How to Make Cannabis Tea: Infused Hot Beverage Recipes

Cannabis tea offers a gentle, soothing way to consume cannabis. Whether you prefer traditional tea infusions or modern methods using tinctures, this guide covers all approaches to creating the perfect cup.

Quick Answer

To make cannabis tea: Add cannabis tincture or cannabutter/coconut oil to brewed tea. Fat is essential for THC absorption - use whole milk, coconut milk, or butter. Steep raw cannabis in fat-based liquid for traditional method. Effects begin in 30-60 minutes, lasting 4-6 hours.

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Why Cannabis Tea Requires Fat

The Science

THC is not water-soluble. Steeping raw cannabis in plain water produces minimal effects because cannabinoids do not dissolve into the water.

The Solution

Add a fat source to bind with cannabinoids:

• Whole milk or cream
• Coconut milk or cream
• Butter or coconut oil
• Cannabis tincture (already extracted)

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Method 1: Cannabis Tincture Tea (Fastest)

The simplest approach using pre-made tincture.

Basic Recipe

• 1 cup hot water
• Tea bag of choice
• 5-15mg cannabis tincture
• Honey to taste
• Optional: splash of milk

Instructions

1. Steep tea in hot water as normal

2. Add tincture after tea is brewed

3. Stir in honey and milk if desired

4. Consume while warm

Why This Works

Tincture is already activated and extracted. No additional preparation needed.

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Method 2: Cannabis Butter or Oil Tea

Use pre-made cannabutter or cannabis coconut oil.

Basic Recipe

• 1 cup hot water
• Tea bag of choice
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cannabutter or cannabis coconut oil
• Honey to taste

Instructions

1. Brew tea as normal

2. While hot, add cannabutter or coconut oil

3. Stir vigorously or use frother to emulsify

4. Add honey to taste

Tips

• Oil floats - keep stirring while drinking
• Use milk frother for better incorporation
• Works best with creamy teas (chai, earl grey)

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Method 3: Traditional Stovetop Method

Simmer cannabis directly in fat and water.

Ingredients

• 1/2 gram decarboxylated cannabis
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
• Tea bag of choice
• Honey and milk to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add water, fat, and decarbed cannabis to small saucepan.

Step 2: Simmer Gently

Bring to low simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil vigorously.

Step 3: Strain

Pour through fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into mug.

Step 4: Add Tea and Flavor

Add tea bag, steep 3-5 minutes. Add honey and milk to taste.

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Method 4: Cannabis Chai Latte

A rich, spiced option that masks cannabis flavor beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup whole milk or coconut milk
• 2 chai tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose chai
• 1 tablespoon cannabutter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

1. Simmer water, milk, and cannabutter together

2. Add chai, steep 5 minutes

3. Strain if using loose chai

4. Sweeten with honey

5. Garnish with cinnamon

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Method 5: Cannabis Golden Milk

Turmeric latte with cannabis for relaxation and sleep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon cannabis coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
• Pinch of black pepper (increases turmeric absorption)
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

1. Gently heat coconut milk with cannabis oil

2. Whisk in turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper

3. Sweeten with maple syrup

4. Strain if desired

5. Serve warm

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Dosing Cannabis Tea

Starting Dose

Beginners: 5-10mg THC equivalent

Regular users: 10-25mg THC equivalent

Calculating Dose

Using tincture: Follow tincture potency (e.g., 5mg per dropper)

Using cannabutter: 1 teaspoon of standard cannabutter ≈ 15-30mg THC (varies by batch)

Using raw cannabis: Difficult to calculate precisely - start with 1/4 gram decarbed cannabis

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Best Teas for Cannabis

Masking Flavor

• Chai: Spices completely cover herbal taste
• Peppermint: Strong mint flavor dominates
• Earl Grey: Bergamot complements cannabis notes
• Ginger: Spicy, masks any bitterness

Enhancing Effects

• Chamomile: Calming, synergizes with relaxing strains
• Lavender: Promotes sleep
• Green tea: Mild caffeine balances sedation

Neutral Base

• Black tea: Classic, lets you taste cannabis
• Rooibos: Caffeine-free, slightly sweet

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When to Drink Cannabis Tea

Morning

Light dose (5-10mg) with caffeinated tea for functional day.

Afternoon

Moderate dose (10-20mg) with herbal tea for relaxation.

Evening

Higher dose (20-30mg) with chamomile or golden milk for sleep.

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Tips for Better Cannabis Tea

Tip 1: Decarboxylate First

If using raw cannabis (not pre-made oil/tincture), always decarb at 240°F for 40-60 minutes first.

Tip 2: Do Not Boil

Boiling can degrade THC and create bitter flavors. Simmer gently.

Tip 3: Include Fat

Without fat, absorption is minimal. Always include butter, oil, or full-fat milk.

Tip 4: Steep Long Enough

For traditional method, 15-20 minutes of simmering extracts cannabinoids.

Tip 5: Strain Well

Remove plant material for better texture and taste.

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Troubleshooting

Tea has no effect

• No fat included (essential for absorption)
• Cannabis was not decarboxylated
• Dose too low - wait 2 hours then try slightly more next time

Tea tastes too grassy

• Used too much raw cannabis
• Did not strain properly
• Try tincture method instead

Oil floating on top

• Stir continuously while drinking
• Use milk frother to emulsify
• Add cream or milk to help incorporate

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Storage

Prepared Tea

Drink immediately for best effects. Can be refrigerated and reheated within 24 hours.

Cannabis Milk for Tea

Prepare ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake before using.

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Cannabis tea provides a gentle, ritual experience for cannabis consumption. The slower onset and longer duration make it ideal for relaxation and medicinal use.