Weed stems are the part of the cannabis plant that is typically left over after the leaves and flowers have been harvested. The stems are long and thin and can either be green or brown in color.
While weed stem tea is not as popular as other ways of consuming cannabis, it is rising in popularity due to its efficiency and the fact that it is a great way to use up leftovers.
This article will go into detail on what weed stems are and show you how to make weed tea with stems. We'll also discuss the ingredients and steps necessary for making this tea and where to get quality weed that you can use for your beverage.
What Are Weed Stems?
Weed stems are the parts of the cannabis plant that are left over after the flowers have been used. These stems are often thrown away because most people don't know that they can be used to make a delicious and healthy tea.
One thing to note is that weed stems are not as potent as the flower, but they still contain a small amount of THC.
We've all had that feeling of guilt throwing away large chunks of weed stems. Now, there is a way to recycle those weed stems and turn them into something both delicious and potent. How? Keep reading to find out.
What is Weed Stem Tea?
Weed stem tea is a cannabis-infused tea made using the stems of the cannabis plant.
The THC levels in weed stem tea are so low that it is safe for most people to drink. In fact, this tea can be helpful for those who are trying to wean themselves off of marijuana.
Weed stem tea has become a quick and easy way to consume cannabis. It is not only an efficient way to use the leftovers from cannabis but also a great way to get all the benefits of marijuana without having to smoke it.
Weed stems are very harsh when smoked and are bad for the throat and lungs. However, when these stems are simmered in water, they create a smooth and potent tea.
THC Content In Weed Stems
Since all of the buds containing THC have already been pulled off the weed stems, there is not a lot of THC left. The THC content in weed stems is about 0.3%- 0.9%. When compared to the THC content in marijuana flowers which is about 15%-20%, this is minute.
The amount of THC present in a particular stem depends on what species of cannabis you use. If the plant is Indica, there will be more THC present. If the plant is Sativa and not Indica, there will be less THC present.
The THC content can also be affected by how long the weed stems are simmered. The longer they are simmered, the more THC will be extracted.
All in all, the THC levels in weed stem are very low and will not produce a strong high. This is why it is a great starting point for hash, tea, butter, topical creams, and more weed-infused recipes.
Cannabis Stem Tea Benefits
Weed stem tea has many benefits. One of the main benefits is that it is a great way to use up all parts of the plant so that nothing goes to waste. But when it comes to health benefits, weed stem tea does the following:
Treats Depression
Weed stem tea is a great way to treat depression. The low THC content will not produce a strong high, but it will lift your mood and improve your day.
Helps with Anxiety
Also, cannabis stem tea can help with anxiety. This brew will relax your mind and body and stop any anxious feeling you have.
Treats PTSD
If you have post-traumatic stress disorder, weed stem tea can help you. This tea will help you relax and help you let go of any negative memories you have.
Relieves Pain
Taking weed stem tea can help relieve pain. The THC content will help reduce chronic pain and muscle spasms.
Relieving conditions like rheumatism and arthritis
Weed stem tea is good for relieving conditions like rheumatism and arthritis. This tea will help lessen the inflammation and pain these conditions cause.
It helps reduce nausea or control epileptic attacks
When you have nausea or an epileptic attack, weed stem tea can help. This tea will help control nausea and prevent epileptic attacks.
Ingredients for Weed Stem Tea
Now that you know all about weed stem tea, it is time to talk about what they contain.
Leftover stems (½-¼ cups worth)
The amount for this depends on how much tea you want to make. If you're going to make a small cup, then use ½ cup of stems. But if you want to make a large pot, use ¼ cup of stems.
Purified water (3 cups)
You will need about three cups of purified water to cover the weed stems.
Standard sized tea bag(s) of your favorite non-ganja tea for added flavor (1-2 bags)
Also, if you want to add flavor to your tea, use one or two standard-sized tea bags of your favorite non-ganja tea.
A coffee filter
You will need a coffee filter or cheesecloth to strain the weed stems from the water.
Either your favorite liquor/alcohol (2-3 teaspoons), milk/non-dairy milk (½ cup), or butter/coconut oil (½ tablespoon)
This is to help bind the THC to the water so that it will infuse into your tea. You can use your favorite liquor/alcohol, milk/non-dairy milk, or butter/coconut oil.
How To Make Weed Stem Tea?
Now that you know all the ingredients, it is time to learn how to make weed stem tea.
1. Decide whether or not you want to grind up your stems.
It would be best if you decided whether or not you want to grind up your stems. If you do not want to, then skip to the next step. But if you want to, put the stems in a grinder and grind them up.
2. Get that water boiling
Next, you need to get the water boiling. Put the three cups of purified water in a pot on the stove.
Once the water is boiling, add the ground-up stems (or whole stems if you did not grind them). Let the mixture boil for about 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Start the infusion process
After boiling the mixture, it is time to start the infusion process. Take the pot off of the stove and add in your binding agent. This can be your favorite liquor/alcohol, milk/non-dairy milk, or butter/coconut oil.
4. Strain And pour
Now it is time to strain the weed stems from the water. Use a coffee filter or cheesecloth to do this.
5. Make that tea taste amazing, and start enjoying it.
Once you have strained the mixture, pour it into a cup and enjoy.
About Binding Agents
You must know that cannabinoids are not water-soluble, meaning binding agents are essential. Binding agents are used to bind the THC to the water so that it will infuse into your tea, and without a binding agent, the cannabinoids can not get into your blood and won't give you many benefits.
Here are some excellent suggestions for binding agents:
Rum
Whole milk
Half-and-half
Coconut milk
Butter
Coconut oil
Why Is The Stem Quality Important?
The stem quality is important because it will determine how effective your tea will be.
The Garden DC is the best place to get premium quality weed for making weed stem tea. We offer high-quality weed strains that are perfect for making this type of tea. To view our menu, visit our website and call (202) 815-5663 for any questions regarding Initiative 71's Gifting Process or buying weed in DC. For The Garden DC hours, please check our website. Also, follow us on Instagram to learn more about 420-friendly and Initiative 71-compliant deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stem Tea Make You High?
Ordinarily, stem tea will not make you high because the THC is low. However, stem Tea can create a "high" if a THC strain is used to steep the brew.
Also, the high depends on various factors like:
Your body composition
Your tolerance to THC
The number of stems you use in the boiling process
Whether or not you use a binding agent
The quality of the cannabis plant you got the stems from
The THC percentage in the original plant
Can You Make Weed Stem Tea Without A Binding Agent?
No, you cannot make weed stem tea without a binding agent because the THC is not water-soluble, and it needs a binding agent to bind it to the water. Stem tea without a binding agent will not produce a "high."
What are the Medical Benefits of Stem Tea?
Stem tea has extensive medical benefits, including the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other physical ailments.
How Long Does A Cannabis Tea High Last?
Also, the high lasts depending on the potency of the strain, its quantity, and brew.