Table of Contents
What Is Cannabis Tea?
What Do You Need To Make Cannabis Tea?
- Cannabis Plant Material: The leaves, flowers, or stems of the cannabis plant contain the desired cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. The type and amount of cannabis you use will affect the strength and effects of the tea.
- Hot Water: Water is the base for the tea infusion. It’s used to extract the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant material.
- Fat Source: Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, a source of fat like butter, coconut oil, or milk is often added to the tea. This helps enhance the extraction of cannabinoids and their absorption by the body.
- Tea Strainer or Cheesecloth: A strainer or cheesecloth is used to separate the infused liquid from the cannabis plant material, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable tea.
- Flavorings (Optional): Herbs, spices, sweeteners, or other flavorings can be added to improve the taste of the tea and mask the earthy flavor of cannabis.
- Heat Source: A stove or other heat source is necessary to simmer the cannabis-infused mixture.
- Decarboxylation: Before making the tea, it’s important to (heat) the cannabis plant to activate the cannabinoids. This step transforms the non-psychoactive THCA into THC, which has psychoactive effects.
Ingredients Needed
- Cannabis: You can use either cannabis flower or trimmings to make tea. Mention you can also use cannabutter, canna oil, or canna honey as well.
- Fat: THC is not water-soluble, so you will need to add a fat to your tea to help the cannabinoids bind to it. You can use any type of fat, such as butter, coconut oil, or cream
- Water: You will need water to steep the tea bags and cannabis in.
- Sweetener (optional): You can add sweetener to your cannabis tea to improve the taste, such as honey or sugar.
- Flavorings (optional): You can also add other flavorings to your tea, such as lemon or ginger, to improve the taste.
Equipment Needed To Make Cannabis Tea
- Tea Bags: You will need tea bags to steep your cannabis in.
- Strainer: You will need a strainer to strain the cannabis tea after it has steeped.
- Stove: You will need a stove for the heating process.
- Pot: You will need a pot to put everything in and begin the process.
Equipment Needed To Decarboxylate Cannabis
- Oven: You will need an oven to heat the cannabis to the appropriate temperature for decarboxylation. A regular kitchen oven works well for this.
- Baking sheet: You will need a baking sheet to spread out the cannabis evenly in a single layer.
- Parchment paper: To prevent the cannabis from sticking to the baking sheet, you will need to line it with parchment paper.
- Cannabis: You will need the cannabis you wish to decarboxylate.
- Timer: You will need a timer to ensure that you heat the cannabis for the correct amount of time.
- Oven mitts: You will need oven mitts to protect your hands when handling the hot baking sheet and cannabis.
How to Make Your Own Cannabis Tea
- Gather Ingredients and Materials:
- Cannabis plant material (leaves, flowers, or stems)
- Hot water
- Fat source (butter, coconut oil, milk)
- Tea strainer or cheesecloth
- Flavorings (optional)
- Heat source (stove)
- Decarboxylation method (oven)
- Preheat your oven to around 240°F (115°C).
- Break down your cannabis plant material into smaller pieces.
- Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-45 minutes. This step converts THCA into THC for psychoactive effects.
- Allow the decarboxylated cannabis to cool.
Infusion:
- In a pot, bring water and your fat source (butter, coconut oil, milk) to a gentle simmer.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the simmering liquid. The fat helps extract cannabinoids.
- Stir occasionally and keep the mixture at a low simmer for about 30-60 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously.
Strain and Serve:
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Use a tea strainer or cheesecloth to strain the liquid into a cup or container, separating the plant material.
- Add any desired flavorings, like herbs or sweeteners, to improve the taste.
- Your beverage is ready to be enjoyed.
Dosage and Consumption:
- Start with a small amount and wait to assess the effects before consuming more. The onset of effects can take longer compared to other methods of cannabis consumption.
- Effects can vary based on factors like strain, dosage, and personal tolerance.