What is weed tea and how do you make it?

Drinking your weed in tea form offers the same potent and long-lasting effects as edibles. It's an excellent option for those who don't enjoy or want to avoid the potential risks of smoking, but still want the benefits of cannabis.

Learn about cannabis-infused tea, its effects, and how to make your own.

What is weed tea?

Weed tea is a brew made from the leaves and buds of the cannabis plant. When heated, the leaves release beneficial cannabinoids, like THC, the compound responsible for cannabis's psychoactive effects. If you grow cannabis, turning crops into teas is an excellent way to use up product and reduce plant waste. 

What is weed stem tea?

Not to be overlooked, weed stem tea is the sustainable cousin in the cannabis brew family. Made from the often discarded stems of the plant, this variation ensures that no part of the herb goes to waste, even the undesirable or otherwise unusable parts. While milder than its bud-based counterpart, stem tea still possesses the essence of cannabis and can offer a gentler introduction to those new to the experience.

Does weed tea get you high?

Like other edibles and drinkables, if you're steeping THC in tea, you will feel high. However, both THC and CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, are not water-soluble, so they must be introduced to a fatty substance like milk or butter, along with heat, to activate their desired effects through decarboxylation

Depending on where you live, there are many infused tea options available that combine THC with CBD. These drinkables may give you different effects depending on your endocannabinoid system and how your body interacts with either cannabinoid.

Tea making ingredients Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

However, many people enjoy steeping dry cannabis flower in plain boiled water, which is less potent but may still offer comfort and warmth. You can also simply place cannabis butter or cannabis oil, such as infused coconut oil, in your beverage and allow it to dissolve in the hot water. Enjoy it with any milk, spice, honey, or sugar you desire.

What are the effects of weed tea?

The effects of infused tea can vary from person to person, but it generally offers a more subdued and longer-lasting high than smoking. As an edible, the THC in weed tea metabolizes in the liver, which transforms it into the much more potent and long-lasting 11-hydroxy-THC. Cannabinoids enter the bloodstream after digestion, leading to a gradual onset of effects that can enhance mood, alleviate stress, and provide physical relief. The calming ritual of sipping tea also contributes to the overall cozy and comforting experience.

How long does weed tea take to kick in?

Since weed tea is an edible, the effects are the same as consuming the same amount of the same strain via other edible methods. It can take about 30 to 90 minutes for the full effects of weed tea's THC to kick in, but the actual onset you can expect depends on a variety of factors, including the makeup of your endocannabinoid system and other health factors

It's important to dose in moderation, follow the “start low, go slow” adage, and wait at least two hours after consuming cannabis tea before ingesting any more. The effects of weed tea typically last up to eight hours.

How to make weed tea

Crafting the perfect mug of infused tea is simple. First, choose what experience you're expecting:

  • Uplifting: Consider a sativa-dominant strain with low THC and high CBD content for a daytime tea that uplifts without overwhelming. Pair it with green tea or herbs like lemongrass for an energizing kick.
  • Relaxing: A tea blended with an indica-dominant strain, known for its relaxing properties, may ensure a peaceful transition into the evening. Complement this brew with chamomile or lavender to enhance the soothing effects.

Ingredients

  • 1 gram of cannabis
  • 1 tbsp of unsalted butter OR coconut oil
  • 2 teabags or loose-leaf tea, if preferred
  • 2 cups of water
  • Any ingredients you'd add to tea, such as honey or cinnamon
  • 2 mugs
  • A teapot or saucepan
  • A spoon
  • A fine strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filters

Time needed: 10 - 15 minutes

Step 1: Grind cannabis

Grind your cannabis until it's broken up but not completely powdered. You can also opt to chop your bud with a sharp knife. Be sure to separate all the stems and seeds from the mix if desired.

Step 2: Boil water

Boil two cups of water in the teapot on the stove.

Step 3: Add butter or oil

Once the water boils, add the butter or coconut oil and allow it to dissolve completely. This fatty addition acts as a binder for the cannabinoids to distribute throughout the tea, and the heat will decarboxylate your cannabis, activating the THC or CBD.

Step 4: Add weed and tea

Add the one gram of cannabis and the teabag/loose-leaf tea. 

Step 5: Let simmer and stir

Allow to simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. You can add trim, stems, or flower during this step to boost the potency.

Note: We do not recommend boiling the cannabis, as boiling will burn off any beneficial terpenes within the bud. Be sure to simmer on low heat for maximum effects. 

Step 6: Remove from heat

After 10 minutes, the tea should be thoroughly infused, and you can turn off your stove and remove the pot from the hot burner. 

Step 7: Remove tea bags

Take the teabag out of the hot water and discard. 

Step 8: Filter and strain

Filter out the plant matter from your tea. If using a teapot, it's easy to secure a coffee filter around the spout with a rubber band or place the filter inside the teapot. If you use a saucepan, secure the coffee filter over the top of a mug to strain the tea. Another option is to use a tea infuser for the cannabis and/or loose tea.

Step 9: Add optional ingredients

Stir in milk, cinnamon, or honey to add a little more kick or comfort to your brew. 

Step 10: Enjoy

Voila, you're ready to enjoy infused weed tea. Add milk, cinnamon, honey, or lemon as desired. 

How to make weed tea more potent

The potency of infused teas relies on the amount of tincture you use and the fat content of your chosen binding agent. Cannabinoids bind to fats, so using whole milk, cream, or even a dollop of coconut oil can amplify the potency over steeping the tea in plain water.

weed tea Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Start low and go slow — give the tea time to interact with your body before adding more tincture. We recommend waiting 90 minutes to two hours before upping the dosage. 

Bottom line

Weed tea offers a world of versatility and comfort, serving as a perfect companion for chilly evenings or lazy afternoons. Start with small doses, especially if you're new to cannabis-infused beverages, and always enjoy responsibly.

FAQ

How do you make CBD tea?

For those interested in the therapeutic effects of cannabis without the high, CBD tea can be a great solution. CBD, or cannabidiol, is non-psychoactive and can provide some relaxation. Here's a quick guide:

  1. Use a water-soluble CBD tincture or pre-made CBD tea bags for convenience
  2. If using a tincture, simply add the recommended dosage to your hot tea and stir
  3. If using tea bags, steep as you would any other herbal tea

How much weed do you need for weed tea?

If you're making a mug of tea for just yourself — or yourself and a friend — one gram of cannabis is suitable. The more mugs you make, the more cannabis you'll need, but you can stick to a general rule of thumb that one gram will be enough to make 1 - 2 mugs of tea, two will make 3 - 4 mugs, and so on. 

Can you use concentrates for weed tea?

Yes, for those seeking a more potent punch or refined flavor profile, cannabis concentrates offer a versatile option. When using concentrates, it's essential to ensure they're already decarboxylated, which allows for the activation of THC when dissolved into tea. Some popular concentrates used to make weed tea include kief and RSO. A small amount of concentrate can significantly enhance the strength of your brew, so dose cautiously.

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The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This page was last updated on January 31, 2024.