Hemp tea: effects & benefits

by for the Ageless Team June 16, 2023

The Benefits of Hemp Tea-for the Ageless

Hemp tea is growing in popularity thanks to increased awareness of its benefits. For starters, it’s a caffeine-free drink, which is perfect if you’re trying to avoid the nervous jitters associated with tea and coffee. It’s also packed with CBDa, which is the precursor to CBD.

To turn CBDa into CBD, you have to heat it. This is a process known as thermal decarboxylation. Brewing hemp tea won’t achieve this because the temperature is not high enough. This makes it an excellent addition to your daily supplement routine and a very accessible way to add CBDa to your daily CBD routine.

CBDa-rich tea can help to support the body’s endocannabinoid system and gently assist in maintaining good health. If you’re already familiar with CBD oils that are taken under the tongue – but aren’t a fan of the earthy flavour – hemp tea can offer a tasty alternative.

Whilst drinking hemp tea is one of the lesser-known ways to take CBD, the benefits of brewing your cannabinoids into a tasty beverage make it worth further investigation.

In this article you will discover:

1. What is hemp tea?
2. Why organic is best
3. What are the benefits of drinking hemp tea?
4. How to brew hemp tea
5. Other ways to use hemp tea

Hemp tea - Fast facts

CBD Hemp Plant
  1. Hemp tea is rich in CBDa (the acid form of cannabidiol) and only contains small amounts of CBD.
  2. The taste is savoury and somewhat earthy, similar to many other herbal teas.
  3. Hemp tea is caffeine free and contains a full spectrum of cannabinoids alongside naturally occurring terpenes.
  4. CBDa-rich hemp tea is legal in the UK, but unprocessed, whole hemp flower is not.
  5. Hemp tea is low in THC so won’t get you “high”.

What is hemp tea?

CBD Hemp tea brew

Hemp tea is a hot infusion of crushed hemp flowers, 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) encourages 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, trim 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 valuable component.

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 0.3% in the EU. This means you can enjoy your hemp tea without worrying about the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis.

Hemp tea will typically contain a full spectrum of cannabinoids. This combination of cannabinoids and terpenes contributes 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.

Can I add CBD oil to tea?

If you’re not ready to part with your cash to try hemp flower tea, it’s also an option to add your favourite CBD oil to an everyday cuppa. This could be a simple cup of black tea, or your choice of herbal tea. Since CBD oil will not mix with water, you can expect it to sit on the surface, even after you stir it well.

Remember that enjoying CBD in this way will result in a lower bioavailability than choosing a hemp CBD tea. The bioavailability of oils, when added to a liquid, is between 4-12%. The serving size will be determined by how much you add to your cup, which would typically be around 10-20 mg of CBD.

How to choose the best hemp tea

With so many choices available, it can be difficult to know which hemp tea is best. There are a few things you should look out for when choosing hemp tea for the first time.

Organic Hemp Tea is BestWhen purchasing 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 into the hemp plant. 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. In this certificate of analysis, you should also be able to confirm the CBD content. If your hemp tea is only made from hemp seeds, it won’t contain any CBD, and it should be a fraction of the price. Don’t get ripped off paying for hemp tea that doesn’t contain any cannabinoids.

If you’re looking for a loose-leaf tea, we recommend this Biopurus CBD loose-leaf hemp tea, and for hemp tea bags, we recommend PuriBio organic hemp flower tea bags.

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.

Hemp tea side effects & interactions

CBDa and CBD are both well tolerated in humans and share similar structures, benefits and side effects. The most common side effects include a dry mouth, gastrointestinal problems and changes in appetite.

High doses of CBD come with the risk of more serious symptoms such as low blood pressure, dizziness, headaches and liver toxicity. But, in hemp tea, the amount of CBD in one or two cups daily will not reach the levels noted in these studies.

Hand holding pillsCannabinoids can interact with several commonly prescribed drugs producing unexpected results or negative effects. Currently, the majority of the research into these effects has focused on CBD; the results will likely be similar for CBDa and other cannabinoids present in hemp tea.

Some of the main types of medication that should not be taken with CBD tea are anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals and beta-blockers.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends a daily amount of no more than 70mg of CBD per day. They also advise that it should not be used if you’re taking medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to brew CBD hemp tea

You don’t need any specialist equipment to add hemp tea to your daily routine. All you need to do is pop the kettle on for a brew. Hemp tea is available as a loose-leaf variety or in tea bags. These are used in the same way as you would a fruit or herbal tea.

Brewing Hemp TeaIf you choose a loose-leaf tea, you can either add this to a teapot and strain it before serving or add the tea leaves to a tea infuser.

If you find that the taste is a little bitter, add a spoonful of honey to sweeten it. If, however, you prefer a sharper flavour, a squeeze of lemon juice is all you’ll need. Combine the two, and you’ll have a delicious remedy for a sore throat that is also packed with beneficial cannabinoids.

Hemp tea can be enjoyed at any time of day since it is caffeine-free and non-stimulating. You could add it to your morning routine to help you get your day started on a positive note, or you could use it at the end of the day when you are trying to wind down for bed. It is a highly versatile choice that can accompany you at any time of the day.

How to make hemp tea

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

  1. Boil the kettle and add the water to the mug. Allow water to sit for one minute to cool slightly.
  2. Add the hemp tea bag or infuser filled with leaves to the hot water and allow it to steep.
  3. Brew for 5 minutes for a milder flavour. If you prefer a stronger brew, allow it 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 tea leaves for a second cup by simply setting it to one side. This is a great way to make your hemp tea go a little further. 

How to make hemp ice tea

Hemp ice teaIn 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 fatty snack, like biscuits or nuts.

 

Is hemp tea legal?

Yes, hemp tea is legal to buy in the UK, if the leaves and flowers have been processed into tea. However, whole hemp flowers labelled as “tea” are not considered legal. The best way to stay on the right side of the law and avoid any illegal products is to always shop with reputable sellers.

If you’re not sure if a product is legal, you can ask to see a certificate of analysis. This will include a breakdown of the cannabinoids contained within the product. It will also confirm that the THC content is below the legal limit of 1 mg.

Can you smoke hemp tea?

Smoky hemp tea- cup

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.

If you are interested in vaporising CBD, it would be far more beneficial to choose a specially-formulated vape juice containing CBD. This will be safer and more effective than vaporising a product intended for brewing.

Where can I buy hemp tea?

Hemp tea collection

Curious about hemp tea and want to try adding it to your daily routine? We stock a wide range of tea bags and loose-leaf hemp tea. We only stock certified organic products that are hand-harvested and then sun-dried to keep it as close to the natural product as possible.

By choosing organic certified products, you can also be sure they are free from pesticides, heavy metals and other nasties that you don’t want in your morning brew. Shop our full collection of CBD tea here.

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for the Ageless Team
for the Ageless Team

Author

We are a small but mighty team of experienced natural health researchers. We follow strict selection criteria and test everything we retail: from ground-breaking food supplements to natural skincare products. Our main area of expertise is CBD.


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