For thousands of years the cannabis sativa plant has been heralded for its healing properties by a wide variety of cultures across the globe. However, only in more recent years, with cannabis becoming legal or tolerated in increasingly more places, has the use of CBD (Cannabidiol, one of its active components) been widely accepted by the public at large, with CBD products ranging from gummy bears, to oils, to teas.
CBD tea is any tea that is infused with CBD. But what does it actually do? CBD is just one of a huge number of active compounds found in the Cannabis plant. However, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component in Cannabis, CBD does not create the “high” or “stoned” feeling that is usually associated with cannabis. Instead, it is argued to hold medicinal value for a wide variety of ailments, including insomnia, panic attacks, epilepsy, stress, chronic pain and more. Although the scientific research isn’t conclusive about these health benefits yet, a lot of anecdotal evidence is provided by its users.
CBD tea is easily available online, at your local pharmacy (depending on where you live of course) or it can be made by adding some CBD oil to your tea. One of the benefits of consuming CBD through a liquid beverage like tea is that it has to pass through the bloodstream before it is absorbed by the body, making it less potent than capsules or edibles. CBD teas differ in strength (ranging from 5 mg per cup to as high as 60 mg or more) making it easy for people to choose how concentrated of a dose, and therefore effect, that they are looking for. Some trace amounts of THC can be found in CBD products, including tea, but by law CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC making it relatively safe for most people to use, albeit responsibly.
Even so, it is also important to stress that CBD is not a cure-all and its healing properties shouldn’t be prematurely overstated. Some have recently argued the benefits of CBD when it comes to cancer treatment or even that of Covid-19, while it isn’t supported by any medical evidence. Continued research is necessary to establish a solid understanding of the effects of CBD on the human body and in which areas, which ailments and diseases, the use of CBD might provide a welcome relief. Until then, if you’re just looking to have a relaxing cup of tea, and you’re not operating heavy machinery straight after, CBD tea might be well worth a try.
