Cannabis Beyond the Smoke: Brewing, Blending, and Buttering for Holistic Healing

When we think about cannabis, many of us picture a cloud of smoke or maybe a vape. But the full spectrum of cannabis' potential lies beyond smoking. There's a whole world of infusions, concoctions, and recipes that can transform cannabis into a tool for holistic healing. From soothing teas to homemade butters and DIY topicals, cannabis is as versatile as any herb in your kitchen. Here’s how to start thinking—and healing—beyond the smoke.

Sip, Don’t Smoke: The Magic of Cannabis Tea

Tea is one of the oldest ways to extract and enjoy the therapeutic compounds in plants, and cannabis is no exception. Brewing cannabis tea is a way to unlock its healing properties without the high heat of combustion. By gently decarboxylating cannabis at a low temperature (250°F or lower), you release early cannabinoids like CBGa, the precursor to THC and CBD. CBGa (cannabigerolic acid) interacts directly with neurotransmitters, offering a gentle, full-spectrum effect that can help soothe body and mind without the psychoactive intensity of THC.

What makes cannabis tea even more effective is the addition of complementary herbs and spices. Imagine blending turmeric (anti-inflammatory), ginger (digestive aid), hibiscus (high in antioxidants), and elderberry (immune booster) for a holistic powerhouse of wellness. Together, these ingredients work to “open up” the body's pathways, making cannabis part of a full-spectrum blend that benefits body, mind, and soul.

Brewing Tips:

1. Use Raw Cannabis: Bake your cannabis at around 250°F for 30-40 minutes to activate its cannabinoids.

2. Add Fats for Absorption: A splash of coconut milk or a little butter helps your body absorb the cannabinoids more efficiently.

3. Customize with Herbs: Experiment with flavors and functions. Chamomile can enhance relaxation, while peppermint may aid digestion. Find your own signature blend!

Butter Up: Crafting Cannabis-Infused Butters

Cannabis butter (or "cannabutter") is a great way to enjoy cannabinoids in cooking. For a rich, earthy butter that’s easy to make and versatile, consider using high-quality fats like Amish butter or organic ghee, which enhances the absorption of cannabis compounds.

Making cannabutter doesn’t require any special equipment—just a little time, warmth, and a small amount of concentrate. Concentrates like rosin, for instance, are highly potent and solvent-free, making them ideal for infusions. Here’s how to create your own cannabutter:

Cannabutter Recipe:

1. Warm the Concentrate: Warm the rso/rosin or concentrate just enough to push from syringe.

2. Incorporate with Butter: Slowly melt the butter on low heat and incorporate the concentrate, mixing until smooth and well-combined.

3. Chill to Set: Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate until it solidifies.

Cannabutter can be used in baked goods, spreads, or simply stirred into your morning coffee. And for an extra health boost, you can add a few drops of almond oil or coconut oil before it sets, creating a versatile butter that can double as a topical.

Beyond Butter: From Kitchen to Skin with Cannabis Topicals

If you’re looking for another way to benefit from cannabis without ingestion, topicals are the answer. Infusing cannabis into a carrier oil like almond or olive oil allows you to apply the cannabinoids directly to the skin, where they interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, muscles, and nerves. A cannabis-infused almond oil, for example, can be massaged into sore muscles or applied to problem areas for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

DIY Topical Recipe:

1. Infuse Your Oil: Warm almond or coconut oil on low heat, incorporating your rso mix, raw cannabis or concentrate.

2. Strain and Store: Once the oil is infused, strain out any plant material and store it in a glass container.

3. Customize with Essential Oils: For added benefits, mix in essential oils like lavender (calming) or eucalyptus (anti-inflammatory).

The Power of Whole-Plant Healing

Thinking beyond the smoke means embracing the versatility of cannabis as a whole plant that integrates easily with other healing ingredients. When used in teas, foods, and topicals, cannabis harmonizes with other herbs and oils, offering a full-spectrum approach to well-being that combines both tradition and modern knowledge.

So next time you reach for cannabis, think about how you can incorporate it in new ways. With teas, butters, and topicals, you’re not just consuming cannabis—you’re inviting it to work alongside other healing herbs, spices, and oils. This holistic approach lets you take control, blending ingredients and methods that resonate with your unique wellness goals. It’s cannabis, but beyond the smoke.