Preparing a CBD infusion: method, dosage and recipes

For a standard-sized mug, heat water to approximately 90°C (194°F), add a teaspoon of fat (MCT coconut oil, butter, or whole milk) and the recommended amount of CBD flower, then let it steep, covered, for several minutes. This is the basis for any successful CBD infusion made at home. The rest is just fine-tuning.

Here's the express five-step method:

• Heat the water to a temperature just below boiling.
• Weigh out a small amount of CBD flowers to start with, according to your tolerance.
• Place the flowers in a tea infuser or filter.
• Add about a teaspoon of MCT coconut oil or whole milk to the cup.
• Pour the hot water, cover the cup and let it steep for several minutes before straining.

Safety alert: always start with a low dose and check that your product has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming a THC level that complies with French legal requirements. The golden rule remains "start low, increase gradually".

Key points

A successful CBD infusion relies on four non-negotiable variables: the right temperature, a fat, a measured dose, and a product with a verified COA.

Table of Contents

• What ingredients and equipment do you need for your CBD herbal tea?
• How to prepare your CBD infusion, step by step?
• Why add a fat, and which one to choose?
• What dosage should you use for your infusion, and when do the effects appear?
• What effects can you expect from your CBD herbal tea?
• Three practical recipes to vary your CBD infusions
• How to preserve your flowers and preparations?
• Legality and safety in France: what to check before buying
• Should the flowers be decarboxylated before infusion?
• My approach: caution, precision, and enjoyment
• Suitable flowers for your infusions: the Lord Of Cbd offer
• Sources

What ingredients and equipment do you need for your CBD herbal tea?

The basic equipment fits in a kitchen drawer. You will need a cup or teapot, a tea infuser or unbleached paper filter, a kitchen thermometer (essential to avoid exceeding 95°C), and optionally a small whisk or milk frother to emulsify the fat.

Which forms of CBD are suitable for infusion?

• Dried flowers : the most versatile and aromatic form, ideal for classic infusion.
• Trim (leaves and small stems): less concentrated in CBD, but economical and perfectly usable.
• CBD resin : crumble finely before infusion; CBD resin dissolves better with a fatty substance.
• CBD isolate powder : convenient for precise dosing in mg, but loses terpenes and the entourage effect.
• Pre-diluted CBD oil : avoid adding it to hot water alone. Without an emulsifier, it floats on the surface and its bioavailability remains very limited.

Recommended fats

• MCT coconut oil (the most effective for extraction and emulsification).
• Whole milk or whole cow's milk (naturally contains emulsified fats).
• Clarified butter (ghee).
• Sunflower or soy lecithin powder (natural emulsifier that stabilizes the infusion).

For vegans or people who are lactose intolerant, plant-based milks enriched with fat (coconut milk, whole cashew milk) work well.

Essential buying advice

Before buying, always check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued by an independent laboratory. This document confirms the CBD and THC levels, as well as the absence of pesticides and heavy metals. Prioritize products of EU or French origin and producers with documented traceability. To choose the right variety for your needs, Lord Of CBD's guide to CBD cannabis flower varieties details terpene profiles and concentrations.

Pro tip: always buy in small quantities when trying a new supplier for the first time, even if the price per gram is lower in larger quantities. A recent Certificate of Authenticity (less than six months old) is the only reliable indicator of the batch's actual quality.

How to prepare your CBD infusion, step by step?

Two methods cover almost all situations: the cup/infuser method, quick and daily, and the saucepan/decoction method, longer but more extractive.

Method 1: Cup and infuser (8–12 minutes)

1. Weigh your flowers: 1 to 2 g per 250 ml depending on your tolerance and the CBD content of the product.
2. Heat the water to 90–95 °C. A thermometer avoids approximations; if unavailable, remove the pan from the heat 1 to 2 minutes after boiling.
3. Place the flowers in the infuser and place it in the cup.
4. Add a teaspoon of fat (MCT, butter or whole milk).
5. Pour the hot water over everything.
6. Cover the cup with a saucer or lid to preserve volatile terpenes and maintain the extraction temperature.
7. Let it steep for 8 to 12 minutes.
8. Remove the infuser, whisk or emulsify with a milk frother to homogenize the fat, then enjoy.

Method 2: saucepan and decoction (15–30 minutes)

1. Pour 300 to 350 ml of water into a small saucepan (excess to compensate for evaporation).
2. Add a tablespoon of fat right from the start.
3. Bring to a simmer (85–90 °C) without ever boiling.
4. Add 1 to 2 g of flowers or crumbled resin.
5. Maintain a simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring regularly.
6. Filter with a fine filter or cheesecloth.
7. Whisk or blend with an immersion blender for 30 seconds to emulsify.

This method is particularly suitable for resins and decarboxylated flowers, as prolonged extraction at low temperature maximizes the available active CBD, as recommended by good extraction practices.

Key figures: 1 gram of flower with a certain percentage of CBD contains a specific amount of raw CBD. Given the losses during extraction (water, heat, filtration), the actual bioavailable amount is significantly lower. This is why the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and the extraction method are just as important as the quantity of flower used.

Pro tip: Add a pinch of powdered sunflower lecithin at the fat stage. This natural emulsifier stabilizes the infusion, reduces the oil film on the surface, and noticeably improves the flavor.

Why add a fat, and which one to choose?

CBD is fat-soluble: it binds to fatty molecules, not water. Without fat, most of the cannabidiol remains trapped in the flowers or floats without dissolving, making the infusion less effective. Adding fat significantly improves the bioavailability and consistency of the beverage.

• Coconut oil MCT : medium chain triglycerides, fast absorption, neutral taste, ideal for both hot and cold infusions.
• Whole milk : naturally emulsified fats, easy to incorporate, gives a pleasant creamy texture.
• Clarified butter (ghee) : very stable to heat, mild aroma, works well in the pan method.
• Lecithin : to be used in addition to another fat to stabilize the emulsion and prevent phase separation.

For vegans, full-fat coconut milk (canned, not skimmed) is the most effective alternative. Skimmed almond or oat milks contain too little fat for satisfactory extraction.

What dosage should you use for your infusion, and when do the effects appear?

The recommended starting point is to adjust the CBD dose to body weight, with moderate amounts advised. The amount of CBD actually extracted and absorbed depends on many factors, including the brewing method and the presence of fats.

These figures represent the raw CBD present in the flowers, not the amount absorbed. dosage calculator can help you refine your estimate.

The effects of a CBD infusion typically appear between 30 and 90 minutes after consumption and can last for several hours, depending on stomach contents, individual metabolism, and the fat content of the beverage. When consumed on an empty stomach, the infusion often acts more quickly but with a less predictable intensity.

Medical warning: CBD may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants (warfarin), immunosuppressants, and some antidepressants. Consumption is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you have any doubts or are currently taking any medication, consult a healthcare professional before starting.

What effects can you expect from your CBD herbal tea?

The most frequently sought-after effects are relaxation, sleep aids, stress reduction, and mild digestive comfort. For more information on the mechanisms involved, Lord Of CBD's page on the therapeutic effects of CBD offers helpful insights.

Factors that influence the experience:

• The dose : too low, the effects are imperceptible; too high, some people experience slight drowsiness or headaches.
• The terpene profile of the variety : a flower rich in linalool (floral notes) tends to promote relaxation, while a variety with a dominant myrcene accentuates the sedative effect.
• The presence of fatty substances : improves bioavailability and smooths the effect curve.
• Gastric contents : a full stomach slows absorption but prolongs the duration of effect.
• Individual tolerance : the effects sometimes lessen with regular consumption.

Typical timeline:

• Onset (appearance) : 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion.
• Peak effect : generally between 1.5 and 3 hours.
• Decline : gradual over 2 to 5 additional hours.

Three practical recipes to vary your CBD infusions

Recipe 1: Hot CBD and chamomile herbal tea

• 1g of CBD flowers (floral-dominant variety, Charlotte or Cannatonic type).
• 1 sachet of dried chamomile or 1 teaspoon of dried flowers.
• 250 ml of water at 90 °C.
• 1 teaspoon of MCT coconut oil.
• Honey or agave syrup (optional, to be added after infusion to preserve the enzymes).

Place CBD flowers and chamomile in the infuser, add the oil to the cup, pour in hot water, cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. Whisk, sweeten if desired, and enjoy hot.

Recipe 2: CBD cold brew (iced tea)

• 1 to 2 g of CBD flowers.
• 500 ml of filtered cold water.
• 1 tablespoon of full-fat coconut milk.
• A few fresh mint leaves.

Combine all ingredients in an airtight jar. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours (or overnight). Strain, add ice cubes and fresh mint. This method better preserves the delicate aromas and is suitable for hybrid preparations that combine gentle extraction and cold maceration.

Recipe 3: Lemon-honey infusion

• 1g of CBD flowers.
• 250 ml of water at 90 °C.
• 1 teaspoon of clarified butter.
• The juice of half a lemon (added after infusion, not during).
• 1 teaspoon of honey.

Infuse the flowers and butter for 8 minutes, covered. Strain, then add lemon and honey off the heat to preserve their active compounds. The acidity of the lemon balances the natural bitterness of the hemp.

How to preserve your flowers and preparations?

Dried CBD flowers should be stored in an airtight, tinted glass jar, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Under these conditions, they retain their properties for 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer if conditions are stable. Heat and UV light degrade cannabinoids and terpenes faster than time itself.

A prepared infusion can be kept in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours in an airtight container. Beyond that, the risk of microbiological contamination increases and the aromas degrade. To reheat a prepared infusion, use a saucepan over very low heat (never use a microwave at full power) to avoid degrading the remaining cannabinoids. A light whisk before serving is enough to re-emulsify any fat that may have separated.

• Always store flowers separately from liquid preparations.
• Avoid plastic bags: they promote condensation and alter the aromas.
• Note the opening date on the jar to track freshness.

Legality and safety in France: what to check before buying

In France, the sale and consumption of hemp-based products are regulated by national legislation. French law imposes specific requirements on THC content and the conformity of products placed on the market. For an overview of the applicable legislation, Lord Of CBD's page CBD and legislation in France summarizes the key points.

Before making any purchase, check the following points:

• The COA (Certificate of Analysis) : a document issued by an independent laboratory, it confirms the CBD level, the THC level, and the absence of contaminants. Always request it.
• Product origin : favour hemp grown in the European Union or in France, subject to strict agricultural controls.
• The declared THC level : check that it complies with the regulatory framework applicable in France.
• Legal age : the sale of CBD products is reserved for adults (18 years and older).

From a health perspective, the main contraindications are: interactions with anticoagulants and certain medications metabolized by the liver; it is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding; and it should be avoided when driving or operating machinery if drowsiness is experienced. If you are currently taking medication, consulting a doctor is essential.

This information is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consult a healthcare professional and verify the official regulations applicable to your situation.

Should the flowers be decarboxylated before infusion?

Decarboxylation converts CBDA (the acidic form naturally present in the raw plant) into active CBD. Without this step, some of the potential of your flowers remains untapped, even with a fat and the correct brewing temperature.

The home method is simple:

1. Preheat your oven to 110°C (fan oven preferred).
2. Spread the crumbled flowers in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking regularly: the flowers should brown slightly without turning black.
4. Allow to cool completely before use or storage.

Decarboxylation at approximately 110°C for 30 minutes is the most commonly recommended procedure for activating cannabinoids without degrading the most volatile terpenes. Above 120°C, the degradation of aromas accelerates significantly.

If you do not wish to decarboxylate, there are two alternatives: extend the decoction in a saucepan at 85–90 °C for 30 minutes (partial decarboxylation occurs naturally), or opt for a cold maceration over 12 hours, which preserves the terpenes but extracts less active CBD.

Warning: Decarboxylation produces a strong hemp odor. Ventilate the room well and avoid overheating the oven, as this could degrade the cannabinoids rather than activate them.

My approach: caution, precision, and enjoyment

After testing and refining these recipes, one thing is clear: most disappointments with CBD infusions stem from a single mistake—ignoring fat. An infusion prepared without fat, even with high-quality flowers, delivers only a fraction of its potential. This is the detail that quick tutorials most often omit.

The other point I want to emphasize is that decarboxylation isn't just for enthusiasts. Thirty minutes in the oven at 110°C (230°F) significantly improves the potency of an infusion, especially if you're starting with raw flowers. As for dosage, the "start low, increase gradually" rule isn't just a superficial precaution. Always check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) of your product and consult Lord Of CBD's resources for more in-depth information.

Suitable flowers for your infusions: the Lord Of Cbd offer

Lord Of CBD selects CBD flowers and resins from organic hemp, with THC levels compliant with French legal regulations and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) available for each batch. Each product comes with a detailed information sheet outlining its terpene profile, CBD content, and producer's origin, making it easy to choose the perfect strain for your infusion recipe. To start or expand your selection, the My CBD Box allows you to try several compliant varieties in a single order, with no obligation. Browse the CBD flower catalog and order directly at lordofcbd.fr.

Sources

• Legifrance
• Homemade CBD infusion guide: easy and quick preparation

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.

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