Before the pandemic, if I was suffering from writer’s block I’d head to a bar with my laptop and order something stiff to sip while music played in the background, using the atmosphere to help fuel my creative process.
But we’re in COVID times so recently, when I was offered the chance to attend a virtual wreath-making workshop — for the launch of a new CBD tea product — where I’d be sent a kit with the tea and all the necessary stuff to make the festive door-hanger, I was intrigued.
The idea of swapping my ritual morning cup of tea for one that could put me in a state of relaxation — with the added bonus of an arts and crafts project — was too good to pass up.
But there was a plot twist … When I read the fine print, I noticed that the tea-bag samples being sent over wouldn’t contain any active ingredients, meaning no CBD for me. Since I’m always looking for a good time, and was curious to try making this wreath with an extra dose of feel-good in my system, I decided to buy the tea from my neighbourhood cannabis shop, putting my own twist on this unusual assignment.
Though I enjoy the odd edible, cannabis really isn’t for me. The few times I’ve tried smoking it I’ve tripped out and gotten paranoid, either the result of my neuroses being amplified or the placebo effect. That said, the idea of CBD in a tea format piqued my interest.
I always start and end my day with a cup of classic orange pekoe tea, the same style and brand of tea that my parents made me whenever I couldn’t sleep, was sick or when I needed an emotional pick-me-up. I associate it with an immediate sense of calm and, to this day, it’s a go-to way to self-soothe.
In an attempt to relax and unwind, I purchased the Everie Lavender Camomile CBD Tea. The launch I was invited to sample was for Everie CBD Mint Tea, a flavour timed around the holiday season, but lavender is more up my alley. The package contained three tea bags, with 10 mg of CBD and 0.03 mg of THC per tea bag, at a cost of $18.95.
I steeped one tea bag in a clear mug and then took my first sip of the golden liquid. It was smooth and an immediate feeling of calm washed over me. Since my goal was to get my body buzz on, I took almost the entire mug back in my next sip, the same way I’d down a mugful of NeoCitran for the odd cold, thinking the quicker I take it the sooner it’s medicinal contents would act.
As Crown Flora’s co-owner Adam Mallory conducted the wreath-making workshop, sharing his tricks of the trade (like how to create bundles with the greens provided, wire them onto the hoops, and how to use the additional, trendy decor to adorn our wreaths), I noticed that I was really in my head and feeling anxious.
I caught myself getting frustrated as I tried to follow along in an attempt to make the perfect wreath. Mallory’s was picturesque and, although I had all the same unique greenery and accoutrement as he did, mine looked lifeless, lacking personality. I’d spend a few minutes picking and prodding at the products provided, setting them up in a way I thought would look as artsy as the other handful of people also in the workshop on my screen, and then I’d unwire all my work and start fresh, defeated. I caught myself wishing I could be one of those crafty Pinterest types who could pick up projects with ease instead of this downward spiral of wreath-making shame.
Then it hit me: I wasn’t feeling the potential side effects. I wasn’t chill and relaxed and having the fun I thought I would — I was in my head — and, just like that, the workshop was coming to a close and I didn’t have all that much to show for it.
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There’s so much positive research about the benefits of CBD and I was hoping this tea could help ease my anxiety, but perhaps this format or dosage isn’t right for me. Or maybe if I really want to see how it can help me, I should do more in-depth research to find out which product is best for me and my needs.
Despite it not playing out how I expected, I’m glad I tried the tea and got to make my first ever wreath; after all, anything for a story.
On a walk a couple of hours later with my other half, I noticed my body feeling a little more relaxed and I was more whimsical with my words. Sure, it could have just been the placebo effect, but it also could have been the active ingredients finally kicking in.