For an effective CBD infusion, we recommend adding a source of fat and letting it steep for 10 to 15 minutes at approximately 90°C (194°F). Regarding dosage, we advise starting low and observing the effects before increasing. TheFrench Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) reminds consumers of the need for caution and the potential for drug interactions, particularly if they are currently undergoing treatment.
In short:
- The analyzed herbal teas contain from 0.6 to 50 mg/L of total CBD; a homemade preparation therefore remains imprecise, even with a repeated recipe.
- Decarboxylation remains optional for an aromatic herbal tea: during a short infusion, the conversion of CBDA remains within the analytical margin of error.
- Wait one to two hours before assessing the effects, then note the amount used and how you felt before any increase in a subsequent preparation.
- ANSES proposes a classification of CBD as presumed toxic to reproduction; in case of pregnancy or treatment, seek medical advice.
- A prepared infusion will only keep for one or two days in the refrigerator, and it is best to reheat it gently without bringing it to a boil.
Table of Contents
- Essential ingredients and why fat is indispensable
- Estimated dosage and gradual method for adjusting intake
- Temperature and brewing time: range and practical tips
- Decarboxylation: a simple method and when to use it
- Step-by-step recipe for 1 cup and flavor variations
- Preserving the flowers and the prepared infusion, recommended equipment
- Our take on preparing a CBD infusion at home
- Our flowers and oils for a successful homemade infusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Essential ingredients and why fat is indispensable
A CBD infusion consists of three elements: hemp flowers or leaves, hot water, and a fat. Flowers offer a more pronounced aroma and generally a higher cannabinoid content than leaves, which remain a milder alternative for a light, everyday herbal tea. For one cup, use between 200 and 250 ml of water, with the amount of flowers or leaves adjusted to your tolerance.
Cannabidiol is fat-soluble: without fat, a large portion simply remains unused in the water. A pharmacokinetic study shows that fat intake significantly increases the oral bioavailability of CBD, which explains why fat should be present during the infusion and not added afterward.
Several options work well depending on your tastes and dietary restrictions:
- Whole milk, for a chai-style infusion.
- Food-grade coconut oil, neutral and easy to measure.
- Food-grade hemp oil, which enhances the aromatic profile of CBD.
- Butter or ghee, for a more indulgent version.
Estimated dosage and gradual method for adjusting intake
A homemade cup of coffee is not a product measured to the milligram.
The levels measured in prepared herbal teas can range from 0.6 to 50 mg/L of total CBD, depending on the sample, according to an ANSES opinion on hemp-based products. This variation clearly illustrates the margin of uncertainty in home preparation, even with an identical recipe repeated several times.
To remain cautious, we recommend:
- Start with a small amount of flowers, then gradually increase from one infusion to the next.
- Wait one to two hours before judging the effect and adjusting the next dose.
- Note the quantity used and the sensation felt to refine your personal benchmark.
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has proposed classifying CBD as presumed toxic to reproduction based on animal studies, and highlights potential drug interactions. If you are undergoing treatment, speak to a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD infusions into your routine: some molecules share the same hepatic degradation pathways as cannabidiol.
Temperature and brewing time: range and practical tips
Heat extracts cannabinoids and terpenes, but water that is too hot or prolonged boiling degrades the aromas and accentuates bitterness. A temperature range of 85 to 95°C, close to a simmer but not a rolling boil, gives a balanced result.
For the duration, a specialist guide on hemp infusions recommends 10 to 15 minutes, which you can extend up to 20 minutes if you prefer a stronger taste.
A few simple steps can improve the result:
- Cover the teapot or cup to limit the loss of volatile compounds during brewing.
- Stir gently before serving, as the fat tends to separate on the surface.
- Filter out the vegetable residue with a fine sieve or a wide-mesh tea ball.
Decarboxylation: a simple method and when to use it
Decarboxylation refers to the transformation of CBDA, present in the fresh plant, into CBD through the application of heat. It increases the proportion of cannabidiol actually available in the preparation.
This pretreatment remains optional for a simple aromatic herbal tea: an ANSES opinion on aqueous infusions notes that the decarboxylation of CBDA during a short infusion remains within the margin of analytical error. To better understand the difference between these two compounds, our CBDA and CBD comparison details their respective profiles. Decarboxylation also slightly alters the taste, imparting more toasty notes.
Step-by-step recipe for 1 cup and flavor variations
For a cup of approximately 250 ml, allow a small amount of crumbled flowers or leaves, a teaspoon of cooking oil or 30 to 60 ml of whole milk, and optionally a pinch of cinnamon or honey for flavour.
- Crumble the flowers or leaves finely, without reducing them to powder.
- Heat the water until it just begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot water over the flowers and immediately add the chosen fat.
- Cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve or tea ball.
- Stir well before serving to homogenize the fat and water.
Several variations allow you to vary the pleasures: an infusion entirely with milk for a creamier texture, an iced version by letting it cool before serving it over ice cubes, or a mixture with rooibos or mint to soften the vegetal taste of hemp.
Pro tip: adjust the amount of flowers from one preparation to another according to your feelings, but always let a full session pass before increasing the dose.
Preserving the flowers and the prepared infusion, recommended equipment
Store the flowers away from light, moisture, and heat, in an airtight container, ideally made of tinted glass. When stored properly, they will retain their aromatic qualities for several months.
A prepared infusion can be kept briefly in the refrigerator, for a day or two, and should be gently warmed without ever boiling it to preserve its compounds.
In terms of equipment, a few utensils make preparation easier:
- A wide tea ball or a fine mesh infuser.
- A grinder to crumble the flowers evenly.
- A measuring spoon to accurately reproduce a quantity from one time to the next.
Always keep these products out of reach of children, in labeled packaging.
Our take on preparing a CBD infusion at home
Preparing your own infusion remains a pleasant ritual, customizable to suit different flavors and times of day. But a homemade cup is never a substitute for a standardized product: the composition varies from one preparation to another, requiring caution and careful observation. We rely on traceable flowers and oils to reduce this element of uncertainty.
— Fred
Our flowers and oils for a successful homemade infusion
For optimal infusion, the quality of the raw material makes all the difference. We offer a selection of organically grown CBD flowers , chosen for their traceability and compliance with French legislation, as well as food-grade CBD oils that are ideal for those who prefer a more consistent dosage than with crumbled flowers.
Our catalogue also covers accessories useful for clean and precise preparation:
- Tea balls and infusers suitable for hemp flowers.
- Grinders for even crumbling.
- Complementary wellness products for relaxation and sleep.
Each product is carefully selected and comes with traceability information. Our customer service team is available to help you find the perfect product for your needs. Discover our selection of CBD flowers now.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation before taking any action based on this content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prepare CBD infusion at home?
Infuse crumbled hemp flowers or leaves in hot water at approximately 90°C for 10 to 15 minutes, adding a fat such as milk or cooking oil from the start. Then strain and stir well before serving.
Which CBD should I choose for pain related to fibromyalgia?
There is no standardized product or dosage specifically for fibromyalgia, and homemade infusions remain unprecisely measured. In cases of chronic pain, consulting a healthcare professional is essential before incorporating CBD into your treatment plan, especially since ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) has identified potential drug interactions.
What effects can be expected from a CBD herbal tea?
The effects experienced vary depending on the dose, individual sensitivity, and the actual concentration of the infusion, which can range from 0.6 to 50 mg/L according to ANSES data. Many people seek a feeling of relaxation, but there is no guarantee of the same effect with each preparation.
What precautions should be taken before consuming a CBD infusion?
The main concern is drug interactions and pregnancy, as ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) has proposed classifying CBD as potentially toxic to reproduction. It's also best to verify the legality and compliance of the product before purchasing it.
Sources
- ANSES proposes classifying cannabidiol (CBD) as “presumed toxic to reproduction”
- CBD for infusion: tips, dosages and precautions for wellness hemp infusions – France Chanvre
- PubMed — study on the impact of fats on CBD bioavailability
