Weed edibles come in countless shapes, sizes, flavors, and forms, from brownies to THC syrup. There are many reasons people choose a specific product, from the ingredients to the taste. Syrups are increasingly popular among cannabis enthusiasts for the fast-acting, hard-hitting effects many of the top brands promise.
These products are often made with cannabis flower, vegetable glycerin, water, and lots of sugar. Certain bottles will also have flavoring like strawberry or watermelon. THC syrup is easily made at home but is also widely available wherever people buy weed products.
With popularity growing and new brands popping up, those interested in THC syrup should learn more about what makes a great product.
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What is THC syrup?
THC syrup is a sweet glycerin-based liquid infused with cannabis flower and doused with sugar. It has a thick consistency and is basically simple syrup found in many craft cocktails. While it is called THC syrup, some products may have other cannabinoids or include singular alternative weed compounds like CBD.
Consumers enjoy cannabis syrups for various reasons. Precise dosing is simple when pouring THC syrup. Many brands include measurement systems such as cups and tallies on the side of the bottle, and handy tools whether a consumer is aiming for a microdose or a big one. Another drawback to infused syrup products is how they can be consumed and prepared in so many different ways.
Best ways to enjoy this cannabis product
Add the liquid to weed drinks shaken into mocktails or enjoyed in its natural form. This versatility makes it an attractive ingredient to keep handy in the weed kit, bar cart, or at-home apothecary.
Making mocktails with THC syrup is as easy as adding it to your favorite recipe and stirring (or shaking depending on what’s in the cup). Be mindful of sweetness when making cannabis syrup mocktails. Removing alcohol from classic cocktail recipes makes the drinks sweet already, so balance this and the THC syrup to make sure the end result is palatable.
Another way to serve up weed syrup is in another cannabis drink. Many cannabis seltzers and canned products are microdosed, meant to be enjoyed alongside a friend sipping on craft beers. Those who require a larger dose may want to have some THC syrup handy to up the cannabinoids on an infused drink.
The simplest way to enjoy these cannabis products is to drink them straight like a wellness shot. But that doesn’t mean there’s not space to have fun with it and mix up a cocktail. Those interested in using THC syrup in recipes should look to popular brands for preferred flavors, cannabinoid formulations, and more.
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Top THC syrup brands
There are many THC syrup brands to choose from, but certain qualities set one bottle apart from the next. Those in California can enjoy some Gem Juice by Space Gem, a beverage enhancer with 100 mg THC in passion fruit or grape flavors.
Cannavis is also popular in California, especially among those seeking a higher dosage. These THC syrups contain 500 or 1000 milligrams in various flavors like Rainbow Sherbet, Green Apple, and Pineapple, to name a few.
Up in Washington state, Craft Elixirs has the syrup market covered with three chocolate flavors that are actually vegan. The brand uses organic sugar and collaborates with a Washington chocolatier to maintain high quality alongside 100 mg of THC.
There are three flavors that also coincide with the effect, one offering an uplifting feeling, another relaxing one, and then a CBD option. These syrups still count even though this brand strays from the sweet, glycerin approach.
Baked Bros has been pouring THC syrup in Arizona since the medical days. They offer three strain-specific formulations: Maui Wowie as Happy, Wedding Cake for Stoney, and King Louis XIII for Sleepy. Each also has a coordinating flavor.
There are plenty of THC syrups; some are state-regulated and others use hemp-derived cannabinoids. Be discerning when opting for a hemp-derived THC company for cannabis syrup and any other weed product. Those who aren’t sure what brand to trust might consider making their own.
How to make THC syrup
Making THC syrup only requires a few ingredients, a bit of time, and some heat.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups filtered water
- 2 TB vegetable glycerin
- 2 grams of finely ground, decarboxylated cannabis or one gram of cannabis concentrate
- 3 cups white sugar
- Optional: flavoring like cinnamon sticks, herbs, whole spices, or fresh fruit
Gear:
- Saucepan
- Mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Mason jar
Instructions:
- Combine water, sugar, and optional aromatics in a saucepan, bringing to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low once boil is reached, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
- Add the chosen cannabis to the mixture and cook for 30 minutes, stirring constantly. Once the time is up, add the vegetable glycerin and cook for five more minutes before removing the pan from the heat.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely. Meanwhile, line the mesh strainer with a cheesecloth. Place this above the mason jar.
- Once cool, pour the mixture into the cheesecloth, squeezing every last bit of syrup from the plant material into the jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to about three months.
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THC syrup vs. Lean
These two products have the same consistency, but similarities stop there–lean and THC syrup are not the same thing. Lean is also called purple drank, and is a combination of hard candy, soda, and cold syrup with codeine and promethazine. THC syrup is a sweet syrup made with cannabinoids and other non-psychoactive flavorings such as rosemary or ginger.
Lean is said to be very addictive, and some have spoken out about THC syrup as a tool to fight that addiction. American rapper Smokepurpp announced in 2018 that he would be launching a line of THC syrup to help people quit lean. Unfortunately, Purppavis has yet to manifest, though it highlights an intriguing use for these cannabis products.
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THC syrup FAQ
There are lots of frequently asked questions about THC syrup, many of which we answered here. Let’s get to the meat and potatoes of what people really want to know.
Is THC syrup stronger than edibles?
Some people believe that THC syrup and other liquid edibles kick in faster and stronger than other edibles. However, this is a personalized experience. Everyone has an individual endocannabinoid system that makes weed effects somewhat subjective.
Does THC syrup freeze?
THC syrup does freeze, and the process may extend the product’s shelf life. Pour the liquid into ice cube trays to freeze individual doses to thaw as needed.
Does THC syrup go bad?
Homemade THC syrup may start to go bad after three months; however, with packaged products from the store, expiration dates may vary. Look to individual packaging for indicators.
Is THC syrup the same as lean?
No, THC syrup is not the same as lean. THC syrup combines cannabis with a few other food-safe ingredients, while lean combines prescription cold medicine with soda and candy.
How much THC syrup do I need?
As with most edibles, experts recommend starting with a small 2 to 5 mg dose and waiting two hours before eating more. This is a low-risk way to test how a new edible will interact with the endocannabinoid system.
THC syrup is a special edible that is versatile, effective, and available in many flavors. The product is also simple to make at home. In fact, it’s basically infused with simple syrup with a bit of fat to bind cannabinoids.
Fans of weed drinks, lovers of a quick shot edible, and people who can’t have dairy but love to eat weed will all appreciate a good batch of THC syrup. Just remember to start slow to avoid greening out.
