Whether it’s used as a flavouring or stability ingredient for beer, smoking hops (Humulus lupulus) adds a new dimension to any beverage. Hops, or humulene, have psychoactive properties that can affect the body and mind in similar ways to cannabis, as they are part of the same Cannabaceae family. However, there is no THC in hops and the psychoactive effects are not pronounced.
Hops can be smoked or used to make tea, but there are some things that homebrewers should keep in mind before making the leap. First and foremost, smoking herbs of any kind carries inherent health risks that should not be ignored. There is also a risk of burning the hops when they are burned, which can leave behind a burnt and bitter flavour.
If you decide to try smoking your own hops, the best way to do this is with a dedicated smoking device built specifically for the purpose. This way you can control the temperature of the smoke and avoid burning your hops, which will create a bitter and unpleasant taste. In addition, it’s a good idea to make sure your hops are fully decarboxylated before smoking them; this will improve their chemistry and help ensure you get the psychoactive effects you’re looking for. There are a number of different ways to do this, and many of them can be found online. You can also buy smoked hops at some homebrewing stores and markets, or directly from breweries that grow their own.