How to Make Cannabis Stem Tea: A Simple Guide

Cannabis stem tea offers a gentle way to enjoy the plant's benefits while making use of parts that might otherwise be discarded. This guide walks you through the process of transforming those leftover stems into a soothing beverage that can be customized to your taste preferences.

Benefits of Making Cannabis Stem Tea

Before diving into how to make stem tea, it's worth understanding why this method of consumption has gained popularity:

• Reduces waste by utilizing stems that would typically be thrown away
• Provides a milder experience compared to smoking or traditional edibles
• Offers a discreet consumption method with minimal odor
• Creates a customizable beverage that can be adapted with various flavors
• Delivers a different onset and duration compared to other consumption methods

While stems contain less THC than flower, they still hold cannabinoids and terpenes that can create subtle effects when properly prepared.

Gathering Your Materials

To make cannabis stem tea, you'll need to collect the following items:

Essential Ingredients:

• Cannabis stems (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
• 3 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of butter, coconut oil, or whole milk (fat source)
• Tea bag of your choice (optional)
• Sweetener such as honey or sugar (optional)
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer

Equipment:

• Medium saucepan
• Stirring utensil
• Mug or teacup

The quality of your stems matters. Save stems from quality flower for better results. For commercial operations, professional filling equipment can streamline the production of cannabis beverages, ensuring consistent dosing and efficient packaging.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your cannabis stem tea:

1. Prepare Your Stems

Break down your stems into smaller pieces to increase surface area. This helps release more cannabinoids during the brewing process. Some people grind them, but small pieces work fine.

2. Decarboxylation (Optional but Recommended)

For stronger effects, decarboxylate your stems first:

• Preheat oven to 240 °F (115 °C)
• Spread stems on a baking sheet
• Bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned
• Allow to cool before proceeding

3. Brewing Your Stem Tea

Now for the main process of how to make stem weed tea:

• Add water and your fat source (butter, coconut oil, or milk) to the saucepan
• Bring to a gentle simmer
• Add your broken-down stems
• Maintain a low simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Add your regular tea bag during the last 3-5 minutes if desired

4. Strain and Serve

Once brewing is complete:

• Place your cheesecloth or strainer over your mug
• Pour the liquid through to filter out plant material
• Add sweetener or additional flavorings to taste
• Allow to cool slightly before drinking

For more detailed brewing techniques, our comprehensive cannabis tea guide offers additional insights.

Enhancing Your Stem Tea

Learning how to make pot stem tea is just the beginning. Here are ways to elevate your beverage:

Flavor Additions:

• Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lemon or orange peel
• Vanilla extract
• Chai spices (cardamom, cloves, ginger)

Complementary Herbs:

• Chamomile for relaxation
• Lavender for calming effects
• Ginger for digestive benefits
• Peppermint for refreshment

Experiment with different cannabis infusion techniques to find your perfect cup.

Dosage and Effects

When learning how to make stem tea, understanding potency is important:

• Stem tea typically produces milder effects than flower-based infusions
• Effects usually begin within 30-90 minutes
• Duration can last 4-8 hours depending on metabolism and dosage
• Start with a small amount (half cup) to gauge personal tolerance

The experience varies widely based on the quality and quantity of stems used, as well as individual factors like tolerance and metabolism.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you've made more stem tea than you can consume immediately:

• Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality
• Reheat gently before drinking
• Freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage

For consistent results when making larger batches, proper measurement and infusion techniques are essential.

Advancing Your Cannabis Beverage Skills

Once you've mastered how to make stem tea, consider exploring other cannabis beverage options:

• Combine stem tea with flower-infused tea for stronger effects
• Create cold brew versions for summer refreshment
• Experiment with tinctures for more precise dosing
• Try incorporating stems into other recipes to reduce waste

Learning how to make cannabis stem tea is just one entry point into the world of cannabis beverages. As you become more comfortable with the process, you can refine your technique and explore more complex infusions for different effects and experiences.