Can You Make Tea Out of Weed? A Complete How-To Guide

Yes, you can make tea out of weed. Cannabis tea is a simple, traditional way to consume the plant without smoking or vaping. The process involves infusing ground cannabis flower into hot water, but because cannabinoids like THC and CBD are not water-soluble, you need a fat or alcohol base to extract them effectively.

How Cannabis Tea Works

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are fat-soluble compounds. They bind to lipids, not water. If you steep raw cannabis in plain hot water, very little of the active compounds will transfer into the liquid — you would mostly taste plant matter. To make an effective tea, you first need to decarboxylate the cannabis (heat it to activate the cannabinoids) and then combine it with a carrier like butter, coconut oil, or high-fat milk.

Decarboxylation converts THCA (the acidic, non-psychoactive form) into THC. This happens when cannabis is heated to around 220–240°F (104–115°C) for 30–40 minutes. After that, the activated cannabis must simmer with a fat source for 15–30 minutes so the cannabinoids dissolve into the fat. The fat-infused liquid is then strained and mixed with your tea of choice.

Step-by-Step: Making Cannabis Tea

What You Need

• 0.5 to 1 gram of dried cannabis flower (adjust based on tolerance)
• 1 tablespoon of butter, coconut oil, or whole milk (for fat binding)
• 1 cup of water
• A tea bag or loose-leaf tea (black, green, or herbal)
• A small saucepan, fine mesh strainer, and cheesecloth

Decarboxylate the Cannabis

Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Break the cannabis into small pieces and spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring once halfway. The material should turn a light golden-brown and smell toasted. This step is essential — skipping it results in a tea with minimal psychoactive or therapeutic effect.

Infuse the Fat

In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a low simmer. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and your chosen fat source. Stir gently and let it simmer for 15–30 minutes. Do not let it boil — high heat can degrade cannabinoids. The fat will absorb the THC and CBD as the mixture heats.

Strain and Combine

Remove the saucepan from heat. Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a mug. Press on the solids to extract as much infused liquid as possible. Discard the plant material. Add your tea bag to the mug and steep for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and stir.

If you want a sweeter drink, add honey or sugar. For a creamier texture, use whole milk or a splash of heavy cream during the infusion step.

Dosage and Potency

Potency depends on the strength of your cannabis and how much you use. A typical starting dose for a mild effect is 5–10 mg of THC. If your flower contains 15% THC, then 0.1 grams (100 mg) of flower contains about 15 mg of THC. However, not all of that will transfer into the tea — infusion efficiency is usually 50–70%. So 0.1 grams of 15% THC flower might yield roughly 7.5–10 mg of THC per cup.

For a beginner, start with 0.25 grams of flower. Wait at least 60–90 minutes before deciding if you need more. Edible effects take longer to onset than smoking, and they can last 4–6 hours. Overconsumption can cause anxiety, dizziness, or nausea.

If you use CBD-dominant flower, the same process applies, but the effects will be non-psychoactive and more relaxing.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Cannabis tea is an edible product, and its effects are delayed and often stronger than inhaled cannabis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that THC can impair coordination and judgment, and it may interact with other medications U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis tea.

Cannabis laws vary by location. In the United States, cannabis is still a Schedule I substance federally, but many states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. Check your local regulations before making or consuming cannabis tea. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare provider before use.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information has published research on the pharmacokinetics of oral THC, confirming that its absorption is slower and more variable than inhalation National Center for Biotechnology Information. This variability means you should always start low and go slow.

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis tea requires decarboxylation and a fat source to extract cannabinoids effectively.
• A standard recipe uses 0.25–1 gram of decarboxylated flower simmered with butter, oil, or milk for 15–30 minutes.
• Effects take 60–90 minutes to onset and can last several hours — start with a low dose.
• Always check your local laws and consult a doctor if you have health concerns or take other medications.