Can You Smoke Tea?

When people talk about getting "high," the usual suspects—cannabis or alcohol—tend to take the spotlight. But if you’ve ever hung around tea lovers, you might’ve heard them mention something curious: getting "tea drunk." Yes, that floaty, hyper-aware, blissed-out state from sipping tea! In this article, we’re diving deep into what it means to get tea drunk, how it works, and—because some of you are clearly curious—whether smoking tea is a thing (spoiler alert: it is, but let’s talk health risks).

What Does It Mean to Get Tea Drunk?

Tea drunk is not your average buzz. It's a unique mix of mental clarity, alertness, and calm—kind of like meditation, but tastier. Unlike alcohol or cannabis, there's no staggering, slurring, or questionable texts involved. Instead, it’s a clean, light sensation that has a cult following in tea circles.

What’s Brewing in Your Cup: The Science

The magic of tea lies in a trio of natural compounds:

• Caffeine – Sharpens focus and gives you a gentle energy boost.

• L-theanine – Calms your mind, reducing anxiety and stress.

• Catechins – Antioxidants that may help relax your brain and body.

Together, these three form the holy trinity of the tea high. Think of it as nature’s version of a balanced mood enhancer—without the sketchy side effects.

Meet the Key Players: What’s in Your Tea?

Caffeine: The Classic Pick-Me-Up

Found in all true teas (green, black, oolong, etc.), caffeine stimulates your brain while working with catechins to provide a sustained energy release. Too much, though, and you may be buzzing like your group chat at 2 AM—cue the jitters, insomnia, or headaches.

Catechins: More Than Just Antioxidants

Catechins aren't just health heroes—they also interact with your brain's endocannabinoid system (yep, the one involved in cannabis effects) to promote a light sense of euphoria. Science, huh?

L-theanine: The Brain’s Chill Pill

This amino acid smooths out caffeine’s intensity and promotes brainwave activity linked to creativity and calm focus. It's like yoga in a cup.

Tea Types That Can Get You Tea Drunk

Teas can change the way you think or feel, with potential impacts ranging from positive to negative. Here, we focus on teas with beneficial effects:

Green Tea 

Green tea is the “King” of tea; when it is about boosting focus and concentration. Though it contains minimal caffeine compared to other true teas, the stimulant is adequate to lower anxiety by binding with L-theanine and epigallocatechin compounds, which are plentiful in green tea. This tea with antioxidant attributes is great for controlling the excessive release of stress hormones, aiding you to feel relaxed and energetic.

Black Tea 

Black tea is considered the tea with the most caffeine. Therefore, you can expect to achieve a high level of concentration and mental alertness with this tea. 

Additionally, L-theanine compounds work closely with the high caffeine in black tea to aid the feeling of peacefulness and relaxation for a longer period. 

Oolong Tea  

Oolong tea is highly praised for improved brain activity, thanks to abundant beneficial compounds such as L-theanine, caffeine, and EGCG polyphenols. These compounds are especially linked with the performance of the hippocampus, the brain area associated with memory and learning.

Is It Safe to Get Tea Drunk?

In most cases, yes! Getting tea drunk is generally harmless—unless you overdo it. Drinking too much tea (especially on an empty stomach) can cause dizziness, nausea, or insomnia.

Tips for a Safe Tea High:

• Eat beforehand. An empty stomach and tea don’t always get along.

• Use quality leaves. Look for teas rich in catechins and L-theanine.

• Mind the caffeine. Too much of a good thing is… well, too muc

How to Get Tea-Drunk Safely

To make the most of the psychoactive effects of tea, consider the following factors:

Eat Before You Drink

To maximize the antioxidants, eat something before drinking tea. Avoid drinking tea on a full stomach as it slows down the tea absorption process in your body.

Choose True Teas 

Herbal tea may be less impactful due to the absence of caffeine. True teas contain caffeine, crucial for getting tea drunk. Use them in any form - as a tea bag or loose-leaf tea, both types of tea's effects on the body are fruitful.  

Follow The Right Brewing Method

The brewing temperature, process, and timing vary from tea to tea. For instance, black tea typically requires 90-98 degrees, whereas green tea requires 80 degrees to extract the best flavor.

Enjoy Slowly

Teas are meant to be enjoyed slowly. This allows you to feel a unique sensation with each sip to get different levels of satisfaction and happiness.           

Smoking Tea Leaves: Can You Really Do That?

Yes, you can smoke tea—but should you? That’s a different story.

Some people roll up tea leaves like cigarettes to experience calming effects like reduced anxiety and sharper focus. However, when you inhale anything that burns—yes, even tea leaves—you’re exposing your lungs to harmful substances. Think carbon monoxide, lung irritation, and potential long-term respiratory issues.

So while drinking tea might get you pleasantly buzzed, smoking it comes with health risks you really don’t want to invite to your tea party.

Conclusion

Can you get high on tea? Absolutely, but it's different from the highs associated with substances like marijuana, alcohol, or even tea cigarettes. Tea offers a positive psychoactive effect, primarily from compounds like L-theanine, which can promote relaxation and focus without the risks associated with more addictive substances. If you're interested in experiencing a "tea high," Danfe Tea, sourced from the high Himalayan region of Nepal, provides tea leaves perfect for this purpose due to their high L-theanine content. Unlike addictive substances like nicotine in cigarettes or alcohol, the effects of tea are milder and non-habit forming, making it a safer alternative for mental clarity and relaxation.

Buy the Finest Loose-Leaf Teas from the Himalayas 

Danfe Tea brings you the finest loose-leaf teas in the Himalayas. With robust flavors and many health benefits, we invite you to try our high-quality black teas. These teas are available in 2.5-3.5 oz or 1 lb variants. We also offer monthly subscriptions to these products.

FAQs: What Curious Sippers Want to Know

Can you get high on tea?

Yes—but it’s not your typical high. It’s more of a calm, focused lift that comes from L-theanine, caffeine, and catechins working together.

What kind of tea gets you high?

Look for green, black, or oolong teas. These contain the right mix of compounds to elevate your mood and focus.

Can you smoke tea?

Technically, yes. But while you might feel relaxed, you’re also inhaling harmful substances. Better to sip than smoke.

Can you get tea drunk?

Absolutely. High-quality tea leaves and a proper brew can create a gentle, euphoric state.

How long does a tea high last?

Generally, 4–6 hours depending on the type of tea, how much you drink, and your body’s metabolism.

Ready to Get Tea Drunk (the Safe Way)?

Danfe Tea offers some of the finest loose-leaf teas sourced from the pristine Himalayas. Whether it’s black, green, or oolong, our teas are crafted for quality, taste, and that signature “tea high.”

Shop our collection and find your next favorite buzz—without lighting anything on fire.