How to Make Tea with Cannabis Stems and Leaves: A Simple, Down-to-Earth Guide

Tea is one of the oldest comfort drinks on Earth. It’s warm, soothing, and can be customized in a thousand different ways. But did you know that you can brew tea from cannabis stems and leaves? These are the parts of the plant that often get thrown away, but it is very useful.

If you’ve been trimming your cannabis and don’t know what to do with the leftover leaves and stems, don’t toss them just yet. They may not be as potent as the buds, but they still contain cannabinoids and other beneficial plant compounds. Making cannabis tea is a simple, low-waste way to use up what’s often overlooked.

Why Use Stems and Leaves?

Cannabis stems and leaves aren’t as loaded with THC or CBD as the flower, but they’re far from useless. These plant parts contain small amounts of cannabinoids, along with terpenes (the compounds responsible for aroma and flavor) and flavonoids (plant chemicals that offer antioxidant effects).

They won’t give you the intense high that buds might, but they can still offer:

• Gentle relaxation
• Inflammation and Pain relief
• Digestive support
• A calming body sensation

Plus, it’s a sustainable way to use the whole plant. No waste, no guilt.

What You’ll Need?

Cannabis stem and leaf tea is a warm, herbal infusion made by steeping the leftover stems and fan leaves of the cannabis plant in hot water, usually with a fat-based binding agent to help activate and absorb cannabinoids. It’s a great choice if you want a non-smoking option, prefer lighter effects, and need relief from pain, anxiety, or nausea.

Before you start, gather your supplies. Here’s a basic list:

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons of cannabis stems and/or fan leaves (dried or fresh)
• 1–2 cups of water
• A fat to help extract cannabinoids, such as milk, coconut oil, and butter
• Optional extras like honey, sweetener, lemon, ginger, peppermint, chamomile, or other herbs
• Optional: rum or another alcohol, added after boiling

Tools:

• Small saucepan or kettle
• Strainer or cheesecloth
• Teacup or mug
• A grinder (optional)

Step 1: Understand How Cannabinoids Work in Tea

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD don’t dissolve well in water. They’re fat-soluble, meaning they need some sort of fat or oil to bind to. That’s why making cannabis tea with just water won’t do much on its own; you need something like coconut oil, butter, or milk to extract the good stuff.

Also, cannabinoids are not “activated” until they’ve been heated through a process called decarboxylation (or “decarbing” for short). Luckily, boiling water is hot enough to decarb them gently while steeping.

Step 2: Prep Your Stems and Leaves

Start by drying your cannabis stems and leaves if they aren’t already. You can air-dry them for a few days or use your oven on the lowest setting.

Then, break or grind them up into smaller pieces. You don’t need to powder them—just break them down to expose more surface area for the tea.

If you’re using mostly stems, use a bit more material (maybe 2 tablespoons). Leaves tend to have slightly more cannabinoids, so 1 tablespoon may be enough.

Step 3: Start Brewing

Basic Recipe: Cannabis Stem & Leaf Tea

1. Pour 2 cups of water into your pot and set it over high heat.
2. Stir in your fat-based binding agent before the water boils. Try:

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or butter, OR
• 2½ tablespoons of whole milk or coconut milk

1. Stir gently so it melts and mixes into the water. If using alcohol (like rum), don’t add it yet. Wait until after the boiling step to avoid burning it off.
2. Toss in your decarboxylated cannabis material and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally.
3. Let the mix simmer for about 10–15 minutes, keeping the heat low. Stir every couple of minutes to help release the cannabinoids.
4. Turn off the burner and let the tea rest for a minute or two.
5. If you’re using an alcohol-based binder, now’s the time to add 1 tablespoon per cup. A little rum adds both kick and flavor.
6. Use a cheesecloth, fine strainer, or coffee filter to separate the plant material from your tea.
7. Pour the filtered tea into your mug or teapot.

Step 4: Customize to Taste

On its own, cannabis tea has a slightly earthy, grassy flavor. Some people love it, others don’t. That’s where flavoring comes in.

Here are a few tasty ideas:

• Honey and lemon: A classic combo that adds sweetness and brightness.
• Ginger: Adds a little zing and helps with digestion.
• Mint or chamomile: For even more relaxation.
• Chai spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves work beautifully with the natural flavor of cannabis.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, just remember to keep the fat source in there, or you’ll lose most of the effects.

What to Expect: Effects and Timing

Cannabis tea made from stems and leaves usually has a mild effect. You probably won’t feel “high” like you might with edibles or smoking flower, but you might notice:

• A calm, mellow vibe
• Light body relaxation
• Reduced anxiety
• Gentle pain relief

Timing

• Effects usually start around 30–90 minutes after drinking.
• They can last up to 3–5 hours, depending on your body and how much you consume.

Everyone reacts differently, especially if you’re new to cannabis. Start small, wait an hour or two, and see how you feel before going for a second cup.

Final Thoughts

Making cannabis tea with stems and leaves is a wonderful way to stretch your stash and enjoy a relaxing, low-effort cannabis experience. It’s easy, cost-effective, and a great way to treat yourself at the end of a long day.

You don’t need to be a chef or chemist. Just a pot, some water, a little fat, and those “leftover” parts of your plant that are often overlooked. So next time you’re trimming your plant or cleaning up after a session, save those stems and leaves. For more informative content, keep checking our website – My Weed Business.

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