lasting effects ideal for those seeking consistent relief. This highlights the versatile nature of cannabis as a natural, plant-based approach to health and wellness.

Understanding The Ancient History of Weed Tea

Weed tea, an infusion created by steeping segments of the cannabis plant in hot water, provides a milder and more subtle experience compared to its smoked counterpart.

This drinkable option is ideal for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the need for intense inhalation. Its historical significance is deeply rooted in ancient cultures, where it was revered for both medicinal properties and spiritual value.

For instance, in India, cannabis tea, known as ‘Bhang,’ holds a prominent place in traditional practices dating back centuries, woven into the rich cultural fabric. Similarly, ancient Egyptians regarded cannabis tea as a medicinal and spiritual elixir, often adding milk to enhance the absorption of its active compounds.

Records from the Ebers Papyrus dating back to 1550 BC suggest that Egyptians may have incorporated cannabis in their remedies, recognizing the efficacy of milk as an essential component.

The traditional Indian ‘Bhang’ recipe combines milk, spices, and ground cannabis, ingrained in cultural and religious practices over millennia.

The inclusion of milk played a vital role, serving as a necessary fat for the effective absorption of cannabis’s therapeutic properties, indicating an ancient understanding of the roles that natural ingredients play in promoting health and spirituality.

This rich history surrounding cannabis tea goes beyond mere consumption, emphasizing a profound, holistic connection between nature and well-being.

Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, exploring the world of weed tea unveils a captivating blend of history, culture, and health perks. From its ancient origins in Egypt and India to its contemporary resurgence as a soothing elixir, cannabis tea stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between nature and well-being. 

Whether you seek relaxation, pain relief, or a deeper spiritual connection, this age-old infusion offers a gentle and natural avenue toward holistic wellness.

As we head into the year’s chilliest months, a steaming cup of cannabis tea is more than a mere refreshment. In time, it will become a comforting ritual that links us to the past and enriches our present moments with a sense of inner peace and harmony.