5 Key Benefits of Drinking Boiled Dagga, or Cannabis Tea

The benefits of dagga consumption, as a whole, appear to be numerous. With a seemingly endless array of anecdotal evidence circulating in support of its use and backed by some scientific research.

For those who are looking to take advantage of these benefits but prefer not to go down the traditional route of edibles or smoking, drinking boiled dagga may just be the solution.

Benefits of Drinking Dagga and Why You Should

So you have your dagga ready (or marijuana, cannabis, weed, however you like to refer to your stash) now, why would you, or should you, consider drinking it?

The myriad of cannabis (dagga) tea benefits is primarily related to the symptomatic relief of chronic illness versus recreational use. Medical marijuana is growing rapidly in popularity as both an alternative to conventional medicine and in complement to it.

Perhaps the recent changes to legislation in South Africa around the legalization of cultivating and consuming dagga by an adult within a private space have sparked a newfound interest in this highly stigmatized natural remedy.

While anyone can become affected by chronic illness, not everyone affected is totally comfortable with the idea of consuming dagga. There is also a widespread lack of science-based research and a great deal of misinformation about this ancient plant.

A great way to introduce oneself to the healing and therapeutic benefits of dagga consumption, dagga tea is an excellent remedy to consider. It’s also an alternative for those affected by respiratory ailments.

5 Key Benefits of Drinking Boiled Dagga

Perhaps a tea party is the best way for a first-timer to administer a dose of medical marijuana and take advantage of its therapeutic benefits without lighting up. Add to that the concern of the neighbours coming knocking on the door after catching a whiff of weed on the breeze.

Here are a handful of the key benefits of drinking boiled dagga in the journey to improved health and well-being.

1. Pain Relief

A powerful natural painkiller, dagga is well known for its analgesic properties. Cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the body and form part of the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in many of the physiological processes of the body, most notably pain sensation, appetite, memory, and mood.

The link between cannabinoid receptors and dagga comes in when these receptors are activated in the body. This is done by plant cannabinoids, for example, cannabidiol, which is present in the cannabis plant.

Cannabis tea has, therefore, an important contribution to make in the safe and effective modulation of pain. Without having to embrace the habit of smoking and without the risk of addiction often associated with traditional painkillers.

2. Increased Appetite

An unfortunate side effect of the conventional treatment of chronic illness is a decrease in appetite. Not only does this steal away the pleasure of food, but further deprives the body of the nutrients needed to restore wellness.

An ideal method of delivery, cannabis tea allows receptors in the digestive system to directly, and readily absorb cannabinoids that would otherwise travel predominantly to the brain. Providing holistic and longer-lasting effects than smoking.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cannabinoids act as anti-inflammatory agents in the body.

Cannabinoids have an important role to play in the regulation of the immune system. As well as in suppressing inflammatory responses in the body and in the recovery of immune-mediated disease.

Drinking cannabis tea acts as an alternative medicine to harness these properties.

4. Neurological Effects

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a neuroprotectant that helps reduce damage to the nervous system and brain. Encouraging the development of new neurons and preventing neurological disorders from progressing.

Exposing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to beta-amyloid proteins has been suggested to reduce levels of beta-amyloid, a key contributor and a distinctive characteristic of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Anandamide is a cannabinoid that is naturally produced in our brains and is responsible for regulating memory, appetite, mood, and sleep.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) resembles anandamide in its chemical structure. Which, in turn, allows the body to recognise THC and have an effect on brain communication by way of its attachment to cannabinoid receptors.

By stimulating neurons in the reward system, dopamine, or the ‘feel-good hormone’, is released at high levels. This results in euphoric feelings, mood enhancement, and the regulation of emotional behaviours like anxiety and depression.

5. Healing Properties

Cannabidiol (CBD) is well-known for its antioxidant properties, or the inhibition of oxidation. The chemical reaction of oxidation produces cell-damaging free radicals, which ultimately lead to illness and chronic disease.

The antioxidant properties of cannabidiol are therefore, crucial in eliminating these free radicals (which cause cells to function poorly) and will subsequently help as a preventative measure of such illnesses and chronic diseases.

Even though the body produces its own antioxidants, the amounts are not sufficient to neutralize all of the oxidative stress our bodies are placed under in modern living.

An excellent replacement for your usual cup of antioxidant tea but with a powerhouse of healing compounds and pleasurable side effects.

How to Make Dagga Tea

The benefits of drinking boiled dagga, or dagga tea, seem almost endless. One cup of dagga tea provides hours of symptomatic relief, which eliminates the need to receive a dose of medicinal marijuana multiple times a day.

Easy Dagga Tea Recipe

Although you are unlikely (or maybe unwilling) to find somewhere to easily purchase dagga tea, it is, in fact, quite simple to make your own! It’s best served fresh as dagga tea doesn’t store well.

Ingredients to Make Dagga Tea:

• 500mg (½ gram) of cannabis flower
• ½ teaspoon butter or a butter substitute
• 1 Tea bag (+ optional second flavoured tea bag)
• 1 ½ Cups of water
• Sugar or honey to taste

Preparation Time:

Approximately 45 minutes, 30 minutes of which are for simmering the tea on the stove

Recipe for Dagga Tea:

1. In a pestle and mortar or similar, grind the cannabis flower (cannabis buds) after separating from it the stems and seeds. You can also use a sharp knife to finely chop it.
2. Place the buds and butter together in a pan over low heat and blend with a spoon, evenly coating all the pieces with the fat but without over-saturating. Side note: As THC is not water soluble, a fatty substance is needed for it to cling to when exposed to high heat. This removes the THC from the buds for ingesting effectively.
3. Cut off the top of your tea bag and replace the contents with your mixture, folding it in multiple times to seal it. Alternatively, you can also use a metal tea ball.
4. Bring the water to a simmer in a pot over medium-high heat, it should not boil
5. Place the tea bag into the water and allow to simmer for 30 minutes
6. If you would like to add an optional flavoured tea bag, do this for the final 3 minutes of simmering
7. Remove from the heat and take out the tea bag/s
8. Once cool, serve the tea with added sugar or honey to taste and enjoy!

The effects of your dagga tea will kick in around 45 to 60 minutes after drinking it, so avoid the temptation to have more. Be prepared for a potentially strong high, even with the seemingly small quantity of dagga used.

The Best Way to Consume Cannabis

Cannabis tea is a great way to get the benefits of dagga without needing any fancy products. If you aren’t keen to spend time making this tea, or maybe you’re looking for a non-psychoactive option, you can always look for CBD oil shops in South Africa. There are plenty of great shops available, which will not only save you time but offer you high-quality cannabis products for a decent price.