In the world of cannabis cultivation, every part of the plant holds value—even the parts many people overlook. Sugar leaves, the small, resin-coated leaves that surround your buds, often end up discarded or tossed into the compost. But these leaves are a hidden treasure of cannabinoids and terpenes, and they’re perfect for making cannabis tea. Here’s how you can turn sugar leaves into a relaxing, mildly potent brew.
What Are Sugar Leaves?
Sugar leaves are the tiny, frosted leaves that grow around cannabis buds. They get their name from the “sugary” appearance caused by a coating of trichomes—tiny resin glands where THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are concentrated. Although sugar leaves don’t contain as much THC as the buds themselves, they still hold enough to make them worthwhile for home use, especially in teas, tinctures, or even low-potency edibles.
Why You Shouldn’t Waste Sugar Leaves
When grown and harvested responsibly, every part of the cannabis plant has a use. Sugar leaves might have lower THC levels than the buds (around 3-5% compared to the 12-20% in high-quality flowers), but they still contain enough cannabinoids to deliver mild effects. Instead of discarding them, these leaves can be used to make a range of products, including teas, butter, or topical creams. In tea, they provide a gentle and relaxing effect that’s perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
How to Make Cannabis Tea with Sugar Leaves
If you’ve just finished trimming and have a stash of sugar leaves, here’s a simple recipe to turn them into a flavorful and mildly potent tea.
Ingredients
- 1-2 grams of sugar leaves per cup of tea (adjust based on tolerance)
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, milk, or butter to help with THC absorption (THC is fat-soluble)
- Optional: honey, lemon, or other flavors to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Decarboxylate Your Sugar Leaves: To activate the THC, lightly bake the sugar leaves. Spread them evenly on a baking tray and bake at 105°C for about 30 minutes. This is a crucial step, as raw cannabis won’t deliver any psychoactive effects without decarboxylation.
- Boil Water: Heat a pot of water and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Simmer with Sugar Leaves: Add the decarboxylated sugar leaves to the boiling water and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. This will extract the cannabinoids into the water.
- Add a Fat Source: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil, milk, or butter to the pot, as cannabinoids like THC bind to fats. Stir well until fully combined.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into a cup to remove the plant material, and add honey or lemon if you’d like.
What to Expect from Sugar Leaf Tea
Because sugar leaves contain lower THC levels than buds, the resulting tea will have a gentler effect. With buds that tested at 12% THC, sugar leaves will likely contain around 3-5% THC, giving each cup an estimated 5-10 mg of THC—enough for a mild, relaxing experience without overwhelming psychoactive effects. This makes it a great option for beginners or those looking for a relaxing evening beverage.
Additional Uses for Sugar Leaves
If tea isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to use sugar leaves:
- Edibles: Infuse them into butter or oil for use in low-potency edibles.
- Tinctures: Create an alcohol-based tincture that can be added to drinks.
- Topicals: Use them in creams or balms for localized pain relief.
Sustainable Growing and Responsible Consumption
Using every part of the cannabis plant isn’t just economical; it’s also sustainable. In home cultivation, where you control the quality and conditions, making the most of sugar leaves and other byproducts honors the full plant and reduces waste. Plus, if you’re an advocate of responsible adult consumption, making tea from sugar leaves aligns perfectly with a conscious approach to cannabis—allowing for relaxation and wellness without overconsumption.
By rethinking what we consider “waste,” cannabis growers can enjoy a more holistic relationship with the plant and benefit from every harvest in multiple ways.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis tea made from sugar leaves is a great introduction to low-dose, home-cultivated cannabis products. The next time you’re trimming your plants, save those sugar leaves and try out a batch of this mellow, therapeutic tea. With just a bit of preparation, you’ll find that sugar leaves have a lot more to offer than meets the eye.