Cannabis is often associated with getting high — but some of the plant’s most profound benefits come in its raw, unheated form. Enter THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), two naturally occurring cannabinoids found in raw Cannabis flower.
These compounds aren’t intoxicating. In fact, they’re often overlooked simply because they don’t produce a “high.” But when we work with Cannabis as a teacher and ally — not just a substance — these subtle acid forms can offer deep healing in gentle, elegant ways. One of the simplest and most accessible methods? Tea.
What Are THCA and CBDA?
THCA and CBDA are the precursors to THC and CBD, the more well-known cannabinoids that appear after the plant is heated (in a process called decarboxylation). In their raw state, they are entirely non-intoxicating — and profoundly therapeutic.
- THCA has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, neuroprotective, and metabolic balancing effects. It shows promise in the treatment of conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and even diet-induced obesity.
- CBDA is emerging as a potent compound for anxiety, nausea, inflammation, and cognitive function. In some studies, CBDA was found to be 10x more potent than CBD for seizures, 100x more potent for inflammation, and up to 50,000x more potent for anxiety in animal models.
These aren’t just chemical facts — they’re invitations to explore a new relationship with Cannabis, one that supports healing without needing to alter your state of mind.
Why Tea?
Making Cannabis tea is one of the oldest and most intuitive ways to work with the plant. It’s gentle on the body, doesn’t require oils or fats, and perfectly preserves the acidic cannabinoid forms that would otherwise convert with heat.
- It’s non-intoxicating, making it suitable for daytime, sensitive individuals, and those seeking consistent support.
- It’s ritual-friendly — calming, grounding, and easily infused with intention.
- It’s a way to build relationship with the plant that feels soft, sacred, and slow.
How to Make THCA/CBDA Tea
Ingredients:
- A small piece of raw cannabis flower (about the size of a pea)
- 1–2 cups hot water (just below boiling is best)
- Optional: Add calming herbs like chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm
Steps:
- Place the raw Cannabis flower in a tea infuser or directly in your cup.
- Pour hot water over it and steep for 5–15 minutes.
- Sip slowly. Many people let the bud stay in while drinking.
- Optional: After drinking, place the softened bud under your tongue for additional sublingual absorption — a practice I call “whole plant reverence.”
This method preserves the THCA and CBDA beautifully, offering benefits without decarboxylation.
All About Cannabis Tea → You Tube
Benefits in Every Sip
THCA
- Neuroprotective: Supports the brain and nervous system
- Antinausea: 10x more potent than THC for reducing nausea
- Anti-inflammatory: Especially helpful for joint pain and arthritis
- Metabolic regulation: In early studies, helped reduce insulin resistance and liver inflammation
Read more about THCA benefits → Healer.com
CBDA
- Anti-anxiety: Up to 50,000x more potent than CBD in animal models
- Resilience to stress: Supports mood and emotional regulation
- Anti-inflammatory: Potent relief for chronic and acute inflammation
- Gut & immune support: Helps with digestion, nausea, and tissue repair
- Neurologic support: Early research suggests anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects
Explore CBDA science → Healer.com
A Ritual for Gentle Healing
I like to think of this as “lazy tea” — simple, intuitive, deeply healing. I’ll often steep raw flower with other herbs like lemon balm or tulsi, letting it become part of a morning or bedtime ritual. No measuring. No pressure. Just listening and sipping.
This is the kind of medicine that whispers rather than shouts.
It doesn’t push — it invites.
And for many of us — especially those sensitive to THC, or new to Cannabis — it can be a beautiful entry point into the plant’s deeper gifts.