A cup of tea is one of the oldest and simplest remedies. Hot water steeped with a certain je ne sais quoi is a natural way to calm the body. For those looking for relief from pain and mood disturbances but want to start slow, try the healing combination of tea and THC offered by Kikoko.
Kikoko Sympa-Tea. (Courtesy photo)
For pain relief, I tried Kikoko’s Sympa-Tea’s “tame the pain blend,” an organic ginger-orange flavor with 20mg CBD and 3mg THC. The blend includes ginger, turmeric, orange peel, black pepper, star anise (which is both antibacterial and an antioxidant), cinnamon, and licorice root. It’s a whole-system remedy that balances adrenals and targets pain. With just 3mg of THC, it’s non-psychoactive, so even if you’re someone who is sensitive to CBD, it’s unlikely that this tea will impact your lucidity. About an hour after drinking, I didn’t experience any “wibbity-woo” but did feel considerable relief from cramping, soreness, and a persistent headache that had dogged me all day.
I’ll be honest though: I preferred Kikoko’s Positivi-Tea, which is 5 mg CBD and 10 mg THC per sachet. It’s at the other end of the spectrum, and is Kikoko’s highest dose of THC. I personally liked Positivi-Tea’s organic lemongrass mint green tea flavors and effects more. It is a bright, clarifying blend that also has digestive, antioxidant, and anti-viral superpowers. I also found this flavor to be more effective at relieving pain and boosting my mood. About only 25 minutes after drinking it, I did experience gentle elevation, good laughs, and easeful body relaxation without being glued to the couch. I’m also pleased to report the effects were consistent: I tried Positivi-Tea twice and felt the same mood boost both times.
Don’t miss the rest of our package of reviews of cannabis products for pain relief.
What I love about Kikoko’s products is the proprietary cannabis extract that’s “water-dispersible”. It is activated as soon as hot water hits the sachet and doesn’t leave an oily residue on the surface of your tea or inside the cup. Bonus points for Kikoko’s artful packaging, and check out their website for inventive “details” to get even more creative with your cannabis-infused beverages.
The wrap: These teas are a flavorful alternative for people who want a low-glycemic, good-for-you option for medicating and don’t want to smoke. I’d also recommend this tea for beginners or folks who are sensitive to THC and/or CBD and want to ease into medicating. (Stay tuned for next month’s review of Sensuali-Tea for boosting libido.)
Potency: Sympa-Tea contains 20 mg CBD and 3 mg THC; Positivi-Tea contains 5 mg CBD and 10 mg THC per sachet.
Price: Prices may vary, but in general, $6 – $10 for an individual pouch or $44 – $60 per can of 10 sachets.
Effects: Positivi-Tea was a solid 8 out of 10 for mood-boosting gentle euphoria, and Sympa-Tea was great as a muscle relaxant and general calm-down aid.
Taste: 10 out of 10
Availability: Kikoko’s teas are currently available in the Bay Area and the greater Los Angeles area, but there are a few dispensaries that carry them along the Central coast. Stay tuned as they expand.
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