How To Make Cannabis Tea

Brewing cannabis tea can create a longer-lasting, more mellow experience than smoking or vaping, which many cannabis enthusiasts find particularly relaxing and therapeutic. While this ancient consumption method won’t replace modern rigs or wraps for most smokers, making cannabis tea can be perfect for those looking for a switch-up or a relaxing evening in. 

The beauty of brewing cannabis tea lies in its versatility and discretion. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, manage chronic pain, or simply explore new ways to enjoy your premium flower, cannabis tea can open up a world of new flavors and experiences. Combining different strains of flower with different varieties of tea is as much an art as it is a science, and while the process may seem intimidating, with the right guidance and quality flower from a trusted Houston dispensary like Flower House, you'll be brewing like a pro in no time.

Continue reading to learn how to make cannabis tea, or get in touch with us directly and ask about our weed delivery services in Houston today.

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Can you make tea with cannabis?

Absolutely, and the results can be both delicious and therapeutic when done correctly. Cannabis tea works because the active compounds in cannabis (primarily THC and CBD) can be extracted through heat and combined with fats to create bioavailable beverages. The key differentiator in a killer cup of cannabis tea — other than quality cannabis — is understanding how cannabinoids work and making sure you get proper extraction.

Time for a short science lesson:

Cannabinoids are fat-soluble rather than water-soluble. This means you can't simply steep cannabis flower in hot water like you would with traditional tea leaves. Making cannabis tea requires the addition of fats like butter, coconut oil, or whole milk to properly extract and deliver the cannabinoids your body can actually absorb.

Don’t worry, we’ll take you through it step by step. 

How to make cannabis tea in 5 easy steps

Step 1: Decarboxylation

Do I need to decarboxylate before making tea? Yes. Decarbing your cannabis before brewing is an absolute must. Raw cannabis flower contains acid forms of cannabinoids that aren't psychoactive or bioavailable until activated through heat. Decarboxylation converts these acid forms into the THC and CBD your body can actually use.

Here's how to properly decarboxylate your cannabis:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°F
2. Break your cannabis flower into small, uniform pieces
3. Spread the cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through
5. The cannabis should appear lightly browned and aromatic when finished

Skipping decarboxylation will result in tea with minimal effects, regardless of how high-quality your starting material might be.

Step 2: Choose your fat

Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means incorporating the right fat, in the right way, is essential for proper extraction. Also consider this: the choice of fat will also influence the flavor profile of your finished tea, so both effectiveness and taste are on the table while making your decision.

Some of the most effective fat options include:

• Coconut oil: Offers excellent cannabinoid extraction and a subtle tropical flavor
• Butter: Provides rich extraction with a creamy, familiar taste
• Whole milk or heavy cream: Creates a smooth, mild flavor while ensuring proper absorption
• MCT oil: Delivers efficient extraction with minimal flavor impact

Use about a tablespoon of fat per cup of tea you're preparing. This ratio should provide enough extraction medium without creating an overly rich or greasy final cup.

Step 3: Cannabis and (optional) tea

Now it's time to combine your decarboxylated cannabis with your chosen fat and any additional tea flavors you’d like. You can experiment with different flavors and endless combinations, but make sure you nail the ratios for extraction. 

Use about 1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis per 2–3 cups of tea, adjusting based on your tolerance and desired potency. Remember that you can always make your next batch stronger, but you can't reduce the potency once it's brewed.

For basic cannabis tea, combine your decarbed flower with your chosen fat in a small saucepan. You can customize your cup by adding traditional tea leaves, herbs, or spices for additional flavor complexity. Some popular combos include:

• Cannabis with chamomile for enhanced relaxation
• Cannabis with green tea for a balanced, energizing effect
• Cannabis with mint for digestive support and refreshing flavor
• Cannabis with ginger or turmeric for potential anti-inflammatory benefits

Step 4: Gently boil

Make sure to keep your temperature low enough to extract cannabinoids without degrading them through excessive heat. In practice, this just means simmer rather than boil your water. 

Bring 2–3 cups of water to a simmer in the saucepan containing your decarbed cannabis and your fat of choice. How long do you boil cannabis tea for? You should keep your tea simmering for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even extraction. 

Do your best to keep this mixture from reaching a rolling boil, as too much heat can degrade cannabinoids and make your tea taste bitter. During this process, you’ll notice the fat begin to turn brownish green from extraction — this means the extraction is working. 

Step 5: Strain and enjoy

The final step is to remove all plant matter and create something you can sip. 

Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all plant material from your tea. Press the strained material gently to extract any remaining liquid ( fat) without forcing plant particles through the strainer. The resulting liquid should be relatively clear with a slight color tint from the cannabis.

You can also add honey, lemon, sugar, or any other natural flavors to complement the taste of your cannabis and tea. As always, start with a small serving and wait an hour or so to gauge the potency before drinking more. 

Cannabis tea FAQ

Is cannabis tea relaxing?

Cannabis tea can be profoundly relaxing, especially when prepared with indica-dominant strains or those high in CBD. The gentle, extended effects make it ideal for stress relief, anxiety management, and general relaxation.

The selection of herbal tea itself, which you can pair with cannabis during your brew, contributes a lot to the calming experience. Because both tea and cannabis have terpenes, finding different combinations to produce different effects can be especially rewarding. 

How long does cannabis tea high last?

Cannabis tea typically produces effects lasting 4–6 hours, a high significantly longer than that from smoking or vaping. The onset usually begins 30–90 minutes after consumption, peaks around 2–3 hours, and gradually tapers off over the following hours.

The extended duration makes cannabis tea particularly valuable for those looking for sustained relief from symptoms like chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety.

Is cannabis tea better than edibles?

While “better” depends on your individual preferences, cannabis tea edges out traditional edibles in a few key ways. Some of the benefits of choosing to brew cannabis tea over traditional edibles include:

• Faster onset than most edibles (30–90 minutes vs 1–3 hours)
• More controllable dosing through gradual consumption
• Lower calorie content than most cannabis-infused foods
• Easier digestion for those with sensitive stomachs

Traditional edibles offer convenience and precise dosing that many smokers prefer, but the ritual and process of brewing cannabis tea can be — like grinding, rolling, and filling a dab rig — an indispensable and therapeutic piece of your cannabis consumption routine. 

Should I brew cannabis tea for sleep?

Cannabis tea can be excellent for sleep support if prepared and consumed correctly. The extended duration can match up well with your need for a full night's rest, while the gradual onset can allow you to get ready for bed as effects kick in. For sleep purposes, focus on indica-dominant strains or those high in CBD and sedating terpenes.

Many users find that cannabis tea not only helps them fall asleep but also improves sleep quality throughout the night. If you’re looking to brew sleep-focused cannabis tea, consider:

• Brewing 1–2 hours before bed
• Choosing strains known for sedation
• Combining the cannabis with relaxing herbs like chamomile or lavender

Need flower for your cannabis tea? Flower House can help.

Creating exceptional cannabis tea starts with exceptional flower, and that's where Flower House makes the difference. Our curated selection of premium cannabis undergoes rigorous testing and quality control to ensure every strain meets our uncompromising standards. Whether you're seeking relaxing indica-dominant varieties for evening tea or balanced hybrids for versatile use, our collection of hand-picked buds provides the foundation for the best cannabis tea you can possibly make.

For those new to cannabis tea or looking to explore different preparation methods, our knowledgeable team provides guidance on strain selection, dosing, and brewing techniques.

Looking for convenient access to premium flower? Our weed delivery in Houston brings carefully selected cannabis directly to your door with the discretion and professionalism you deserve. 

Cannabis tea is just one way to explore the therapeutic and recreational potential of premium cannabis. Whether you're wondering what to do with kief or learning the broader landscape of recreational dispensaries in Texas, Flower House offers free consultations for the cannabis-curious and pro smokers alike.

More Helpful Articles by Flower House:

• Your Guide to Common Terpenes and Effects
• Browse Flower House’s Cannabis Menu
• Do Different Strains of Weed Have Different Effects?
• What is a Hybrid Strain?
• Guide to Cannabis Delivery Services in Houston