Marijuana Tea. Side effects of drinking weed tea.
Patients who use medical marijuana on a regular or semi-regular basis are familiar with the more traditional ways of ingesting it – smoking, vaping, and eating. But did you know that marijuana-infused tea is considered a gentler, healthier alternative to smoking?
Marijuana-infused teas are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a convenient alternative to traditional consumption methods and wanting to avoid the associated risks of smoking, which can be especially helpful if you’re battling respiratory diseases or afflictions of the mouth or throat.
But these drinkables are by no means new innovations. Throughout history, several prominent cultures have harnessed cannabis’ healing power through teas. In many Jamaican and East Indian households a common home remedy for morning sickness and pregnancy-related stress is is often a cup of cannabis-infused tea.
Cannabis tea, also known as weed tea, pot tea, ganja tea or a cannabis decoction, is a cannabis-infused drink prepared by steeping various parts of the cannabis plant in hot or cold water. Cannabis tea is commonly recognized as an alternative form of preparation and consumption of the cannabis plant, more popularly known as marijuana, pot, or weed. This plant has long been recognized as an herbal medicine employed by health professionals worldwide to ease symptoms of disease, as well as a psychoactive drug used recreationally and in spiritual traditions. Though less commonly practiced than popular methods like smoking or consuming edibles, drinking cannabis tea can produce comparable physical and mental therapeutic effects. Such effects are largely attributed to the THC content of the tea, levels of which are drastically dependent on individual preparation techniques involving volume, amount of cannabis, and boiling time. Also in common with these administration forms of cannabis is the heating component performed before usage. Due to the rather uncommon nature of this particular practice of cannabis consumption in modern times (in contrast to historical use), the research available on the composition of cannabis tea is limited and based broadly around what is known of cannabis as it exists botanically.
Marijuana tea comes from the cannabis plant, and the benefits are mainly derived from THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient found in cannabis. This compound binds to the pain receptors in our brain, essentially functioning as a natural pain reliever, among other therapeutic purposes. Use of this tea is recommended if you live in a country or region where the possession, use, and distribution of marijuana is legal.
While marijuana remains an illegal substance in certain European countries and American states, it has been used in traditional medicine in various parts of the world for thousands of years.
Side effects of drinking weed tea
The health effects of marijuana tea can be enjoyed by people suffering from arthritis, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, anorexia, obesity, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, nausea, and constipation, among many others.
Pain Relief
One of the most proven and researched benefits of marijuana tea is its effect on pain. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is able to bind to the pain receptors in our brain like any other pain reliever, to provide comfort and relief. However, marijuana doesn’t have many of the dangerous side effects of pharmaceuticals. In terms of pain relief, marijuana tea is used by countless people to treat tremendous pain from chronic diseases.
This tea brings you a soothing sensation. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Anxiety and Depression
The psychotropic activity of THC in the body does have mood-boosting and neurotransmitter-releasing effects, meaning that marijuana tea can reduce levels of stress hormones and relieve anxiety. This has been known to help people struggling with depression and other chemical imbalances, as well as those who are simply overwhelmed or unable to deal with stress.
Blood Pressure
Marijuana tea is known to be soothing and relaxing and is able to reduce blood pressure and stress in the body. This is accomplished by easing the tension of blood vessels and arteries, calming down the body and lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Cognitive Issues
The cannabinoids found in marijuana tea are known to stimulate cognitive activity, and THC has been directly linked to improved memory and focus in a number of studies. These results are exciting to consider, given the ongoing mystery of Alzheimer’s disease, and the potential of a non-invasive, all-natural cure in the form of this tea.
Sleep Disorders
Marijuana tea can act as a sedative, depending on which type of marijuana you used to make the tea. This sleep-inducing action is excellent for those suffering from insomnia or continually disrupted sleep. The sleep is restful and uninterrupted, and you will wake up feeling refreshed!
Digestive Health
Marijuana tea is very good for soothing the stomach, relieving inflammation in the gut, and preventing nausea and vomiting. If you have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or any other form of chronic stomach issue, this tea can help you in a major way!
Reduce Alcohol Relapses
The compound cannabidiol has been found to have unique treatment potential of reducing alcohol and drug relapses. It is found to curb cocaine cravings.
Weed Tea Side Effects
As mentioned, the side effects of marijuana tea are similar to smoking marijuana in its more traditional form and may include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Hunger
- Confusion
- Paranoia
However, these side effects are extremely rare and typically occur when someone consumes too much and is unaware of how marijuana and THC affect the body.
The controversy surrounding marijuana and its many derivatives, including marijuana tea, has resulted in countless negative and unverified claims about the possible side effects. Fortunately, as marijuana legalization becomes a serious conversation in many countries, more research is being conducted on the safety and efficacy of marijuana. So far, the research results are very good, and remedies like marijuana tea continue to grow in popularity.
While you are using any cannabis or hemp derived products, it is important to check your state’s laws and guidelines for the same. Hemp-derived CBD products are illegal in the US on a federal level, but still legal in many states. If you are travelling, then make sure you comply with that city/state’s laws regarding the consumption and use of CBD. Remember that most CBD products are not FDA-approved and therefore may be sold illegally or with wrong labeling. Be wary of the side effects of CBD before consuming – it can cause nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth among others. Also keep in mind that it can have serious drug interactions when taken along blood thinning medicines. Check with your doctor if you have a serious or chronic condition.
Good read, I think this post is honest about detailing the side effects of marijuana tea. Although the list is also long I think the side effects of taking regular drugs such as pain killers and anti-depressant is even longer thus I am still in favor of the use of medical marijuana. There are a lot of good Canadian online stores where you can buy a good quality marijuana tea.
Once I made a tea out of ~12g already vaped Cannabis. I was completely stoned for 30 hours straight and the first few hours after drinking it I was so out of space that everything I could do was sitting in the bed and watch videos. I cant remember a single one I watched.