Cannabis Herbal Tea Blends this Winter: A Guide to Custom Flavors and Relaxation
Cannabis herbal tea is an easy, enjoyable way to experience the soothing effects of cannabis in a milder, more sustained form. While cannabis is often associated with smoking or vaping, brewing tea allows you to savor its subtle flavors and aromas while reaping the calming effects of the plant. By crafting your own cannabis herbal tea blends, you can combine it with other herbs to create a custom blend that suits your taste and wellness needs. Here’s everything you need to know to get started with DIY cannabis herbal tea blending.
Can you Make Cannabis Tea?
Yes, you can make tea out of cannabis, and it’s a delightful way to enjoy its flavors and potential effects in a soothing, aromatic beverage. Cannabis tea can be prepared by steeping decarboxylated cannabis or cannabis-infused products in hot water, often combined with a fat source like coconut oil, butter, or milk to help extract cannabinoids like THC or CBD. For those who prefer a milder experience, you can use cannabis stems or leaves for a subtle herbal infusion. The tea can be customized with ingredients like honey, lemon, or spices, making it not only a relaxing ritual but also a flavorful exploration of cannabis in a warm and calming form.
Why Cannabis Tea?
Cannabis tea offers a unique way to enjoy the plant’s effects without the harsher methods of consumption. Unlike smoking, tea provides a gentler, slow-release effect that many people find relaxing. Cannabis tea doesn’t produce the intense high associated with other forms of consumption, particularly if you’re using cannabis stems, leaves, or CBD strains. This makes it an ideal option for people seeking relaxation.
Preparing Cannabis for Tea
When making cannabis tea, it’s important to know that THC and CBD need to be activated through a process called decarboxylation to have their full effects. Here’s how to prep your cannabis for tea:
- Grind the Cannabis: Use leaves, stems, or ground buds, depending on your desired strength.
- Decarboxylate: Spread your ground cannabis on a baking sheet and heat at 240°F (115°C) for about 30-40 minutes to activate the cannabinoids.
For a gentler effect, you can skip decarboxylation and use raw stems or leaves, which will give your tea a milder, earthy flavor without a strong psychoactive effect.
Crafting Your Cannabis Herbal Tea Blend
With cannabis as your base, you can now mix it with other herbs to create a personalized tea blend. Consider what effect you’re looking for—whether it’s calming, energizing, or purely aromatic. Here are some popular herbs to pair with cannabis:
1. Lavender for Relaxation
Lavender’s gentle floral notes and calming properties pair well with cannabis for a deeply relaxing tea. Lavender is known for its calming effects, making it ideal for winding down in the evening.
- Blend Idea: Cannabis, lavender, chamomile
- Effect: Calming, perfect for relaxation
2. Peppermint for Refreshment
Peppermint is refreshing and soothing, helping with digestion and clearing the mind. Its cooling effect balances cannabis’s earthy tones and adds a crisp finish to your tea.
- Blend Idea: Cannabis, peppermint, lemon balm
- Effect: Invigorating yet calming, great for focus
3. Ginger for a Spicy Kick
Ginger adds a spicy, warming quality to cannabis tea and pairs beautifully with its earthy flavors, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comforting and aromatic twist.
- Blend Idea: Cannabis, ginger, turmeric
- Effect: comforting, good for relaxation
4. Rose for Aromatherapy
Rose petals add a delicate floral aroma to your tea, perfect for enhancing cannabis’s calming properties with a romantic, uplifting twist. Rose is often used for mood-lifting and relaxation.
- Blend Idea: Cannabis, rose petals, chamomile
- Effect: Soothing and uplifting, great for self-care and calming nerves
5. Green Tea for Energy
Combining cannabis with green tea provides a mellow lift, combining the natural caffeine of green tea with cannabis’s relaxing effects. This is a great daytime tea for a balanced, focused energy boost.
- Blend Idea: Cannabis, green tea, lemongrass
- Effect: Balanced energy and calm focus, ideal for daytime
Brewing Cannabis Herbal Tea
To brew your cannabis tea, follow these simple steps:
- Heat Water: Boil water and let it cool slightly, as boiling water can degrade some delicate flavors in your herbs.
- Add Fat: Cannabis is fat-soluble, so adding a bit of coconut oil, milk, or butter to the tea helps activate its compounds. Alternatively, you can use a fat-free base if you’re using CBD-rich or hemp cannabis for a milder effect.
- Steep: Place your cannabis and herbs into an infuser or tea bag and steep in the hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and Enjoy: Remove the herbs, strain if needed, and savor your freshly brewed cannabis herbal tea.
Storing Your DIY Cannabis Herbal Tea Blends
To make your tea blends last longer, store them in a cool, dry place in airtight containers. Glass jars are ideal, as they preserve aroma and freshness without leaching any unwanted flavors. If you create a few different blends, label each jar with the ingredients and intended effects.
Tips for the Perfect Cannabis Tea Experience
- Experiment with Ratios: Start with small amounts of cannabis, especially if you’re unfamiliar with its effects in tea. You can always increase the quantity gradually to find your preferred potency.
- Customize with Sweeteners: Add honey, agave, or other natural sweeteners to enhance the flavor.
- Make It an Experience: Light a candle, play relaxing music, or enjoy your tea outside to enhance the relaxation benefits.
Final Thoughts
Crafting your own cannabis herbal tea blends is a fun, simple way to enjoy the plant’s benefits and experiment with different flavors. By pairing cannabis with calming or invigorating herbs, you can create tea blends that suit your mood, time of day, or wellness goals. And if you’re looking for quality cannabis to kickstart your tea adventure, Hippos Cannabis Dispensary is a fantastic place to find premium products perfect for your next brew. So, brew a pot, sit back, and sip your way to calm with a custom cannabis tea blend.