If you’ve ever wanted to sip your cannabis instead of smoke it, learning how to make weed tea might be your new favorite ritual. It’s gentle, relaxing, and surprisingly simple. Here’s how to make weed tea that actually works. From decarboxylation to flavor tricks, you’ll be able to brew with confidence, even if it’s your first time.
Key Takeaways
- How to make weed tea starts with decarboxylation – the key to activating THC.
- Adding a fat source like coconut oil or whole milk helps extract cannabinoids.
- Weed tea provides a smoke-free, long-lasting cannabis experience.
- The flavor can be customized with herbs, milk, honey, or spices.
- Start small: the effects can take up to 90 minutes to kick in.
What Is Weed Tea and Why Try It?
Here’s some quick context before we brew. Weed tea, or cannabis tea, is a beverage made by steeping decarboxylated cannabis in hot water, usually with a fat like coconut oil, MCT oil, or milk to help absorb THC and CBD.
Many people love it for the calm, lasting effects. Unlike smoking, which hits quickly and fades fast, tea offers a slower onset and smoother ride. It’s ideal for winding down after a long day or easing discomfort without the harshness of smoke.
Plus, there’s something meditative about the process itself: grinding, stirring, steeping. It turns your tea time into a mindful cannabis ritual.
Understanding the Basics: Decarboxylation and Fat
Here’s the not-so-secret science behind how to make weed tea that actually works.
Raw cannabis won’t get you high on its own. The cannabinoids inside the plant (like THCA and CBDA) need heat to activate, that’s decarboxylation. Without it, your tea will taste fine but do very little.
After decarbing, you’ll want to add a fat source such as coconut oil, butter, or milk. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, not water-soluble, meaning they bind to fats instead of dissolving in water. That’s why your tea needs that little boost of oil or dairy to extract the good stuff.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your simple ingredient list to get started:
- 1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis (start smaller if new)
- 1½ cups of water (or 1 cup water + ½ cup milk)
- 1 tablespoon of fat (coconut oil, butter, or ghee)
- 1 tea bag or herbal blend of your choice
- Sweetener like honey, sugar, or maple syrup
- Strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
Step-by-Step: How to Make Weed Tea
Start by decarboxylating your cannabis. Preheat the oven to 220°F (105°C), spread ground flower on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes. This unlocks THC and CBD so your body can absorb them later.
Next, heat your water and fat source (e.g., coconut oil) in a small pot. Once the fat melts, stir in your decarbed cannabis. Keep the heat low and let it simmer gently for about 15-30 minutes — not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
When time’s up, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into your mug or teapot. Add your favorite tea bag or herbs and steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten it with honey or sugar, add lemon or cinnamon if you like, and enjoy slowly.
The effects usually begin within 30-90 minutes, and, much like with edibles, they can last several hours.
Dosing and Safety Tips
Learning how to make weed tea also means learning to respect its potency. Tea hits slower than smoking, but when it does, it’s stronger and longer-lasting.
Keep these quick tips in mind:
- Start small. A quarter to half a gram of cannabis is plenty for beginners.
- Be patient. Effects can take up to an hour and a half. Don’t rush to drink more.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol. Keep your first few experiences simple.
- Label leftovers clearly and store them in the fridge (up to 3 days).
Start low, go slow, and stay comfy. You can always make it stronger next time.
Flavor Upgrades and Variations
Once you’ve mastered how to make weed tea, have some fun with flavors. Try a chai base for warmth, mint tea for freshness, or ginger and lemon for a spa-day twist.
If the grassy taste isn’t your vibe, a few drops of vanilla extract, a cinnamon stick, or even a splash of oat milk can make it taste like a cozy latte. You can also swap the flower for a THC tincture to skip the straining step altogether.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make weed tea, you can turn a quiet afternoon into a soothing, elevated ritual. The process is simple, the effects are long-lasting, and the flavor is totally up to you.
Just remember: decarb first, add fat, sip slowly, and enjoy the calm that follows. Whether you’re easing into cannabis or adding a new ritual to your routine, this beginner-friendly recipe is the perfect way to steep into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make weed tea without decarbing?
Technically yes, but it won’t be psychoactive. Decarboxylation activates THC and CBD, which makes your tea effective.
How long do the effects of weed tea last?
Usually 4–8 hours, depending on dose and metabolism. Expect a slow onset and long, mellow ride.
Can I use stems or trim for cannabis tea?
You can, but it’ll be weaker. Stems and trim have lower cannabinoid content than buds.
Is weed tea legal where I live?
That depends on your local cannabis laws. Always check before brewing, rules differ by state or country.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical or legal advice. Always comply with local cannabis regulations and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.