THC syrup can be robust, discreet, and potent. But don’t confuse the syrups for intoxicating substances or ‘sizzurp’, which is also known as lean. What is THC syrup? What are the many uses for this cannabis product? This article explains what THC syrup is, how it’s manufactured, and the potential positive effects of this drug.

What is THC syrup?

THC syrup consists of hash oil or another type of cannabis concentrate mixed in with a sweetener like sugar, vegetable glycerine, and sometimes added flavors. It’s similar to the texture and effects as compared to regular cannabis edibles.THC syrup can be bought in some dispensaries or you could make your own by following a few simple instructions. Commercial products come in many different flavors and are usually packaged like traditional cough medicine bottles. These products should be clearly labeled with the THC content, measured in milligrams, for easy dosage.

The onset times and effects of marijuana depend on the mental, physical, and emotional state you are in when you consume it.THC syrups have similar effects and a slightly quicker onset time compared to traditional baked edibles, but these products are often high in sugar. Although still best enjoyed in moderation, they can be consumed just like regular syrup. New users should also be cautious and start with small doses of the THC-concentrated syrup.

Best ways to use THC syrup

Sublingually

Much like a cannabis tincture, the cannabinoids found in THC syrup are easily absorbed through the membrane under the tongue.

Simply drop the desired amount of liquid under your tongue and hold it for a few minutes before swallowing.

Take a shot

Simply measure out your desired dose and drink it!

This method has a slower onset time than the sublingual method, but THC in the form of a liquid edible tends to take effect more quickly than traditional edibles like weed cake or brownies.

Mixed drinks

THC can be too sticky and sweet for some, so it may be a good idea to mix your dose in something like water, soda, or non-alcoholic ginger beer. To make the Shirley Temple recipe you would want equal parts of cherry-flavored syrup and lemon-lime soda.

If you’re used to using THC syrup for medicinal purposes and are on a sobriety journey, these drinks can be a great alternative to drinking alcohol at social gatherings.

Waffles

What are waffles without syrup? Various flavors such as maple, vanilla, and even strawberry make excellent toppings for french toast, pancakes, waffles, or any breakfast food.

While this combination is delicious, you should measure out your dose before pouring it on your plate. If you like to meticulously fill every groove of the waffle, try mixing unmedicated THC syrup with medicated syrup.

How to Make THC Syrup

There are many ways to customize THC syrup so that it suits a variety of tastes.

Step 1

Cannabis flower must be decarboxylated before use. Although weed does contain THC, it needs to undergo a process called decarboxylation for the root chemicals in marijuana aka THCA, to become phosphoric acid (THC).

Step 2

To make a simple syrup, stir together water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Turn down the heat to low once it starts boiling.

Step 3

Add decarbed flower or cannabis concentrate and continue to heat for about 30 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce heat to low, and slowly pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerine for every 3 cups of liquid.

Step 5

Cook for five minutes on low, then remove from heat. If the recipe calls for cannabis flower, strain and discards before transferring to a jar with an airtight lid. Continue cooking at low heat for 5 more minutes, then remove from the stove. If using cannabis flowers, strain out and discard the plant matter before transferring to a jar with an airtight lid.

This recipe sweetens beverages, can be added to homemade BBQ sauce, and can also be drizzled on a fresh fruit salad. Users may also mix in flavors like vanilla or lemon extracts.

You can use this preparation method with your favorite type of sugary soda in place of the sugar-water mixture. Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, or Orange Fanta are ideal for masking the herbal flavor of cannabis.

Difference between THC syrup and Lean

While THC syrup (a medical containing the psychoactive cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol) may share roots with “lean” (slang term for a prescription codeine-promethazine cough syrup mixed with soda and alcohol), these two substances should not be confused.

Also known as purple drank, sizzurp, dirty Sprite, and many other names, different forms of lean have been used since at least the 1960s, when blues singers would mix cough syrup with alcohol for more profound effects. 

Lean rose in prominence when it was glorified by popular Houston-based hip hop artists. One especially vocal user was DJ Screw, largely considered the father of the “chopped and screwed” genre.

As rap’s popularity gained national attention in the 1990s and early 2000s, so did the popularity of lean. Top rappers including Lil Wayne and Future have released songs on this drug and even titled albums after it.

Codeine is highly addictive and can lead to an overdose and even death, especially when mixed with other drugs or alcohol.

Less than a year after Three Six Mafia’s “Sippin on Sizzurp” exploded on the charts, DJ Screw was found dead in his studio bathroom after suffering from a heart attack at only.

In 2007, Pimp C of the rap duo UGK was also found dead as a result of a deadly combination with codeine-promethazine and sleep apnea. THC syrup is different from “weed lean” that can be made by combining cannabis-infused purple drank.

Some producers hope to avoid associations with more dangerous substances, while others market their syrup as an alternative to the potentially lethal habit of leanin’.