Stem tea, an infusion made from the stems and stalks of the cannabis plant, is often explored by those seeking to use all parts of the plant. The primary question is whether this simple brew can produce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis flower. A basic stem tea, made by simply steeping the material in hot water, is highly unlikely to cause a “high” due to fundamental chemical reasons. Understanding the science behind cannabinoid extraction explains why this common preparation method is ineffective.
Why Water Alone Fails to Extract THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for psychoactivity, is not water-soluble; it is a lipophilic, or fat-loving, molecule. THC and other cannabinoids naturally bind to fats and oils, but they repel water. When cannabis stems are steeped in plain hot water, the cannabinoids remain locked within the plant matter, failing to dissolve into the liquid. This is similar to how oil and water separate, preventing extraction.
A second major factor is that raw cannabis material does not contain significant amounts of active THC. Instead, it contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the non-psychoactive precursor. This conversion requires decarboxylation, which involves exposure to high heat over time. Standard tea steeping temperatures, near the boiling point of water, and the short duration of the process are insufficient to convert enough THCA into psychoactive THC.
For effective conversion, temperatures need to reach 220°F to 240°F (104°C to 115°C) for a sustained period, usually 30 to 60 minutes. The brief exposure to hot water during tea preparation does not meet these thermal requirements. Even if the stems were fully decarboxylated, the lack of a fat-based carrier in the water would still prevent the active THC from transferring into the final beverage.
Source Material and Regulation
The potential for psychoactivity is influenced by the source of the stem material, which is defined by federal regulation. Cannabis plants are legally categorized based on their Delta-9 THC content. Hemp, which is federally legal, is defined as any cannabis plant containing 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Stems derived from legal hemp plants have extremely low levels of THC, making intoxication impossible regardless of preparation. Conversely, stems from plants classified as marijuana contain higher THC concentrations. Even when using high-THC material, the concentration of cannabinoids in the stems is significantly lower than in the flower buds.
While flower buds can contain 15% to 30% THC or more, the stems typically contain trace amounts, often ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% by dry weight. This low concentration means that even if a perfect extraction were performed, the resulting tea would be very mildly potent compared to an infusion made with flower. The legal status of the raw material also dictates possession, as material over the 0.3% limit is regulated as marijuana in many jurisdictions.
Preparation Methods to Increase Psychoactivity
Achieving psychoactive effects from stems requires fundamentally changing the preparation method to overcome solubility and activation barriers. The necessary first step is to decarboxylate the stem material before infusion. This process involves heating the dried stems in an oven at 240°F (115°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes, which converts the non-psychoactive THCA into active THC.
Once the stems are activated, the infusion must be done using a fat or high-proof alcohol as a carrier, not just water. They must bind to a substance like butter, coconut oil, or whole milk to be successfully extracted. The decarboxylated stems are typically simmered gently with the chosen fat in water for an extended period, allowing the THC to leave the plant matter and dissolve into the lipid.
The resulting infused fat, such as a stem-infused butter, can then be used in a tea or other beverage. Without first decarboxylating the material and then using a lipid to extract the compounds, the tea will remain non-intoxicating. These modified steps are essential to leverage the trace amounts of THC present in the fibrous material.
Other Effects and Safety Concerns
Even without a psychoactive effect, stem tea may still offer mild, non-intoxicating benefits. The stems contain trace amounts of other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and aromatic terpenes. These compounds may contribute to a subtle sense of relaxation or other mild therapeutic effects associated with herbal teas.
A safety concern when preparing stem tea involves the potential for contaminants in the source material. The stems can accumulate residues from pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals used during cultivation. If the source material is not from a regulated or tested provider, there is a risk of ingesting these unwanted substances, which can pose a health hazard.
Consuming a large quantity of a beverage infused with fibrous plant matter can cause minor digestive upset. Some consumers have reported mild stomach discomfort or nausea after consuming cannabis stem preparations. Storing the raw stems in a cool, dry place is also important to prevent the growth of mold or mildew, which would be dangerous to consume.