I'm thinking of making cannabis tea so I can quit drinking beer.

July 16, 2023 4:09 PM

I'm considering making cannabis tea to replace beer and had several questions about the process, costs, and recipe. I live in Austin, Texas, so finding a dealer would be necessary. Google suggests the national average price for a quarter ounce of weed is $68. However, I'm completely new to cooking and working with cannabis. I'd appreciate it if you could review the details provided in the Extended Explanation (it's what ChatGPT told me about the process, costs, recipe) to ensure accuracy and offer any guidance.

Here's a detailed recipe for making a 24-pack of cannabis-infused peach caffeinated tea, along with the ingredient costs:

Ingredients:

Cannabis: 7 grams (based on the given price of $68 for a quarter ounce)
Average box of peach caffeinated tea: $3.00 (estimated cost based on Texas averages)
Equipment and supplies:

Tea bags: 24 (included in the box of tea)
Large pot for brewing tea
Water
Sweetener (optional)
Mixing spoon
Strainer (if required)
24 empty cans or bottles for packaging
Labels or markers for labeling the cans
Instructions:

Decarboxylate the cannabis:

Preheat the oven to 240°F (115°C).
Break down the cannabis into smaller pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes to decarboxylate the THC. This step is essential to activate the THC and enhance its effects.
Infusing cannabis into a carrier:

Fill a large pot with 4 cups (946 ml) of water and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, add the decarboxylated cannabis to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the mixture for about 30-45 minutes. This process helps the THC to bind with the carrier liquid (water).
Stir occasionally to prevent the cannabis from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Brewing the peach caffeinated tea:

While the cannabis-infused carrier cools, follow the instructions on the box of peach caffeinated tea to brew the tea.
Heat water according to the tea instructions and steep the tea bags in the hot water for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes).
Remove the tea bags and discard them.
Infusing cannabis into the tea:

Once the cannabis-infused carrier has cooled slightly, strain it into the brewed tea.
Use a strainer or cheesecloth to separate the cannabis from the liquid. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Stir the tea well to ensure the cannabis infusion is evenly distributed.
Sweetening and flavoring (optional):

If desired, add sweetener (such as sugar or honey) to taste while the tea is still warm. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener.
You may also add additional flavors like peach extract or fresh peach slices if desired. Adjust to your taste preferences.
Packaging and storage:

Allow the tea to cool completely before packaging.
Carefully pour the cannabis-infused peach tea into 24 empty cans or bottles.
Seal the cans or bottles tightly and label them with appropriate dosage information, THC content, and any other relevant details.
Store the cans or bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Total Cost Breakdown:

Cannabis: $68.00 (7 grams)
Average box of peach caffeinated tea: $3.00
Grand Total Cost: $71.00

Please note that the cost mentioned above is an estimate based on the provided information and Texas averages. Actual prices may vary depending on various factors such as location, product availability, and individual purchasing preferences. Also, ensure compliance with local laws and regulations regarding the preparation and consumption of cannabis-infused beverages.

Here's a list of the cooking supplies and their approximate sizes that you'll need for making the cannabis-infused peach caffeinated tea:

Large pot for brewing tea: A pot with a capacity of at least 4-6 quarts (3.8-5.7 liters) should be sufficient.

Baking sheet: Any standard-sized baking sheet will work for decarboxylating the cannabis.

Parchment paper: Use enough to line the baking sheet and cover the surface area of the cannabis.

Mixing spoon: A regular-sized spoon for stirring the cannabis-infused carrier and tea.

Strainer or cheesecloth: A medium-sized strainer or a cheesecloth to strain the cannabis from the infused tea.

24 empty cans or bottles for packaging: Standard 12 oz (355 ml) cans or bottles should be suitable for packaging the tea.

Labels or markers: Use labels or markers to label each can or bottle with appropriate information like dosage, THC content, and any other relevant details.

Regarding the time required, making cannabis-infused tea involves several steps, including decarboxylation, infusion, brewing the tea, and cooling. Here's a rough breakdown of the time needed for each step:

Decarboxylation: 40-45 minutes (including preheating the oven).
Infusing cannabis into a carrier: 30-45 minutes.
Brewing the peach caffeinated tea: 5-10 minutes.
Cooling and packaging: Allow several hours for the tea to cool completely before packaging.
Considering these time estimates, the entire process could take approximately 2-3 hours to complete. However, keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual times may vary depending on factors like individual cooking speed, equipment used, and personal preferences.

It's important to note that preparing cannabis-infused beverages requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to dosage, labelling, and adhering to local laws and regulations. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the legal requirements in your area regarding the preparation and consumption of cannabis-infused products.

posted by ggp88 to Food & Drink (26 answers total)

Response by poster: I don't make a lot of money, only about $900 a month, but I've been buying a box of 24 12oz cans of Budweiser every weekend (about $24 with tax), and 12 12oz cans of soda to mix with it (about $10 with tax) twice a month (so about $20 with tax per month). So, that's about $116 a month. Making as many cans of this THC tea (96 cans a month) would be $284 a month. So $168 more. But the health benefits and weight loss would be worth it.

I want one can of the tea to be as strong as one can of Budweiser. According to ChatGPT, "A typical 12 oz can of Budweiser beer has an alcohol content of approximately 5% alcohol by volume. A 12 oz can of Budweiser beer contains approximately 0.6 ounces (17.7 milliliters) of alcohol." And when I say as strong as, I know we are comparing apples and oranges, alcohol vs THC. I drink because I want to escape and feel out of it, dialed in to the videos and music I'm playing. Basically I'm saying I want to be equally out of it.

And before you say, yes, I am a total binge drinking alcoholic and I am painfully aware of that. Which is why I'm looking for a crutch (and a much more healthy alternative) to wean myself off and soon totally quit.
posted by ggp88 at 4:22 PM on July 16, 2023

This process helps the THC to bind with the carrier liquid (water).

This is the point where I realized the directions you were given aren’t going to be on any use. THC’s never going to bond to water.

There are directions you could use to make an infused iced tea (and if you want, I’m happy to find one for you), but if I were in your shoes I wouldn’t bother unless you somehow couldn’t get ahold of non-flower weed products. If I could, I’d just be asking my dealer what he can supply in terms of a tincture or high-dose edible and then just divide it up into whatever potency you’re looking to hit (or if they have RSO/FECO extract available, that might be the best bang for your buck). Here in Oregon you’re looking at about $30 for 1000mg of decarbed thc; Texas is going to be more expensive what with the illegal-state thing, but if you’ve got an even vaguely connected dealer you’re going to save money and time by just going with decarbed oil or pre-made tinctures/edibles. $284 in FECO would be way more than enough to keep me blazed 24/7 for the whole month.
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 4:56 PM on July 16, 2023 [11 favorites]

I'd appreciate it if you could review the details provided in the Extended Explanation (it's what ChatGPT told me about the process, costs, recipe)

ChatGPT has given you very bad "advice", concurring with what NJEBM has said.
posted by jessamyn at 5:09 PM on July 16, 2023 [12 favorites]

ChatGPT is not capable of giving advice. It generates content that seems superficially plausible based on a corpus of text.

Do not make any decisions based on something that ChatGPT generates.
posted by tivalasvegas at 5:30 PM on July 16, 2023 [28 favorites]

Yeah, don't bother making tea; just get some tinctures. Talk to an expert to identify the right ones. If you don't normally use pot, you can probably do with a very small dose which should cut down on the expense. FWIW I use what is considered a microdose and have not felt the desire to increase it over a period of more than a year.

You might want to check out stopdrinking on reddit. Some of those people are what they call "California sober," meaning that they still use pot.
posted by BibiRose at 5:41 PM on July 16, 2023 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: Okay, so if I use tinctures, can I still produce a drink? I'm trying to replicate the psychological habit of popping open a can of beer, which is why I'd like to this liquid in a can.
posted by ggp88 at 5:55 PM on July 16, 2023

The problem with water-based drinks and THC is that THC is fat soluble, and not water soluble. People have figured out workarounds, but they add some combo of ingredients/equipment/technique since you’re actively working to counteract the nature of the substances. If there’s anything you like to drink that has a cream/fat component, that might be an easier option to infuse.
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 6:15 PM on July 16, 2023

Response by poster: So like coffee? What about non-caffeinated coffee? Would it matter if it's caffeinated or not? Or what about milk? Or a protein shake? Could I mix the tincture in any of these options? Because tinctures are the way to go, as the GPT way of mixing weed in liquid would ruin it, according to y'all.
posted by ggp88 at 6:18 PM on July 16, 2023

Best answer: How about popping open a can of nonalcoholic beer, and taking a dose of your tincture with a NA beer chaser?
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:22 PM on July 16, 2023 [8 favorites]

Best answer: Iced coffee with an infused cream sounds very much doable (and tasty). Caffeinated or not won’t make a difference.

You can really add a tincture to just about anything, but it won’t stay homogenized for more than an hour or so, which gets in the way of your “Just have the cans ready to go” idea. If you kind of shifted your concept from “crack open a beer” to “shake a cocktail up over ice”, you’ve got potential.
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 6:24 PM on July 16, 2023

Response by poster: So you can mix the tincture in any liquid? What about a nonalcoholic beer? If not, the idea of having the tincture and then a NA beer chaser is a great idea!

Also, just so I will know that I'm not getting ripped off, how much does a tincture normally cost?
posted by ggp88 at 6:31 PM on July 16, 2023

While I have no idea what it might be like in Texas, I have found that in states where weed is not legal, tinctures can be hard to come by.

A different suggestion:

I have been happy with the Delta 9 gummies from this brand. They also sell tinctures. Why I like this company (besides from the fact that they are reputable in a market that is not very well regulated) is that they often have products with more CBD than THC. I am pro-weed, but am wary of the very high THC concentrations out there - I know I am more likely to have negative side effects like paranoia. Not so when CBD is there to balance it out. Anyway, because it's Delta 9, you can order this online legally. Much easier than your original plan.
posted by coffeecat at 6:55 PM on July 16, 2023 [1 favorite]

Maybe someone else can answer this, but I would think that the weed would be able to bind to another liquid, i.e. milk? Definitely don't waste your time trying to get it to bind to water, but whole milk contains fat that the weed should be able to bind to I would think. In that cause I would maybe make canna-milk and just add it to tea or whatever you want. If you make it really strong you can keep it in your refrigerator and just use it as a creamer.

I would also think that in this case an eighth would get you through for a while and that's not terribly expensive, like easily under a hundred bucks.
posted by Amy93 at 6:59 PM on July 16, 2023

I used to have a housemate who had a 16oz jar of weed coconut oil that they dissolved a small (think size of a pea or less) amount of into their coffee every morning as self-medication. It would last them roughly six months or more, I'm not sure. I have done the same with butter and used it to cook with or eaten on bread but just putting in a beverage on an empty stomach means it comes on faster.

I think framing what you make as a mixed drink like iced tea that includes some amount of oil or tincture would be a good approach. One thing to consider is that the oil will integrate better in a warm beverage than a cool one. You can find instructions for weed oil online. Don't use AI.
posted by Summers at 7:04 PM on July 16, 2023 [2 favorites]

If you do end up needing to use flower, coconut oil is a great idea. Do it like this recipe in a crock pot and you’ll avoid the odor issues of many decarb methods.

Then, once you’ve got your infused coconut oil, just drop it straight into a hot drink or a cold blended one (avocado smoothie would be tasty). Or, if you want to explore non-drink options, you could make up a batch of chocolate “ice cubes” (they’re super easy, just chocolate and coconut oil), wrap them in appropriately dosed sizes, and just keep a bag of them in the freezer for either munching on or dropping into hot drinks.
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 7:31 PM on July 16, 2023 [1 favorite]

i am in houston. you can get delta 8 tinctures legally in texas and they are very effective. (i have also been using weed to cut back on my drinking.) there is also a microbrewery here, 8th wonder, that makes a delta 8 sparkling water with no sugar, calories or alcohol. it def does the trick but it would be significantly more expensive than your budweiser (about $5/can).

you don't say what your previous experience is with flower consumption but weed (real weed) is decriminalized in austin. i would check out some dispensaries there — i enjoy greenbelt botanicals, and friends also love maryjae. i know the dispos here sell that 8th wonder delta 8 water, i bet you can find something comparable from an austin brewery, and a dispo can give you guidance on tinctures as well.

good lock
posted by Brittanie at 8:01 PM on July 16, 2023 [4 favorites]

I live in a place where weed is legal and there are cannabis-infused iced teas, sodas and seltzers available at the dispensary. However, I do not think the process of making them is something easy to do at home.

In the pre-legalization days, it was the common wisdom that you need fat to absorb the THC. Inspired by bhang I made some "weed teas" back then by steeping weed in hot milk with spices, which IMHO tasted quite good. Looks like we now live in a world where Bon Appetit has a recipe for bhang, which might be fun to make if you do dairy (I assume non-dairy milks would be less effective due to the lower fat content).
posted by vanitas at 9:12 PM on July 16, 2023

Be aware at least for me edibles make me much more hungry than smoking. I like the NA beer idea plus weed but I have a feeling that eating the whole house will not feel good to you. Start w small doses and only increase slowly over time.

Good for you for working to figure out how to reduce your alcohol use. You may want to look into a naltrexone prescription. (Not by asking chat gpt but by searching reputable medical sites or speaking to a medical provider experienced with harm reduction and alcohol use treatments)
posted by latkes at 9:33 PM on July 16, 2023 [3 favorites]

FYI: You're very much comparing apples to oranges here. You originally mentioned that you want to make a 1 to 1 substitution of 1 can of beer to 1 drink of cannabis. But I'm going to guess that when you drink you're not just drinking 1 beer but several. Cannabis is much stronger at very low doses.

If you've never taken THC as an edible, you'll want to start at a very low dosage, 5mg is usually recommended for a first time. Later on as you get to know how your body reacts, you can increase this, but unless you're drinking every day, you'll likely find that you plateau around 10 - 50mg, although everyone is different. In any case, that'll be 1 drink per dose, not several like you're used to.

Also be aware that some people can't feel the effects of THC when eaten because their liver won't process it. Just an FYI.
posted by Eddie Mars at 6:48 AM on July 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

Seconding that less is really more. I've taken 5mg edibles and felt really stoned when they hit. I'm guessing if you are using alcohol on the regular, you have some issues with anxiety and you don't want that "Oh shit what have I done?" feeling that you can get when you take too much.

I also find you can avoid SOME of the pitfalls of gummies by taking tinctures sublingually. They hit quicker that way and don't tempt you to take more to try to get it to work faster. I suggest taking 2.5 mg of a tincture and having your nonalcoholic drink after you've absorbed it under your tongue. Then another 2.5 later if you feel like it. Common wisdom is indica rather than sativa. In my own experience, don't take stuff that's mixed with a bunch of herbs. Those "chill pills" are cute but you don't really know what's in them.
posted by BibiRose at 8:06 AM on July 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

From this question, it doesn't seem like your drinking is any less of a problem than it was a month ago, or three years ago.

It seems like you're looking for a cheat code to quit drinking (some people would say you're in the bargaining stage). There are some things that can make it easier for some people--naltrexone or Antabuse, rehab, anonymous groups, NA drinks or sparkling water, getting really into tea or fitness or something. Or, like you want to do, switching to a different intoxicant.

All of these have downsides, none of them are magic bullets, and, more importantly, I don't think they'll work for you. This is not a moral judgment--they don't work for most people, including many people in my own life, which is why recovery is a billion-dollar industry and why so many recovering addicts relapse.

If you want to quit drinking and make it stick, I think you need more help than either AskMe or cannabis will be able to provide.
posted by box at 9:59 AM on July 17, 2023 [6 favorites]

5mg is usually recommended for a first time.

Woah, no. I am a regular user, and 2.5mg is plenty for me (and my partner). I also don't get any more munchies with edibles than smoking, but everyone's different.
posted by coffeecat at 10:06 AM on July 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

Every one has really good points to think about but I'd like to add an additional one. Cannabis tea tastes like hot bong water. It's vile. No sugar, cream, or any additive I found could make it taste any better. Granted, I only tried it the once because of the taste, but lord it was not worth it to me.
posted by teleri025 at 1:02 PM on July 17, 2023

I want one can of the tea to be as strong as one can of Budweiser....I drink because I want to escape and feel out of it, dialed in to the videos and music I'm playing. Basically I'm saying I want to be equally out of it.

Okay, so if I use tinctures, can I still produce a drink? I'm trying to replicate the psychological habit of popping open a can of beer, which is why I'd like to this liquid in a can.

I admire the theory of this, but I'd caution that the simulation sounds to me like it might be hard to pull off because of the different time delay between alcohol and THC. After sipping a beer on an empty stomach I know how high I got after 10 minutes. With THC, if I feel anything at all after 20 minutes it is just a sign that I'm going to be really really really high in 90 minutes.

And furthermore, if you get a high that equals one can of beer, it's going to last a lot longer than one can of beer does.

I'm sure you'll experiment to find what works best, but maybe one thing to try is to eat/drink the THC an hour ahead of time, and then pop a fizzy drink with no THC in it when it's time to really chill out.
posted by polecat at 3:13 PM on July 17, 2023 [3 favorites]

If you can get/make an alcohol based tincture you can put a squirt in the beverage of your choice (negligible alcohol ends up in the drink - like 1ml if you're going crazy). As little or as much as you want. It won't be effective as sublingual, but more pleasant (alcohol based tinctures are TORTURE to take sublingually). Dead easy to make yourself too (decarbed weed, everclear, and time).

Also, cannabis is very beneficial for a lot of things but is no substitute for alcohol, which is basically like full body anesthesia being administered in smaller doses. Getting sober from alcohol will be a whole different process than getting used to cannabis.
posted by nixxon at 3:27 PM on July 17, 2023

Before you go all in with drinking cannabis, you might want to try it first. I'm a total stoner and I can't drink THC. It makes me nauseous.
posted by luckynerd at 9:46 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]