Cannabis Mate: What It Tastes Like and How to Brew It

Cannabis mate — yerba mate infused with marijuana — tastes like a meeting of two herbs: the grassy, bitter notes of mate layered with the earthy, sometimes fruity flavors of cannabis. Mate, if you've never tried it, is South America's traditional caffeinated infusion, famous for its stimulating, energizing kick and typically sipped hot through a metal straw from a shared gourd. You brew the cannabis version just like regular mate, simply adding a small amount of cannabis to the leaves — a modern twist that delivers a unique experience in both flavor and effects.

Mate brewed with marijuana leaves has a distinctive flavor profile: the herbal bitterness of yerba mate fused with cannabis notes that range from earthy to subtly fruity.

Preparing cannabis mate or weed tea follows roughly the same process as traditional mate, with small amounts of cannabis added in. Get familiar with dosing and the effects of marijuana before drinking it — depending on what goes into the gourd, this brew can be psychoactive.

Combining these two plants can produce a drink that not only stimulates mind and body but also brings on relaxation or mild euphoria, depending on the cannabis strain used.

Hemp: cannabis genetics with a thousand uses

Hemp is a versatile, multifaceted plant that humans have cultivated for millennia thanks to its many benefits. It often gets lumped in with drugs because of its close cousin, marijuana, but the differences — and the sheer range of applications — deserve a closer look. The key distinction is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) each contains: the chemical compound responsible for the psychoactive effects.

While hemp carries very low levels of THC (generally under 0.2% or 0.3%, depending on each country's laws), marijuana packs far more of the compound — which is exactly what makes it intoxicating.

Hemp isn't just about THC, though. It also produces cannabidiol (CBD), another compound with plenty of beneficial properties. Unlike THC, CBD isn't psychoactive, and it has been used to help manage conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain and epilepsy — which explains its growing acceptance in wellness and medical products.

Beyond medical marijuana, what else is out there?

Beyond medicine, hemp covers a huge industrial spectrum. It goes into fibers for clothing, rope, paper and even sustainable building materials. Hemp oil and hemp seeds — rich in nutrients and CBD — have become popular in the food industry for their health benefits.

More recently, the wellness industry has been exploring new ways to pair hemp with other popular products. One example of this trend: combining yerba mate, the traditional South American drink known for its energizing properties, with hemp.

The fusion offers a one-of-a-kind experience: the nutritional benefits and potentially calming effects of hemp, plus the vigor and mental clarity yerba mate provides. It's a snapshot of how hemp keeps expanding into new territory, opening up fresh ways to use and enjoy the plant.

Yerba mate with marijuana: an innovative, wellness-friendly combo

The idea of mixing mate and marijuana was born in Uruguay, a pioneering country in legalizing the cultivation, sale and recreational use of cannabis. In 2012 Uruguay began drafting a bill that passed in 2014 and took effect in 2017, allowing registered residents to buy limited amounts of marijuana at pharmacies.

That legal opening paved the way for cannabis mate — a controversial plant meeting a beloved ritual. Uruguayans, world-class mate drinkers (they go through almost 9 kg, or roughly 20 lb, per person per year), embraced the innovation. The first brands to market the blend were Cosentina and Abuelita.

Worth underlining: these yerba mate blends don't contain THC at levels that cause psychoactive effects (they stay under 0.2%), which is what makes them legal to sell.

Marijuana's properties and effects

Hemp has gained popularity for its many benefits and applications. In Spain, hemp products — oils and cosmetics with hemp extract — have become a full-blown trend.

Although the weed teas available on the market contain no THC and aren't addictive, they're well known for their beneficial properties. The CBD in hemp leaves helps fight chronic pain, supports people dealing with anxiety or depression, and aids the digestive system.

Still, keep in mind that hemp isn't a medicine in the strict sense — its benefits show up best with regular use.

How does CBD cannabis mate actually work?

Yerba mate is a rich source of B and C vitamins, plus essential minerals like calcium, iron and zinc. It's loaded with antioxidants and, thanks to its high caffeine content, delivers strong stimulation, sharper focus and appetite suppression.

Hemp, for its part, brings a solid dose of nutrients — iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, vitamins B and E, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The CBD in hemp adds a relaxing, calming effect that gently counterbalances the caffeine buzz of the yerba mate.

The combination strikes a balance, so you can enjoy the drink even at night without worrying about your sleep.

Yerba mate with marijuana leaves: the blends you can buy

If you're curious about hemp yerba mate, there are several options out there. One standout is Cannabis Absinth by the Brazilian brand Verde Mate Green, which pairs green yerba mate and hemp with wormwood and a mix of aromatic herbs — its mild flavor makes it ideal for beginners.

Another option is Yaguar Cannabis, which carries CBD in the form of hemp flour. This Argentine-style yerba is known for its intense flavor and aroma, the result of oven-drying and then aging the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis.

Finally, if you value high quality and ethical standards, there's Soul Mate's Organic Cannabis Yerba Mate, a limited edition that promises a unique, healthy experience.

Tips for enjoying your cannabis-flower infusion

Cool it down properly

If you'd rather drink your cannabis infusion cold, it's essential to let it reach room temperature before refrigerating. That keeps a drastic temperature swing from dulling the infusion's flavors and properties.

Just let it cool down naturally, then pop it in the fridge and enjoy a refreshing drink.

Dosing and the waiting game

Dosing is one of the most important parts of drinking a cannabis infusion. Unlike inhalation, where the effects of cannabis hit almost immediately, orally ingested THC takes longer to kick in — usually one to two hours.

Be patient and don't exceed the recommended dose: your body can absorb up to 40% of ingested THC, compared with only about 15% when smoking. That means the effects can be significantly stronger and longer-lasting.

So give it enough time to actually feel the effects before even considering another round — it's the best way to avoid an unpleasant experience from accidentally overdoing it.

Pairings and pure enjoyment

A cannabis infusion is a delicious, simple way to enjoy the benefits of marijuana at home. To level up the experience, pair it with a piece of brownie or sponge cake — a combination that's not just tasty but makes the whole relaxing moment that much more pleasurable.

Follow these tips and you'll get the most out of your cannabis infusion, with a safe and enjoyable experience guaranteed.