Hemp tea is an infusion of hemp leaves and buds in hot water. Usually, it is made from agricultural strains of hemp which contain about 2% CBD and 0,2% THC. However, cannabis tea made from high THC strains is becoming very popular lately as an alternative method of ingestion versus smoke or edibles (1). Many people often ask questions how can hemp or cannabis tea work if cannabinoids are soluble just in fats or alcohol, not water.
Hemp tea in history
The question whether hemp tea works or not can be answered by looking back to history. In ancient India, hemp tea was prepared as a ritual drink to welcome guests. It was known as Bhang and was also used as a medicine. Another culture in which hemp tea is important is Jamaica. Here it is called Ganja tea and was used as a medicine as well (2). So it is obvious that hemp tea is nothing new, we just rediscover it.
How does hemp tea work
Firstly, it is important to mention that hemp is not only about cannabinoids, however, these play the crucial role. Hemp contains more than 1000 various compounds (among them terpenes, flavonoids and others), which many of them are soluble in water and thus can infuse into a tea. It is known that hemp works because of this rich mixture. Isolated THC or CBD do not possess the same power as a complete plant.
Secondly, it is obvious that a hemp tea contains the hemp seeds, sometimes even crushed ones. The seeds contain oil (fat acids) that infuses into a water and helps to bind all cannabinoids.
Thirdly, it is known that cannabinoids have some water solubility. Namely THC has a solubility of 2.8 mg per liter, which may be enough to get it all from 0,2% THC plant material.
These are just basic facts that support therapeutical effects of hemp tea. (3)
Hemp tea - preparation
Preparation of hemp tea is very easy. Use one soup spoon of buds, pour it with 250 ml of boiling water and keep it infuse for 5 - 15 minutes. The longer time it infuses, the stronger tea is.
For maximal medical effect, a slice of butter, spoon of cream, or a few drops of oil can be added at the beginning of infusion. This helps cannabinoids to dissolve and be digested.
Types of hemp tea
Ripe hemp buds are used for CBD tea, young green buds are used as normal hemp tea. There are also other herbal mixtures as hemp tea with mint, which is great for relaxation. Hemp tea with goji berries or fruits is ideal for those who do not like hemp flavor much. There is portioned CBD hemp tea as well for quicker and more convenient preparation.
Enjoy.
Resources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_tea
2. http://cannabisplus.net/cannabis-tea/
