Cannabis-infused tea, sometimes called “weed tea,” is a popular, smoke-free method for consuming cannabis. This preparation involves infusing cannabis into water, often with other ingredients. The effectiveness of weed tea depends entirely on the chemical principles governing how cannabis compounds interact with water and heat. Without the correct preparation steps, the resulting beverage will have negligible psychoactive or therapeutic effects. Understanding the science behind cannabinoid activation and metabolism is necessary to create a beverage that delivers the desired experience.
Activating Cannabis: Why Simple Steeping Fails
The active compounds in cannabis, such as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are naturally lipophilic, meaning they dissolve readily in fats and oils, but they are not water-soluble. Simply steeping raw cannabis flower in hot water will fail to extract a meaningful concentration of these compounds. This necessitates the use of a fatty carrier, such as butter, coconut oil, or full-fat milk, during the infusion process to make the cannabinoids bioavailable.
The Role of Decarboxylation
Another chemical barrier to efficacy is the compound’s initial form in the raw plant material. Fresh or dried cannabis contains cannabinoids primarily in their acidic forms, specifically tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). These acidic precursors are non-intoxicating. For THCA to convert into the psychoactive THC, it must undergo a process called decarboxylation, which involves heating the plant material.
Decarboxylation is a preliminary step before infusion. This process typically involves heating the cannabis in an oven at a low temperature, around 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C), for 30 to 40 minutes. This controlled heat converts the inactive THCA into the active THC. Without both decarboxylation and the addition of a fat source during steeping, the resulting tea will be almost completely inactive.
The Unique Effects of Ingested Cannabis
When cannabis is consumed in a beverage, it enters the body through the digestive system, resulting in a significantly different experience compared to inhalation. After swallowing, THC is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and travels to the liver before entering the bloodstream. This digestive route causes a notable delay in the onset of effects, which typically begin between 30 minutes and two hours after consumption.
The liver’s involvement initiates what is known as first-pass metabolism, a process that dramatically alters the primary psychoactive compound. During this stage, the liver’s enzymes convert a substantial portion of the ingested Delta-9 THC into a different metabolite called 11-Hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC). This metabolite is also psychoactive and is considered to be more potent than Delta-9 THC itself.
Inhalation delivers Delta-9 THC directly to the bloodstream, resulting in a rapid peak effect. Oral consumption, however, produces high concentrations of the potent 11-OH-THC. The higher ratio of 11-OH-THC contributes to the distinct and often heavier psychoactive experience associated with edibles. Because the compounds are released slowly from the digestive system, the effects are extended, often lasting between four and eight hours. Although the bioavailability of ingested THC is relatively low (4% to 12%), the production of the highly potent 11-OH-THC compensates for this reduced absorption.
Practical Guidance for Safe Consumption
Successful and safe consumption of cannabis tea relies on a measured approach. The most important rule for those new to cannabis beverages is to start with a low dose and wait an adequate amount of time before considering any additional consumption. A recommended starting dose for an edible product is between 2.5 milligrams (mg) and 5 mg of THC.
Because the psychoactive effects can take up to two hours to fully manifest, wait at least this long before deciding whether to increase the dose. Consuming a second serving too soon, before the initial dose has peaked, is the most common cause of overconsumption. Plan for a total duration of at least four to eight hours of impairment.
Effective preparation methods are necessary to ensure a consistent and potent tea. Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, the infusion should involve a high-fat ingredient, such as coconut oil, butter, or a full-fat creamer. The preferred method is to first decarboxylate the cannabis, and then simmer it gently with the chosen fat source and water for 15 to 30 minutes. Using a pre-made, decarboxylated cannabis oil or tincture designed for oral consumption provides the easiest and most accurate way to dose the tea.