Cannabis Wellness Tea

Introduction

Cannabis-infused teas are steeping their way into popular wellness routines, offering a mellow, smoke-free way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Sipping a warm cup of cannabis tea can be a relaxing ritual, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day or finding a moment of calm anytime.

Currently, cannabis teas aren’t purchasable over the counter or in a store. But what we and our budtenders at our local Muskoka cannabis store can do is give you some tips on how to make this kind of tea blend at home, and with our premium quality products!

Health Benefits of Cannabis Tea

Cannabis teas allow you to tap into the plant’s therapeutic compounds in a gentle way. Both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can contribute to wellness, but they affect you differently. CBD is not mind-altering, while THC produces the euphoric “high.” Knowing this difference will help you choose the tea that suits your needs: a CBD-infused brew for purely calming effects, or a THC tea for a bit more sedative kick (and a mild buzz). Here are some potential benefits that research has found by using cannabis teas. One of the oldest forms of herbal remedies known to us:

Relaxation & Stress Relief:

Cannabis tea is often used as a natural stress soother. Much like a classic herbal tea, a cannabis infusion can help calm the mind and body. CBD is especially known for its anxiety-reducing properties that promote a sense of calm without intoxication. THC can also aid relaxation – in fact, low doses of THC have been shown to lessen anxiety. Many people find that a warm mug of cannabis tea in the evening helps melt away the day’s tension.

Better Sleep:

If you struggle with insomnia or restless nights, a cannabis tea before bed might become your new favourite sleepy-time brew. Both THC and CBD varieties are used to support sleep. THC’s sedative effect may help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, while CBD’s calming influence can quiet the mind for better sleep quality. A cozy indica-based THC tea or a chamomile CBD blend can make for a great nightcap to unwind and promote deeper, more restful sleep.

Pain Relief & Inflammation:

A cup of cannabis tea won’t knock out severe pain like a strong pill might, but it may help with chronic aches and inflammation in a gentler way. THC has analgesic (pain-relieving) effects that can reduce the perception of pain, while CBD interacts with the body’s inflammatory response. Many people with conditions like muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, or migraines use cannabis teas to help soothe the discomfort. It’s not a cure-all, but it can be one more tool in your wellness kit to feel a bit better.

Digestive Support:

Cannabis has long been known for settling an uneasy stomach. If you deal with nausea or lack of appetite, a gentle cannabis tea might provide relief. THC in particular is famous for reducing nausea and even stimulating appetite, which has been a big help for chemotherapy patients experiencing nausea. A mild dose of a THC tea with a little ginger or peppermint can work wonders for an upset tummy. CBD and CBC teas can also support digestion.. Add a squeeze of lemon or a slice of ginger to your cannabis tea and you have a soothing tonic for indigestion or queasiness.

Note:

Everyone’s body is different, and while these benefits are promising, remember that research on cannabis is still ongoing. Effects can vary based on dose and individual. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if you have specific health conditions or take medications.

Classic Cannabis Herbal Tea Recipe

Brewing your own cannabis wellness tea at home is easier than you might think! You can infuse cannabis into all sorts of teas, depending on your taste and needs.

This is a straightforward, go-to recipe for cannabis tea using cannabis flower and a tea strainer. Using your leftover stems are great for this. It’s essentially an herb tea (think mint or chamomile) with an extra herbal boost from cannabis. Perfect for relaxation!

Ingredients:

1 gram of ground cannabis flower
2 cups water
1 teaspoon of butter or coconut oil (helps THC/CBD infuse)
1 herbal tea bag of your choice
Sugar (to sweeten)

Classic Cannabis Herbal Tea Recipe<br />

Instructions:

Boil and bind:

In a small pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the butter or coconut oil and let it melt completely.

Simmer with cannabis:

Stir in the ground cannabis. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gentle boil allows the THC/CBD to infuse into the fatty water.

Strain:

After simmering, remove from heat. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a clean vessel to filter out the plant material. Use caution as it will be hot.

Steep your tea:

Pour the strained, cannabis-infused liquid into a mug. Add your herbal tea bag (or loose tea in an infuser). Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, just as you would with a normal cup of tea. This adds flavor and additional herbal benefits to the mix.

Enjoy:

Remove the tea bag. Flavour to taste. Stir in a spoonful of sugar if you’d like sweetness. Get cozy and sip slowly.

Dosage Tips:

If you used roughly 1 gram of cannabis at ~10% THC, that means your pot of tea contains up to ~100 mg of THC in total. Dividing that into 4 cups would be about 25 mg THC per cup – which is quite strong for many folks! We recommend starting with a half cup (or even a quarter cup) if you’re new to THC to see how it feels first. You can always dilute your cup with additional hot water or regular tea if you find it too potent. Remember, you can always drink more, but you can’t un-drink a super strong tea once you’ve had it, so go slow and easy.

Common Add-Ins to Elevate Your Cannabis Tea

While cannabis and herbal tea alone can create a calming, wellness-enhancing drink, many tea lovers enjoy adding a few simple ingredients to boost flavor, comfort, and benefits. Here are some popular additions that pair beautifully with both THC and CBD infusions:

Honey

A classic sweetener, honey not only balances stronger herbal flavors but also adds soothing properties for the throat and digestion. It blends easily into warm tea and adds to your overall dosage.

Lemon Slices

Bright and citrusy, lemon helps cut through earthy tones and supports digestion. It also contains vitamin C and can enhance the aroma and mood-lifting aspects of your tea.

Fresh Mint Leaves

Cooling and calming, mint is great for digestion and makes any tea feel refreshing. Whether you’re using peppermint tea or just tossing in a few mint leaves, it’s a revitalizing addition that pairs well with both CBD and THC.

Cinnamon Sticks

Naturally sweet and spicy, cinnamon enhances warmth and flavor. It also supports blood sugar balance and digestion. Use a stick while simmering or a dash of ground cinnamon in your cup.

Turmeric, Ginger, and Black Pepper

These spices are anti-inflammatory powerhouses. Turmeric and ginger bring warmth and depth, while a tiny pinch of black pepper helps the body absorb turmeric more effectively. Together, they create a golden milk-style cannabis tea with comforting, immune-boosting benefits.

Tip:

These ingredients are easy to find in your kitchen or local market, and they’re endlessly customizable. Mix and match based on what your body needs or what mood you’re in. Whether you’re seeking calm, comfort, or a bit of luxury in your mug, these extras can turn your cannabis tea into a full-on ritual.

Tips and Considerations

Brewing and enjoying cannabis tea is pretty simple, but a few smart tips will help you get the best results and a positive experience. Here are some important considerations, especially if you’re new to cannabis-infused beverages:

Decarboxylate for THC:

Decarboxylation is a fancy term for heating the raw cannabis flower to activate the THC. Without this step, raw cannabis won’t be very effective in making you feel anything because THCA (the raw form) won’t produce the same effects as THC until it’s heated. You can decarb by baking your dry cannabis in an oven (~240°F for about 30-40 minutes) before using it in recipes.

Use a Fat for Better Infusion:

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are not water-soluble, meaning they don’t dissolve well in plain hot water. To get them to infuse into your tea, always include a source of fat (such as butter, coconut oil, whole milk, or cream) when brewing if you’re using actual plant material. The fat will bind to the cannabinoids and extract them from the plant. This makes your tea significantly more potent and effective.

Start Low & Sip Slow:

Dosing is important, especially with THC teas. It’s wise to start with a low dose of cannabis in your brew until you know how it affects you. For example, if you have a full teapot infused with 1 gram of cannabis, try drinking only a half cup first instead of the whole thing at once. You can refrigerate the rest for later. Gauge how you feel after one cup (or less) before deciding if you want more.

Be Patient - Onset Takes Time:

Unlike inhaling cannabis, which hits you within minutes, a cannabis tea will take longer to kick in. Typically, you might feel effects somewhere between 30 to 90 minutes after drinking, depending on your metabolism and whether you’ve had other food. Don’t rush to pour a second cup if you don’t feel anything in 10 minutes – give it time. Also, the effects from cannabis tea last longer than smoking; you might feel the calm or pain relief for 4-8 hours, which is great for sustained wellness, but it also means you should plan accordingly. If you’re winding down for bed, that’s perfect. If you have a busy day ahead, consider a lighter dose.

THC Safety for New Users:

If your tea blend contains THC, remember to treat it with the same respect you would any cannabis edible. THC can cause impairment, so choose a safe and comfortable environment for your cannabis tea time, especially if it’s your first time or a stronger batch. Get cozy at home and avoid driving or operating anything dangerous. Some people might feel a bit dizzy or very sleepy with potent THC, so be somewhere you can relax. It’s a good idea for newcomers to have their first cannabis tea experience during a calm evening or weekend when you don’t have obligations, so you can fully enjoy (or ride out) the experience.

Lastly, always listen to your body. Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique, so find the blend and dose that makes you feel good. Cannabis wellness teas can be a delightful addition to a healthy routine, offering not just potential health benefits, but also the simple joy of a flavorful, calming tea ritual. Happy brewing, and here’s to your health and relaxation!