There are a number of ways to take CBD, a lesser-known one is by drinking a hemp-based tea. Here we look at the benefits of brewing hemp and the different ways it can be taken.

Cannabidiol is legal to buy in the UK. It is consumed to support the body’s endocannabinoid system and gently assist in maintaining good health. The majority of the CBD consumed currently comes in the form of oils taken under the tongue, which can be an acquired taste for some and a reason to avoid it for others.

In this article you will discover:

• What is hemp tea?
• Why organic is best.
• What parts of the hemp plant are brewed in hemp tea?
• What are the benefits of drinking hemp tea?
• How to brew hemp tea.
• Other ways to use hemp tea.

Hemp tea is a hot infusion of crushed hemp flower, seeds and leaves. When steeped, the raw plant cannabinoids are released into the hot water. Adding a small amount of fat (from cow or almond milk for instance) enables the CBDa to be absorbed into our body because cannabinoids are fat-soluble.

Hemp tea has a long history, originating from Asia and created using the dried flowers, trims and leaves of the hemp plant. It is greenish or brownish in colour (depending on the strain and how it’s been dried) and is harvested when the plant has matured to reach peak cannabinoid content – the plant’s most helpful element. 

There is a misconception amongst those unfamiliar with CBD that anything made from hemp will get you high, but that simply isn’t the case. Hemp is very low in THC and must contain less than 0.2% to be grown in the UK and the EU.

Organic hemp tea is best

When purchasing a tea, choosing an organic product is a must. Cannabis Sativa L. is a bio-accumulator, which means that it absorbs heavy metals, pesticides and toxins it comes into contact with.

Pesticides used on non-organic crops find their way into the soil and then in the case of hemp, into the plant itself. Choosing a certified organic product is the best way to ensure that your tea doesn’t contain dangerous levels of pesticides and heavy metals. Some brands will also provide third-party lab reports which detail the absence of these toxins.

What parts of the hemp plant are brewed in hemp tea?

Not much of the plant is wasted when hemp tea is manufactured. Depending on the brand you choose, hemp tea is created using any combination of the buds, seeds, leaves and stems. 

Sometimes, manufacturers produce hemp tea made only using the hemp flower which has the highest concentration of cannabinoids. Ultimately, you’ll be best able to figure out the cannabinoid content of a hemp tea by looking at its lab report. 

Hemp tea will typically contain a full-spectrum of cannabinoids. This combination of cannabinoids and terpenes contribute to what is known as the entourage effect. This is a term given to describe how a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes works to create a more powerful effect than CBD alone.

The benefits of drinking hemp tea

When you steep hemp tea in hot water, it releases a bounty of beneficial plant substances. As a result, the tea itself provides several benefits:

1. It is rich in CBDa

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDa) is a precursor to CBD and is found in abundance in most hemp plants. While more research is needed on CBDa, early indications are that it can interact with your endocannabinoid system in a manner similar to CBD. Instead of binding directly to receptors in your nervous system, it interacts with enzymes linked to them.

2. It complements CBD oil

Hemp tea is a brew rich in CBDa, antioxidants, other cannabinoids and plant nutrients. This blend of substances acts as the ideal accompaniment for CBD products such as oils. The presence of so many natural plant chemicals adds to the entourage effect and allows the CBD to be absorbed into your blood more efficiently.

3. It is a tastier way of consuming cannabinoids

Hemp tea provides a blend of cannabinoids that delivers a much milder taste than that of CBD oil. Because, when brewed like green tea, they are diluted into a cup of water, the flavour lacks the intensity of other CBD products. Instead, it provides an earthy, savoury taste which, while still tasting of hemp, can be very pleasant at any time of day.

4. It is refreshing, hydrating and caffeine-free

A refreshing cup of hemp tea is a great way to take on extra fluid. Because it is naturally caffeine-free, it has no diuretic effect and instead supports you to take on the fluids you need. Drinking enough water during the day is essential, but it can get boring. Hemp tea is a great way to mix things up and take your water with added cannabinoids and antioxidants.

5. Warm drinks are great stomach settlers

As with most teas, the warmth of a cup of hemp can be incredibly calming to an unsettled stomach. Herbal teas such as hemp are a great way to deliver the soothing warm feeling needed to ease bloating or similar gripes.

How to brew CBD hemp tea

To benefit from adding hemp tea to your diet no specialist equipment is needed. All you need to do is pop the kettle on for a brew. Hemp tea is available as loose-leaf variety or tea bags. These are used in the same way as you would a fruit or herbal tea.

If you find that the taste is a little bitter, add a spoonful of honey to sweeten. If, however, you prefer a sharper flavour, a squeeze of lemon juice is all you’ll need.

Brewing hemp tea is exactly like brewing a green tea. Here is how to brew it at home:

1. Boil the kettle and add boiled water to the mug and allow water to sit for one minute.

2. Add the hemp tea bag or infuser filled with leaves to the hot water and allow to steep.

3. Brew for 5 minutes for a milder flavour. If you prefer a stronger brew allow to steep for up to 10 minutes.

4. Remove the bag or infuser and add honey or lemon juice if desired.

You can also reuse the tea bag or leaves a second time if you keep it in the meantime.

How to make hemp ice tea

In the summer months you may prefer to prepare a hemp ice tea. Here’s how:

1. Brew hemp tea as explained above. Linden and chamomile flower can also be included in the brew for a soothing blend.

2. Add honey, lemon and plenty of ice. Fresh herbs like mint or thyme can garnish the finished brew and add an extra touch to the main aromas.

3. Stir and serve. Boost your absorption of cannabinoids (which are fat-soluble) by also serving a snack, like biscuits, or a meal.

Can you smoke hemp tea?

Yes, you can smoke or vaporise hemp tea but we would not recommend doing so. Loose-leaf CBDa tea is very versatile. As well as a hot cup of cannabinoid-rich tea it can also be used in baking, vaporised and some people have been known to smoke it. Research on bioavailability points to faster absorption of cannabinoids when vaporising or smoking.

Fancy a cuppa?

At for the Ageless, our hemp tea range only includes products that are sun-dried, hand-harvested and certified organic. Their organic certification means that you get none of the pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins found in non-organic products, just the gentle assistance that only CBDa and a plethora of active ingredients can offer. 

All products are full-spectrum with a wide range of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. They all come with third-party lab certificates.