For Adults 21+ Only: This guide is for educational purposes only. Cannabis infusions are for adults 21 and older in states where it is legal. Always follow Vermont law. Do not drive after consuming cannabis. Start with a very low amount and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more.
Cannabis tea is one of the oldest known ways to consume cannabis. Before vaporizers, tinctures, or edibles existed, people were brewing cannabis into warm drinks for centuries across many cultures. Today, it remains a popular choice for adults who prefer not to smoke or vape.
But making effective cannabis tea is not as simple as dropping plant material into hot water. If you do it wrong, the tea will have little to no effect. If you do it right and carefully manage your dose, it can be a gentle, longer-lasting experience compared to some other methods.
At Juana’s Garden in Montpelier, Vermont, our team often answers questions about cannabis infusions. This guide explains the basics so you can make an informed decision. We are not here to tell you what to do just to give you the facts.
Why You Cannot Just Steep Cannabis in Hot Water
This is the most important thing to understand before you make cannabis tea. Raw cannabis straight off the plant or from your jar does not produce psychoactive effects when eaten or dissolved in water. The reason is chemistry.
Raw cannabis contains THCA tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. THCA is not psychoactive. It must be converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation. This conversion happens when cannabis is exposed to heat.
When you smoke or vape cannabis, the combustion or heating does this conversion instantly. When you make edibles, the oven does it. When you make tea, you need to handle this step intentionally.
What Is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is the chemical process that removes a carboxyl group (CO2) from THCA, converting it to THC. It happens when cannabis is heated to approximately 220 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit (105 to 115 degrees Celsius) for 30 to 45 minutes.
Simply steeping raw ground cannabis in hot water at 200 degrees Fahrenheit does not reliably decarboxylate enough of the THCA to produce significant psychoactive effects. You either need to decarboxylate your cannabis in the oven first, or use a fat to help bind the THC during a longer, hotter steep.
Why THC Needs Fat to Be Absorbed
Even after decarboxylation, THC is not water-soluble. It does not dissolve in plain water easily. THC is fat-soluble — it binds to fat molecules. This is why effective cannabis tea recipes call for adding a fat source: whole milk, coconut milk, butter, or coconut oil.
Without a fat, even properly decarboxylated cannabis will produce a very weak tea because most of the THC will not bind to anything your body can absorb.
To understand more about how cannabinoids interact with your body, read our guide on the effects of cannabinoids on the brain.
Two Basic Methods for Making Cannabis Tea
There are two common approaches. Both require decarboxylated cannabis. The method you choose affects how you add the fat and how long the process takes.
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
| Butter or oil infusion method | Simmer cannabis in water with butter or coconut oil; strain and drink | Stronger effect; more control over fat content |
| Milk or coconut milk method | Steep decarbed cannabis directly in warm milk or coconut milk | Simpler process; gentler flavour |
Both methods produce similar results when done correctly. The key is always: decarboxylate first, then use fat to carry the THC.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Basic Cannabis Tea
Below is a general educational overview of the process. This is not a specific recipe with guaranteed results cannabis affects everyone differently, and THC content varies by product. Always start with a very small amount.
What You Will Need
- Decarboxylated cannabis (see Step 1 below)
- A fat source: 1 tablespoon of butter, coconut oil, or 1 cup of whole milk or coconut milk
- 2 cups of water
- A tea bag of your choice (optional, for flavour)
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A saucepan
- A mug
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis
Preheat your oven to 220 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit (105 to 115 Celsius). Spread finely ground cannabis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until it turns light brown. Let it cool completely before using. This is the most critical step, do not skip it.
Step 2: Combine Cannabis, Water, and Fat
Add 2 cups of water and your chosen fat (butter, oil, or milk) to a saucepan. Add your decarboxylated cannabis. Use a very small amount to start the equivalent of a portion much smaller than you might expect. Less is more, especially the first time.
Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow
Heat the mixture on low to medium-low heat. Do not let it boil. Simmering for 15 to 20 minutes allows the THC to bind to the fat. Stir gently every few minutes. Keep the heat low; high heat can degrade cannabinoids.
Step 4: Strain Carefully
Remove from heat. Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a mug. Press or squeeze gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the plant material.
Step 5: Add Your Tea Bag (Optional)
If you want more flavour, place a regular tea bag, chamomile, ginger, or green tea works well, into the mug and steep for a few minutes. This masks the plant flavour and makes the drink more enjoyable.
Step 6: Start Very Small — And Wait
Drink a small portion, not the full mug, on your first try. Wait at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before deciding if you want more. Cannabis tea, like other edibles, takes time to kick in because it is processed through the digestive system.
Dosing: The Most Important Part
Dosing cannabis tea is genuinely difficult. Unlike purchasing a pre-made edible with a label that says ’10mg THC,’ homemade cannabis tea does not come with a guaranteed potency. The amount of THC that ends up in your cup depends on:
- The THC percentage of the cannabis you started with
- How much cannabis did you use
- How well the decarboxylation worked
- How much fat was present, and how effectively the THC bonded to it
- How long did you simmer the mixture
This uncertainty is exactly why starting very small matters. A first-time user who drinks a full mug of strong cannabis tea risks an overwhelming experience. The effects of cannabis tea, like all edibles can take 1 to 2 hours to appear, and may last 4 to 8 hours.
Our edible dosage calculator can help you think through dosing for cannabis infusions.
General Dosing Guidance
| Experience Level | Suggested Approach | Notes |
| First-time user | Drink 1/4 to 1/3 of the mug | Wait at least 2 hours before drinking more |
| Occasional user | Drink 1/2 of the mug | Still waiting tea potency varies widely |
| Regular user | Use your own judgement | Know your tolerance; start cautiously with new batches |
These are general suggestions only. They do not account for individual differences in metabolism, body weight, or cannabis tolerance.
What to Expect: Cannabis Tea Effects Timeline
Cannabis tea behaves like an edible, not like smoked or vaped cannabis. The timeline is very different:
| Time After Drinking | What You May Experience |
| 0 – 30 minutes | No noticeable effect — this is normal |
| 30 – 90 minutes | Effects may begin to appear gradually |
| 90 – 120 minutes | Peak onset for most people |
| 2 – 6 hours | Effects continue — duration varies by dose and individual |
| 6 – 8+ hours | Gradual fading — heavy doses may last longer |
Never consume more because you do not feel the effects after 30 minutes. Always wait the full 2 hours before deciding to consume more.
The delayed onset is the most common reason people accidentally over-consume cannabis edibles and tea. They do not feel anything after an hour, drink more, and then both doses hit together. This is uncomfortable and sometimes frightening — though it is not dangerous for healthy adults.
Safety Tips for Cannabis Tea
- Always use legally purchased cannabis from a licensed Vermont dispensary — you know the THC percentage
- Label your tea clearly if you store any — never leave it where others, especially children, could access it
- Do not drive on the same day you consume cannabis tea
- Do not mix cannabis tea with alcohol — effects are unpredictable
- If you are on any medications, consult a doctor before using cannabis in any form
- People under 21 should not use cannabis in any form
- If you feel overwhelmed, stay calm — the effects will pass. Drink water, eat something, and rest
For more harm-reduction guidance, read our article on cleaner, safer cannabis consumption tips.
Vermont Law and Homemade Cannabis Infusions
Making cannabis tea at home in Vermont is legal for adults 21 and older — but it is your responsibility to understand the rules.
| Vermont Cannabis Rule | What It Means for Home Infusions |
| Legal age | Must be 21+ to purchase or possess cannabis |
| Purchasing cannabis | Buy from a licensed dispensary — not from unlicensed sources |
| Home possession | Up to 2 ounces at home; 1 ounce in public |
| Sharing with others | Gifting or selling cannabis infusions is regulated know the rules |
| Driving after consumption | Illegal cannabis tea has delayed effects; do not drive |
| Minors in the home | Keep all cannabis products secured and out of reach |
For full Vermont cannabis home use rules, visit the Vermont Cannabis Control Board or read our Vermont cannabis rules guide.
Learn how to buy cannabis legally in Vermont with our complete guide to purchasing cannabis as an adult 21+.
Prefer a Ready-Made Option? Cannabis Beverages Exist
Making cannabis tea at home takes time, attention, and some trial and error. Many adults in Vermont choose pre-made cannabis-infused beverages instead of products with consistent, lab-tested THC doses clearly printed on the label.
At Juana’s Garden, we carry a selection of cannabis-infused beverages. These are pre-dosed, tested, and much easier to manage than homemade infusions, especially for beginners.
Browse our full menu to see current beverage and edible options, or check our latest deals for special offers.
Pre-made infused beverages have the same delayed onset as homemade tea; the ‘start low, go slow’ rule applies equally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does plain cannabis tea get you high?
If the cannabis is not decarboxylated and no fat is present, the tea will have very little to no psychoactive effect. Raw cannabis contains THCA, not THC, and THCA does not produce a high. Effective cannabis tea requires decarboxylation and a fat source to carry the THC.
2. How long does cannabis tea take to work?
Cannabis tea works like any edible it is processed through the digestive system. Effects typically begin 30 to 90 minutes after drinking and can take up to 2 hours to fully appear. They may last 4 to 8 hours, depending on dose and individual tolerance. Never consume more because you do not feel anything within the first hour.
3. Is making cannabis tea at home legal in Vermont?
Yes, adults 21 and older can legally make cannabis infusions at home in Vermont using cannabis purchased from a licensed dispensary. Vermont law allows possession of up to 2 ounces at home. Sharing or selling homemade infusions to others may have additional legal considerations; check current Vermont Cannabis Control Board guidelines.
4. Where can I buy cannabis for tea in Vermont?
You must purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary in Vermont. Juana’s Garden is located at 188 River St, Montpelier, VT, open every day 10 am to 7 pm. Adults 21+ with a valid photo ID are welcome. Our staff can help you choose the right product and explain THC percentages so you can make informed decisions about dosing. No medical card needed.
5. Can I use a cannabis tincture to make tea instead?
Yes using a cannabis tincture (an alcohol or oil-based extract) is one of the easiest ways to make cannabis tea with more predictable dosing. A measured drop of tincture can be added to your regular hot tea. The dose is printed on the tincture label, which removes much of the guesswork from homemade infusions.
See available tinctures on our product menu or speak with our team for guidance.
Visit Juana’s Garden for Education and Quality Products
Whether you are curious about cannabis tea, pre-made beverages, or just want to learn more before making any decisions, Juana’s Garden is a good place to start. We stock Vermont-grown products with clear lab testing and transparent labels, and our team is always happy to answer your questions without pressure.
Explore our full cannabis education section for more guides on dosing, safety, and Vermont law.
Learning about terpenes and how they shape your cannabis experience is useful when choosing a product for infusions.
Join our free Amigos Rewards program and earn points every time you shop. Check our community events page for upcoming activities in Montpelier.
Juana’s Garden | 188 River St, Montpelier, VT 05602 | (802) 917-1009
Open Daily: 10am – 7pm | Adults 21+ Only | Vermont Cannabis Retailer License #RTLR0084
Legal Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Cannabis has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. For use by adults 21 years and older only. Keep away from children and pets. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. The effects of cannabis-infused beverages may be delayed by two hours or more. It is illegal to drive or operate machinery under the influence of cannabis. Cannabis may not be transported outside the state of Vermont. Vermont Cannabis Control Board Retailer License #RTLR0084.
