Infusing tea with marijuana has been around since 2737 B.C. when China’s Emperor Sheng Neng prescribed the concoction to combat a host of maladies. Since the Bronze Age, marijuana tea has been enjoyed by countless cultures as a medicine, a ceremonial drink, an offering to gods and an intoxicant.
Now that you’ve had your history lesson, let’s talk science before you put the tea kettle on the burner.
Making cannabis tea is not as simple as seeping leaves in hot water. You could do it that way, but it’s pretty much a waste of herb – and money. THC is not water soluble; it needs to bind to fat (butter, whole milk, coconut oil, etc.) in order to activate its full potential.
You should also understand a little about decarboxylation. Most of us know that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive constituent in marijuana responsible for the high. But raw cannabis is full of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) which has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory qualities but will not get you high. In order to covert THCA to THC, you need heat and time.
One last thing: Drinking – or eating – cannabis is a different kind of experience than smoking or vaping. THC is absorbed through the digestive tract, so the effects will take a bit longer to kick in – and will last longer too. But, generally, the high is milder. Enough history and science. Let’s get to the tea.
The tastiest tea recipe I’ve tried is also the easiest.
Basic Cannabis Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tea bag
- 1 tsp. cannabis butter (see recipes here)
- 1 cup boiled water
Directions:
Place tea bag and cannabis butter in your favorite teacup. Add boiling water. Allow the butter to melt and the tea to seep. Remove tea bag and enjoy.
