April 20th, also known as 4/20, is a day celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts around the world. While many people may associate this day with smoking or consuming cannabis in other forms, there is another way to enjoy this plant – cannabis tea.
Cannabis tea, also known as weed tea or pot tea, is a beverage made by steeping cannabis leaves, flowers, or stems in hot water. This method of consumption has been around for centuries and offers a unique way to experience the effects of cannabis. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you should try cannabis tea on 4/20 and how to make your own at home.
The Health Benefits of Cannabis Tea
One of the most well-known benefits of cannabis is its ability to relieve pain and inflammation. This is due to the presence of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce pain and inflammation. When consumed in tea form, these cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system and can provide long-lasting relief for chronic pain.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Cannabis tea can also be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. The cannabinoids in cannabis have been shown to have anxiolytic properties, meaning they can reduce anxiety and stress. This can be especially beneficial for those who experience anxiety or panic attacks when smoking or consuming cannabis in other forms.
Improves Sleep
Many people struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, whether it’s due to stress, pain, or other factors. Cannabis tea can help with this issue as well. The relaxing effects of cannabis can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Boosts the Immune System
Cannabis is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help boost the immune system. By consuming cannabis tea, you can introduce these beneficial compounds into your body and potentially improve your overall health and well-being.
Supports Digestive Health
Cannabis leaves contain plant chemicals that can help control digestion, lower inflammation in the gut, and ease the symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Pain Management
Cannabinoids work with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a key part of how we feel pain. Chronic pain conditions like arthritis, migraines, and neuropathic pain may be helped by drinking cannabis leaf tea on a regular basis.
Mood Enhancement
Fresh cannabis leaf tea can also be good for your mental health. CBD and other chemicals found in cannabis leaves have been linked to mood-boosting effects. Cannabis tea may help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by making you feel calm and relaxed.
How to Make Cannabis Tea
Now that you know some of the potential health benefits of cannabis tea, let’s dive into how to make your own at home. There are a few different methods for making cannabis tea, so feel free to experiment and find the one that works best for you.
Basic Cannabis Tea Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 gram of cannabis (ground or chopped)
-
4 cups of water
-
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter or coconut oil
-
Tea bag of your choice (optional)
-
Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
-
Decarboxylate your cannabis.
-
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
-
Once the water is boiling, add a tablespoon of coconut oil or unsalted butter and make sure it completely dissolves.
-
Add the cannabis.
-
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for at least 15 minutes.
-
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
-
If desired, add a tea bag of your choice and let it steep for an additional 5 minutes.
-
Add honey or sweetener to taste.
-
Enjoy your cannabis tea!
Cannabis Compost Tea Recipe
If you’re looking for a more nutrient-rich cannabis tea, try making a compost tea. This method involves using compost soaked in water. The result is something similar to an organic liquid fertilizer but that’s also full of microorganisms and nutrients beneficial for cannabis.
Compost tea introduces healthy fungal colonies and beneficial bacteria to cannabis plants, boosting growth and protecting them from diseases.
Ingredients:
-
Composted cannabis leaves and stems
-
Molasses
-
Kelp
-
Fish Hydrolysate
-
Worm castings
-
Water
Instructions:
-
In a large container, mix together the composted cannabis leaves and stems, water, molasses, liquid kelp, fish emulsion, and apple cider vinegar.
-
Let the mixture sit for 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally.
-
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
-
Dilute the tea with water to your desired strength.
-
Use the compost tea to water your plants for a nutrient boost.
Apply compost tea on sunny mornings when the plant stoma is most open to receiving and absorbing the mixture.
Tips for Consuming Cannabis Tea
-
Start with a small amount of cannabis (around 1 gram) and gradually increase the dosage as needed.
-
Be patient – it can take up to an hour for the effects of cannabis tea to kick in.
-
Experiment with different strains of cannabis to find the one that works best for you.
-
If you’re using cannabis compost tea, make sure to dilute it with water to avoid over-fertilizing your plants.
Conclusion
Cannabis tea offers a unique and potentially beneficial way to consume cannabis. If you’re looking to improve your overall health, or just want a new way to celebrate 4/20, give cannabis tea a try.
With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can make your own cannabis tea at home and enjoy all the potential health benefits it has to offer. Happy 4/20!