Harvest to High Tea: Brewing Vermont Cannabis Into Cozy Creations

There’s something magical about sipping a warm cup of tea while the first snowflakes fall outside your window — especially when it’s infused with the fruits of your own homegrown labor. In Vermont, where cozy comfort and handcrafted living go hand in hand, brewing cannabis tea is becoming a favorite post-harvest ritual. Forget fancy gadgets or complicated extractions — this is about slow living, mindful sipping, and finding peace in every pour.

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Why Cannabis Tea?

Cannabis tea isn’t just another way to consume your homegrown buds — it’s an entirely different experience. Unlike smoking or vaping, tea offers a gentle, gradual onset that relaxes the body without clouding the mind. For Vermont homegrowers, it’s the perfect way to enjoy your harvest during quiet evenings or long winter weekends.

• Milder high – Great for relaxation or mild pain relief.

• Non-smoking option – Easier on lungs and great for beginners.

• Customizable flavor – Blend it with local herbs or maple syrup for Vermont charm.

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Picking the Right Plant Parts

Your cannabis tea doesn’t need your top-shelf buds — in fact, trim, sugar leaves, or small buds work beautifully. Anything rich in trichomes will infuse your brew with cannabinoids and terpenes.

If you’ve just finished trimming your harvest:

• Save your sugar leaves instead of composting them.

• Dry them gently in a cool, dark space.

• Store them in airtight jars until tea time.

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Decarboxylation: Unlocking the Magic

Before your cannabis can deliver its relaxing effects, it needs heat to activate the THC and CBD. This process, called decarboxylation, converts THCA and CBDA into their active forms.

Here’s how to do it right (Vermont style):

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Spread your crushed leaves or buds evenly.

4. Bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway through.

5. Cool, store, and smile — your tea base is ready!

(Pro tip: The smell can be strong, so maybe bake while the windows are cracked and the wood stove’s burning.)

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Brewing Your First Vermont Cannabis Tea

Now for the fun part — brewing! There are a few ways to make cannabis tea, depending on how you like your cup.

Simple Butter-Blend Method (for full potency):

1. Add 1 teaspoon of butter or coconut oil to a small pot of boiling water (this helps bind THC).

2. Stir in ½–1 gram of decarbed cannabis per cup.

3. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes — don’t let it boil too hard.

4. Strain with a fine mesh or cheesecloth.

5. Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness (because, Vermont).

Light & Herbal Method (for relaxation without the high):

1. Skip the fat and use raw or lightly dried trim.

2. Steep for 10 minutes with chamomile, peppermint, or lavender.

3. Add lemon for a refreshing, calming finish.

Both methods are perfect for curling up by the fire, reading a book, or watching the snow dust your backyard greenhouse.

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Local Infusions Worth Trying

Give your tea a signature Vermont twist by blending your cannabis with other local or garden-grown herbs:

• 🍯 Maple syrup – Adds sweetness and signature Vermont flair.

• 🌿 Chamomile & mint – For calm, stomach-soothing blends.

• 🌲 Spruce tips – A wild-foraged favorite for citrus-pine notes.

• 🌸 Lemon balm – Balances earthy cannabis tones.

• 🍎 Apple peel or cinnamon stick – Perfect for fall harvest teas.

Experiment with ratios until you find your signature blend — half cannabis, half other herbs often works beautifully.

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Storing Your Tea Blends

Vermont winters are long — and so should be your stash life. To preserve your blends:

• Store dried tea mix in airtight jars or sealed paper pouches.

• Keep in a dark, cool cupboard away from moisture.

• Label your jars with strain, date, and blend notes — your future self will thank you.

Properly stored, your cannabis tea mix can stay fresh for up to six months.

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Sipping the Seasons

The beauty of cannabis tea is how it evolves with the year:

• Autumn: Cozy up with a maple-cinnamon blend.

• Winter: Add spruce tips and honey for immune support.

• Spring: Mix lemon balm and mint for an uplifting mood.

• Summer: Serve chilled with ice and a splash of lemonade for a Vermont “high tea” twist.

Each cup becomes a snapshot of your grow season — a flavorful reminder of the care, patience, and Vermont spirit that went into your harvest.

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At HomeGrow Helpline, we’re here to help you turn every harvest into something special — whether that’s a perfect cup of cannabis tea, a jar of cured bud, or a shelf of homemade infusions. We love seeing Vermont growers embrace self-reliance, creativity, and the cozy rhythm of the Green Mountain life.

Here’s to warm cups, happy harvests, and the simple joy of growing your own.

Happy brewing — and even happier growing! 🌿