Brewing Wed Tea: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

Cannabis tea is a great way to experience the benefits of the plant without smoking or vaping. It is a versatile and easy-to-prepare beverage that combines the enjoyable properties of cannabis with the comforting ritual of sipping tea. The process involves steeping decarboxylated cannabis flower in hot water with butter or coconut oil, allowing the cannabinoids to infuse into the liquid. This results in a delicious, drinkable edible that can be customized to suit one's taste and preferences.

Choosing the right cannabis product

When making weed tea, you can use either the cannabis flower or the stems. The flowers contain more cannabinoids and will result in a more potent tea, while the stems can be used to make a milder infusion. If you are allowed to grow your own plants, using the stems for tea is a great way to avoid wasting any part of the plant. However, if you don't have access to the cannabis plant, tea made with the flower is likely the best option.

You can also choose to use cannabis-infused butter, oil, honey, or tinctures to make your tea. These products will add more cannabinoids to your tea and increase its potency. When choosing a tincture, look for one that is glycerin or alcohol-based, as oil and water don't mix well. Additionally, if you want to add a little extra kick to your tea, you can sprinkle in some kief, which is rich in THC and other cannabinoids.

When selecting a cannabis product, it's important to consider the desired potency and the parts of the plant you have available. If you're looking for a milder tea, you can use stems or opt for a non-soluble tea made by brewing your cannabis in water. However, if you want the full effects of your strain, you'll need to use a fatty substance like butter, milk, or coconut oil, or a tincture to help extract the THC from the plant.

Another factor to consider is the taste of your tea. If you want to mask the characteristic weed flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick or a spring of peppermint to your tea. Alternatively, you can use a strong-flavored tea like peppermint or ginger to help cover the taste of the cannabis.

Adding a fat source

There are several options for fat sources that can be used in weed tea, including butter, milk, cream, and coconut oil. Butter is a popular choice due to its high fat content and efficiency in extracting THC. However, some people may not like the taste it leaves behind in the tea. In this case, milk or heavy cream can be used as an alternative. It is important to note that skim milk will not work, as it does not have a high enough fat content. When using milk, you will need to use more than you would with cream, and more cream than butter. This is because more of the product is needed to get enough fat into the tea.

If you are planning to drink your tea plain, with just a little sweetener and milk, then butter may be the best option. However, if you are making a latte or another creamy tea, then using milk or cream will work well. It is also worth considering how you plan to store your tea. Butter and water weed tea will keep better than those made with milk or cream.

To make weed tea with a fat source, simply add the desired amount of butter, milk, cream, or coconut oil to boiling water and stir until it is dissolved. Then, add your ground cannabis and simmer for 15-40 minutes, depending on the recipe you are following. Be sure to stir occasionally and avoid boiling, as high heat can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Finally, strain the tea before pouring it into a mug and enjoy!

Decarboxylation

• Crumble and spread your marijuana buds onto a lined baking sheet. Aim for pieces about the size of a pea.
• Spread the crumbled bud into a single layer to ensure even heating.
• Bake the crushed bud at 220°F (104°C) for 20-45 minutes. The duration depends on the quality of your bud—older or lower-quality bud should be baked for 20 minutes, while newer or higher-quality bud should be baked for 45 minutes.
• Gently shake the pan every 10 minutes or so to prevent burning.
• Let the weed cool, then grind it into a coarse powder.

Your weed is now decarboxylated and ready to be used in your tea!

It is important to note that the optimal time and temperature for decarboxylation may vary depending on factors such as the moisture content of your product, the amount of product used, and the type of oven you have.

Brewing methods

There are several ways to brew weed tea, depending on the desired potency and available ingredients. Here are some common methods:

Non-Soluble Cannabis Tea

This method involves brewing tea with ground stems, shake, and/or leaves directly in water, without the use of any fats or oils. This results in a less psychoactive brew as THC is not water-soluble. Here are the steps to make a non-soluble cannabis tea:

• Grind your stems, shake, and/or leaves.
• Place the ground mixture directly into a teabag or boil it in water. If using a teabag, open a regular tea bag and unfold the cheesecloth tube. Place the mixture in the centre, add your choice of tea (optional), and close the bag.
• Boil 1-2 grams of the ground mixture in 1.5 cups of water for about 30 minutes. Adjust the proportions depending on the type and amount of plant material used.
• Strain the tea using cheesecloth and add sweeteners, cream, or milk to taste.

Soluble Cannabis Tea with Dairy

To make a soluble cannabis tea, a fat source such as butter, milk, or cream is required to allow for decarboxylation and the activation of THC. This method results in a more potent brew. Here are the steps:

• Bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
• Add 2 tablespoons of butter, milk, or coconut oil and stir until dissolved. You can also use heavy cream or whole milk, but avoid skim milk as it has a lower fat content.
• Add 0.5 grams of ground marijuana to the mixture and boil for about 40 minutes. Add more water as needed to replace evaporated water.
• Strain the tea using cheesecloth or a coffee filter and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Add sweeteners or other flavourings to taste and enjoy.

Cannabis Chai Tea Latte

For a chai tea variation, follow these steps:

• Blend 0.5 grams of ground marijuana with 0.5 teaspoons of butter, cream, or milk, and any additional flavourings such as vanilla.
• Let the mixture sit for about an hour.
• Bring the mixture and 1 cup of water to a boil for about 30 minutes, adding more water as needed.
• Remove from heat and add a chai tea bag. Steep for about 5 minutes.
• Strain the tea using cheesecloth or a coffee filter and add sweeteners to taste.

Using Cannabis-Infused Butter, Oil, or Honey

If you have cannabis-infused butter, oil, or honey, you can simply steep it in hot water along with your choice of tea. Add your preferred sweetener, stir, and enjoy. This method is convenient if you already have cannabis-infused products on hand.

Using Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures are another way to make soluble cannabis tea. Simply add a few drops of tincture to your tea and stir. Tinctures are usually made with alcohol or glycerin, and they have already been decarboxylated, so no additional preparation is needed.

Using Cannabis Stems

You can also make tea using just cannabis stems, although it may be less potent. Follow a similar process as the non-soluble tea method, but use a higher proportion of stems to water. For example, boil at least 0.25 cups of stems in 1 cup of water for about 10 minutes. You can also add a binding agent such as butter or coconut oil to help extract more THC.

Effects and safety

Weed tea, also known as cannabis tea, is an alternative way to experience the effects of cannabis without smoking or vaping. It is a hot beverage that combines the benefits of cannabis with the comforting ritual of sipping tea. The effects of weed tea are similar to those of other cannabis edibles and can be long-lasting, taking up to 30-90 minutes to kick in and lasting for up to 8 hours.

To experience the euphoric effects of weed tea, the THCA in the cannabis plant must convert to THC through a process called decarboxylation, which requires heating. This is why it is important to add a fatty substance like butter or oil to your tea, as THC binds to fat, not water. Decarboxylation ensures that the THC is activated and can provide the desired psychoactive effects.

The effects of weed tea can vary depending on the individual, the cannabis strain, and other factors such as whether the person has eaten recently. It is important to note that the effects may take longer to appear, so it is recommended to wait at least two hours before consuming another cup. The high from weed tea is often described as more physical and subdued compared to smoking or vaping.

While weed tea can provide a relaxing and medicinal experience, it is important to consume it responsibly. As with any edible, the effects can be strong, and it is recommended to start with a small dose and increase gradually. It is also important to note that the potency of weed tea can vary depending on the amount and quality of cannabis used, as well as the preparation method.

In terms of safety, it is crucial to be mindful of the legal status of cannabis in your jurisdiction. Additionally, as with any substance, it is important to consume weed tea in a safe and controlled environment and not to operate heavy machinery or drive under the influence.

Overall, weed tea can be a soothing and flavorful way to experience the effects of cannabis. By understanding the effects and following recommended safety guidelines, individuals can enjoy the benefits of weed tea responsibly.

Frequently asked questions