Let’s talk about weed tea. You’ve probably heard it mentioned in stoner circles or maybe even seen it on the shelf in some dispensary next to the THC gummies and sleep drops. But if you’ve ever tried making it and ended up with some sad, grassy water that didn’t get you high, you’re not alone. Weed tea has been misunderstood, underappreciated, and often done wrong.
This guide breaks it all down from the chemistry to the recipes, effects, legality, risks, and yes, how to actually make weed tea that works. We’re not here to waste your weed.
What Even Is Weed Tea?
Weed tea is exactly what it sounds like: cannabis-infused tea. But that’s where the simplicity ends.
Unlike just tossing a nug in hot water and hoping for the best (spoiler: don’t), real weed tea requires some chemistry to actually work. THC and CBD the stars of the show aren’t water-soluble. You need fat, alcohol, or lecithin to extract those cannabinoids properly. Otherwise, you’ll just be sipping on warm chlorophyll.
There are a few ways to make it:
- Boil buds with butter or coconut oil
- Use tincture drops in herbal tea
- Simmer with milk or cream
- Steep pre-made cannabis tea bags
Some people do it for the high, others for the medical effects. Either way, if you’re going to drink your weed, it pays to know what you’re doing.
What’s Actually in Weed Tea?
Here’s the science-y part that you’ll wish you paid attention to in high school chemistry.
Cannabinoids in Tea
| Compound | Effect | Water-Soluble? | Needs Heat? |
|---|---|---|---|
| THCA | Non-psychoactive | Somewhat | Converts to THC with heat |
| THC | Psychoactive (the “high”) | Nope | Yes |
| CBD | Non-psychoactive, calming | Slightly | Not always |
| CBN, CBG, etc. | Various effects | Not really | Sometimes |
Decarboxylation
To get high, you need to heat weed so THCA converts into THC. This process is called decarboxylation (or “decarbing” if you want to sound chill about it). Boiling alone might not fully decarb weed especially if you’re steeping it gently like normal tea, so many people bake their bud in the oven first before adding it to a brew.
Bioavailability
Drinking weed means your liver gets involved. This is called first-pass metabolism. It turns THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which hits harder and lasts longer than smoking. But it also takes time to kick in like edibles.
| Method | Onset | Peak | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | 5-10 min | 30-60 min | 2-3 hrs |
| Edibles/Tea | 30-90 min | 20-3 hrs | 4-8 hrs |
How to Make Weed Tea (That Actually Works)
Here are a few reliable ways to make weed tea depending on your vibe and pantry situation.
Option 1: Weed + Butter + Tea
This is the classic “weed butter in tea” method.
You’ll need:
- 1 gram of decarbed cannabis
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 1.5 cups water
- Your favorite tea bag (chai or mint covers the weed taste well)
- Strainer or cheesecloth
Steps:
- Boil water with butter/oil to create a fatty base.
- Add ground, decarbed weed.
- Simmer on low for 30-40 minutes.
- Strain out the plant material.
- Add your tea bag, steep, and sip.
Pro tip: Add milk or honey to improve taste. Weed butter tea is… earthy.
Option 2: Weed Tincture in Herbal Tea
The lazy and precise option.
You’ll need:
- THC/CBD tincture (alcohol-based, not oil)
- Herbal or green tea
- Optional lemon or honey
Steps:
- Brew your tea like normal.
- Add a few drops of tincture once it cools slightly.
- Stir and enjoy.
Bonus: You can dose this super accurately. Great for beginners or medical users.
Option 3: Weed + Milk Chai
If you’re into creamy drinks and long steeps, this is your go-to.
You’ll need:
- 1 gram decarbed weed
- 1 cup whole milk (or plant milk with fat)
- ½ cup water
- Chai spices or chai tea bag
- Sweetener
Steps:
- Heat milk, water, and spices in a saucepan.
- Add weed and simmer (don’t boil) for 30 minutes.
- Strain and sweeten to taste.
This one is smooth, spicy, and hits pretty hard if you decarb right.
Effects: What Does Weed Tea Feel Like?
Drinking weed tea feels kind of like edibles but not always as intense. You’re getting the same cannabinoids (mainly THC), processed by your liver, so the body high is deep and long-lasting. Think warm limbs, calm headspace, couch-lock if you overdo it.
Typical Timeline
| Time After Drinking | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 0-30 min | Basically nothing |
| 30-90 min | Onset (slow build) |
| 1.5-3 hrs | Peak effects |
| 4-8 hrs | Slow comedown |
The exact trip depends on dose, strain, decarb, and what you ate that day. Expect variability. Go low and slow the first time.
Is Weed Tea Legal?
The same rules apply as any cannabis edible:
- If weed is legal in your state or country, weed tea is legal too.
- Medical patients can usually make it at home with their prescription.
- Traveling with it is a bad idea especially across borders.
Most dispensaries don’t sell “tea” per se, but you’ll find THC-infused drinks, tinctures, and mixables that work similarly.
Health Benefits of Weed Tea (And Some Real Talk)
Weed tea isn’t just about getting baked. There are legit medical reasons people drink it:
Potential Benefits
- Chronic pain relief
- Anxiety and stress management
- Anti-nausea (especially for chemo patients)
- Sleep support
- Muscle spasm reduction
- Anti-inflammatory effects (hello, arthritis)
CBD-dominant teas are especially good for daytime use or folks who don’t want to feel high.
The Not-So-Great Side
Let’s be honest weed tea isn’t for everyone.
Side Effects:
- Delayed onset means easier to overdo
- Can hit way harder than expected
- Digestive upset if made with too much oil
- Drowsiness or couch-lock
- Anxiety/paranoia (especially with high-THC strains)
Also: You might just not like the taste. It’s herbal in a very literal way.
Is Weed Tea Worth the Effort?
This one’s subjective, but here’s a breakdown:
| Factor | Smoking | Edibles | Weed Tea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset time | Fast | Slow | Slow |
| Control | Medium | Medium | Hard to dial in at first |
| Potency | High | Very high | Medium to high |
| Effort | Low | Medium | High |
| Taste | Dank | Sweet | Grassy unless flavored |
| Stealth | Low | High | High |
Verdict: If you like the edible high but want a more chill entry point or just hate smoking, weed tea is absolutely worth it. But don’t expect to whip it up like Lipton.
How Long Does Weed Tea Last on the Shelf?
Homemade weed tea should be treated like any other fresh brew: 3-5 days in the fridge max, especially if there’s milk or butter in it.
If you’re using tincture in a dry tea bag, that can last months in a cool, dark place. But once liquid hits, the clock starts ticking.
No visible mold = good. Weird smell = toss it.
Pros and Cons of Weed Tea
Pros
- Smoke-free consumption
- Long-lasting effects
- Easy to customize
- Can be made with trim or stems
- Calming ritual
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Harder to dose accurately
- Not great-tasting unless flavored
- Risk of overconsumption
- Can be wasteful if made wrong
Final Thoughts
Weed tea isn’t just some hippie experiment, it’s a legit way to consume cannabis, especially if you’re into body highs, long effects, or just hate smoking. But it takes a bit of trial and error to nail. The science behind it is real, and the effects can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.
So yeah, weed tea can totally be worth the effort… if you treat it like cannabis cooking and not just some herbal water experiment. Brew smart, start slow, and enjoy the ride.
Common Weed Tea Questions
1. Can you make weed tea with raw cannabis?
Technically yes, but it won’t get you high unless you decarb it. Raw weed has THCA, which doesn’t bind well with water or fat unless heated.
2. What’s the best strain for weed tea?
Depends on your goal. For relaxation, try an indica like Granddaddy Purple. For daytime focus, try a sativa like Durban Poison. High-CBD strains like Harlequin are great for anxiety or pain without the high.
3. Can you just use stems or trim?
Yes! They have way less THC, but if you’re making a mild batch or just don’t want to waste them, boil away. Expect subtle effects.
4. What is weed tea?
Weed tea is a beverage made by infusing parts of the cannabis plant, such as leaves or buds, into hot or cold water. It’s an alternative method of consuming cannabis, offering both recreational and medicinal effects depending on the preparation and ingredients used.
5. Does weed tea get you high?
Yes, if prepared correctly. The psychoactive effects depend on the presence of activated THC, which requires decarboxylation, a heating process that converts THCA to THC. Without this step, the tea may not produce a high.
6. How do you make weed tea?
A basic method involves:
- Decarboxylating cannabis by baking it at 230°F (110°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Boiling water and adding a fat source like butter or coconut oil.
- Adding the decarbed cannabis and simmering for 15-30 minutes.
- Straining the mixture and adding your preferred tea bag or flavorings.
7. How long does it take for weed tea to kick in?
Typically, effects are felt within 30 to 90 minutes, similar to edibles, since the cannabinoids are processed through the digestive system.
8. How long do the effects of weed tea last?
The effects can last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on factors like dosage, individual metabolism, and the potency of the cannabis used.
9. Can you make weed tea with stems or leaves?
Yes, you can use stems or leaves, though they contain lower concentrations of cannabinoids compared to buds. The resulting tea will be milder in effect.
10. Is weed tea legal?
Legality varies by jurisdiction. In regions where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, weed tea is typically permitted. However, always check local laws and regulations.
11. Does weed tea show up on a drug test?
Yes. Consuming weed tea can result in a positive drug test for THC, as the body metabolizes it similarly to other forms of cannabis ingestion.
12. Can you make weed tea without decarboxylation?
You can, but the tea will have minimal psychoactive effects. Decarboxylation is essential to activate THC, which is responsible for the high.
13. What are the benefits of weed tea?
Potential benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Reduction of anxiety and stress
- Improved sleep quality
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Nausea reduction
14. Can you store weed tea?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the tea contains dairy or other perishable ingredients, consume it sooner.
15. How can you make weed tea taste better?
Enhance the flavor by adding:
- Honey or sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon or ginger
- Mint leaves
- Flavored tea bags
16. Can you use CBD instead of THC in weed tea?
Using CBD-dominant strains or isolates will produce a non-psychoactive tea, offering relaxation and other therapeutic benefits without the high.
17. Is weed tea safe for everyone?
Not necessarily. Individuals with certain medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on specific medications should consult a healthcare professional before consuming weed tea.
18. Can you make weed tea with pre-made cannabis products?
Yes. You can use cannabis tinctures or oils by adding them to your brewed tea, allowing for easier dosing and preparation.