How to Make Stem Tea: Cannabis Recipe for the Perfect Sip

When it comes to consuming cannabis, people often think of packing their favorite bong, rolling a joint with their potent sativa or munching on an edible of their own creation. However, there are so many different methods to consume marijuana, and one that dates to the beginning of consumption is weed tea. We'll describe this 4000-year-old process below, why you should try it and how to make cannabis tea the next time you're looking to try something new.

How Marijuana Tea Works 

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Stem tea, sometimes called cannabis tea, is an eco-friendly consumption method if you're looking to consume every piece of cannabis and is great if you just finished picking apart your bud. Making stem tea is optimal because it is not recommended to smoke stems, and they aren't very digestible otherwise, so if you've been pondering how to use weed stems - look no further. Weed tea is used all over to treat various ailments, boost mood, reduce anxiety and above all, is a great alternative for someone who doesn't want to consume via smoking. 

Stem tea works in the same way as any other edible creation does. This means when it comes to how to make weed tea, you cannot forget about the imperative process of decarboxylation. Some believe that the heat from the hot water is enough to activate the cannabinoids but to be safe, just decarb the stems anyway. 

The decarb process works the same across the board when it comes to the creation of edibles, but as a refresher: 

1. Preheat your oven to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Break your stems into small pieces, making sure they don't overlap in the pan.
3. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until stems are a golden-brown color. 
4. Remove pan from oven, allow to cool. 

Cannabinoids aren't water-soluble, so you'll need a binding agent (a chemical to absorb the cannabinoids) or they won't cross into your bloodstream and make their way towards your brain. Fats are great binding agents and chances are, you've already got some in your kitchen. Binding agents can include whole milk, half-and-half, coconut milk, butter or coconut oil. Don't worry, we'll give you a step-by-step guide for how to make stem tea below. 

How to Dose Stem Tea: Does Weed Tea Get You High? 

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It is important to note that stem tea is a much milder form of consuming cannabis because stems do not have high concentrations of THC. You will still feel like effects from the marijuana, but it will be a more casual feeling than hitting the vape pen or ripping the bong. Just like any dosing with edibles, this is the hardest part of the entire process. 

Almost all stem tea recipes call for at least 1/4 cup of them and adding additional shake or weed to increase potency. As always, starting slow and going low applies to tea consumption, too. 

When it comes to how long the high may last, consider the consumption of stem tea to be the same as consuming any other cannabis in edible form. Eating cannabis has a delayed effect as digestion and metabolization needs to take place, so expect the high to last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. 

CBD Tea 

Just like with stems, you can make tea using CBD, too. It's no secret anymore that CBD is bursting with popularity as a non-psychoactive alternative with some of the same medicinal properties as THC. CBD can relieve pain, fight inflammation, and decrease anxiety and depression. 

The creation of CBD tea is the same as stem or cannabis tea. You can brew directly with water but beware of the lack of potency due to hot water not being able to extract everything. Adding a binding agent to the brewing process is a sure-fire way to absorb all the benefits of CBD. 

Stem Tea Recipe, Step-By-Step Guide 

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You'll need 1/4 - 1/2 cup of stems, 3 cups of water, an additional bag of tea for flavor, and a coffee filter. For your binding agent, grab 2-3 tablespoons of alcohol of your choice OR 1/2 cup of whole milk, coconut milk, half-and-half OR 1/2 tablespoon of butter/coconut oil. 

1. Fill up saucepan or teapot with 3 cups of water. Add your binding agent, if you choose your binding agent to be alcohol - make sure you add it after the boiling process (so it won't evaporate while boiling). 
2. Bring the concoction to boil, add the stems and let boil for 7 to 10 minutes. If you desire more potent tea, here is when you can add additional trim or shake. Stir often. 
3. Once the tea is infused, remove it from heat. If alcohol is your binding agent, here is when you would add it. 
4. Unless you used a tea bag, strain the tea and grab the coffee filter to separate the tea from the used stems. 
5. Once the tea is strained, here you can add whatever goodies you would like to enhance flavor.
6. Enjoy!

How to Make Marijuana-Infused Tea from Cannabis Flower

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You'll need 1 gram of cannabis (decarbed), 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 4 cups of water, a teabag, and a coffee filter. 

1. Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Once boiling, add a tablespoon of coconut oil and allow it to dissolve completely. 
2. Add cannabis to the boiling pot, let simmer. 
3. Allow this mixture to simmer for 15 minutes. 
4. It's now time to strain out the cannabis. Pour the boiling mixture through the coffee filter (or cheesecloth) into a bowl or teapot. 
5. Add teabag into the teapot or bowl. This is also when you can bring in mint, honey, or other flavorings. Steep for about 3 minutes. 
6. Remove teabag, stirring well to incorporate the oil throughout, and pour yourself a cup. 
7. Sip safely. 

Have you ever tried stem tea? What effects did you feel? Any tips for making it tastier or stronger next time around? Tell us below.