It’s absolutely possible to make your own cannabis tea at home, but it’s not as simple as steeping cannabis in hot water. Union Dispensary offers a welcoming, community-focused resource in Sellwood for anyone looking to better understand cannabis and different consumption methods.
Read on to learn how to make cannabis tea at home. Since cannabis products can affect everyone differently, follow applicable state regulations and the specific instructions provided on the product packaging.
What Is THC-Infused Tea and How Does Cannabis Tea Work?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis and is responsible for the euphoric or “high” feeling associated with THC products. When consumed in a beverage, THC passes through the digestive system rather than the lungs, so it avoids the need to inhale smoke or vapor.
The body processes ingested THC differently from inhaled cannabis, and its effects may take longer to appear and can last longer. THC is also fat-soluble, meaning it does not readily dissolve in plain water. This is why simply steeping cannabis in hot water does not efficiently transfer THC into a beverage.
Fat-containing ingredients such as whole milk, coconut oil, or butter can interact with fat-soluble cannabinoids, while commercially formulated cannabis beverages may use specialized technologies to disperse cannabinoids more evenly throughout the liquid.
How to Make Your Own Cannabis Tea: From Ingredients to Infusion
Before cannabis flower can be used effectively in an orally consumed beverage, it generally needs to undergo decarboxylation, a heating process that converts THCA into THC. Raw cannabis flower contains much of its THC in the acidic form THCA, which does not produce the same intoxicating effects as THC.
Once the flower is prepared, you can incorporate it into a fat-containing ingredient to help the cannabinoids mix more effectively into your tea. A creamer, such as a dairy or plant-based option, can work well for this purpose.
What You’ll Need to Make Your Cannabis Tea
- Cannabis flower: Use flower from a regulated source and follow the product’s labeled potency information.
- Tea: Choose a black, green, herbal, or caffeine-free tea that you feel complements the flavor of cannabis.
- Water: The base for brewing the tea.
- Fat source: Whole milk, cream, coconut milk, or another suitable fat-containing ingredient can help incorporate THC because cannabinoids are fat-soluble.
- Sweetener: Honey, sugar, or another sweetener you prefer.
- Optional flavorings: Lemon, cinnamon, ginger, mint, or other herbs and spices can add flavor.
- Baking sheet: For spreading the cannabis flower in a single layer during the decarboxylation process.
- Parchment paper: Optional for lining the baking sheet and making cleanup easier.
- Oven: Used to apply controlled heat during decarboxylation.
- Measuring spoon or cup: For measuring the creamer, sweetener, and other ingredients.
- Small saucepan or heat-safe container: For combining the prepared cannabis with the fat-containing creamer.
- Tea kettle or saucepan: For heating water to brew your tea.
- Tea infuser or strainer: Useful when brewing loose-leaf tea or separating plant material from the finished beverage.
- Spoon or whisk: For thoroughly mixing the creamer into the brewed tea.
- Mug: For serving your finished cannabis tea.
How to Make Cannabis Tea
- Prepare the cannabis flower.
Break the cannabis flower into small pieces, avoiding an overly fine grind. - Decarboxylate the flower.
Spread the prepared flower in a single layer on a baking sheet and use controlled heat to decarboxylate it. This heating process converts THCA into THC. The exact temperature and heating time can vary by flower and equipment. - Combine the prepared cannabis with creamer.
Once the decarboxylation process is complete, allow the cannabis to cool. Blend it with a fat-containing creamer, such as dairy creamer, half-and-half, or a suitable plant-based creamer. - Prepare your tea.
Brew your preferred tea according to the package directions. Black tea, green tea, chai, and herbal teas can all work well as a base. - Add the cannabis-infused creamer.
Stir the prepared creamer mixture into your brewed tea until thoroughly combined. Add your preferred sweetener or flavorings, such as honey, cinnamon, or vanilla. - Start cautiously.
Homemade cannabis beverages can have unpredictable cannabinoid concentrations because potency depends on the flower, preparation process, and extraction efficiency. Consume responsibly, follow applicable laws, and avoid consuming additional servings before you have had sufficient time to assess the effects.
Explore Cannabis Products With Union Dispensary
Union Dispensary makes it simple to explore cannabis products. Our Sellwood dispensary offers a thoughtfully selected menu and a knowledgeable team ready to help you find an option that fits your preferences. Whether you’re new to cannabis beverages or looking for something convenient to enjoy at home, stop by Union Dispensary to explore your options and get practical guidance from our team. Reach out to us online for more information.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Melnikov Dmitriy