Illinois residents may purchase up to 30 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 500 milligrams of THC-infused edibles; and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Non-residents may purchase up to 15 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 2.5 grams of concentrates; and up to 250 milligrams of THC-infused edibles.
What is THC Syrup & How to Use It
Looking for new, delicious ways to enjoy cannabis? Elevate drinks and smoothies, give your oatmeal an extra boost, or drizzle some deliciousness over your favorite dessert with THC syrup. Edible THC syrup can tick all of the boxes: it can be potent, versatile, discrete, and a convenient way to experience cannabis.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about THC syrup, including:
- What is THC Syrup?
- What Can You Do with THC Syrup?
- Is THC Syrup the Same as Lean Syrup?
- How to make THC Syrup
- FAQs about THC Syrup
What is THC Syrup?
THC syrup is a marijuana-infused liquid with a thick syrup-like consistency. It is typically made from cannabis concentrate or extract, vegetable glycerin, and sweetener, making it quite versatile and delicious.
This unique edible is often available at dispensaries, but it’s also a great DIY edible to make at home.
What Can You Do with THC Syrup?
Cannabis syrup is highly versatile. Some common ways to use THC syrup include:
Sublingual: Like a tincture, canna-connoisseurs can use a calibrated dropper and dispense the ideal amount of THC syrup under their tongue, holding it there for a minute or two before swallowing. This method is called sublingual consumption, and it allows for the THC and other cannabinoids to absorb quicker into your bloodstream.
Beverages: THC syrup is drinkable (ideal for sweet-tooths). Savor it solo or mixed into a beverage, such as tea, coffee, seltzers, smoothies, juices, or sodas. (Please note that THC syrup should not be added to alcoholic beverages, as it is not safe to combine cannabis and alcohol1.)
Infused Dishes: Add THC syrup to ready-to-eat foods or edibles. Drizzle some syrup over salads, waffles, pancakes, ice cream, smoothie bowls, desserts, French toast, or in marinades.
Is THC Syrup the Same as Lean Syrup?
THC syrup is not the same as lean syrup, so don’t confuse the two. Lean syrup2 – also called purple drank or sizzurp – is a prescription cough syrup made from codeine and promethazine to relieve symptoms caused by a common cold or allergies. THC syrup isn’t made from codeine or promethazine; it’s a cannabis-infused syrup that dispensaries sell or that you can make at home.
DIY Cannabis-Infused Syrup [5 Steps]
It’s easy to DIY canna-syrup with a few ingredients and tools. Here's what you'll need:
- 3 cups of water
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp of 100% food-grade vegetable glycerin
- 4 oz of cannabis flower
Optional: Add flavor with mint, caramel, or vanilla extract
Step 1: Decarboxylation
The first step in DIY edibles is almost always decarboxylation, ensuring the THC in your creation is activated. Start by preheating the oven to 220-245℉ (105-120℃). Then, line a baking tray with paper and crumble the cannabis flower on the sheet. Bake the cannabis for 30-40 minutes.
Step 2: Combine & Boil
In a saucepan, mix the water and the sugar and bring it to a boil. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Add Cannabis, Simmer
Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the mixture in the saucepan. If you want to flavor the THC syrup, add the flavoring extract as well. Cover the saucepan and simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Ensure the mixture doesn’t boil, or the THC may lose potency.
Step 4: Add Vegetable Glycerin
Add the vegetable glycerin and simmer the mixture for a further 10 minutes, without the lid on. Remember to stir regularly. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the mixture has thickened.
Step 5: Cool & Store
Cool the mixture, then strain it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into the storage container. Refrigerate the THC syrup, and keep it for up to three months.
FAQs About THC-Infused Syrups
Want to know more about this DIY edible (or drinkable)? Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions:
What does THC syrup taste like?
THC syrup is as sweet as the sugar in the syrup, which often masks any herbal flavors from the cannabis. It’s a great addition to drinks and DIY edibles.
What’s the difference between THC oil and THC syrup?
THC oil is a cannabis concentrate, typically made from marijuana flower via a process called carbon dioxide extraction. This oil can be used in vape pens or vape carts, or it can be used sublingually, too. THC syrup is not a concentrate; it is made by decarboxylating cannabis flower and then cooking it with a mixture of water, vegetable glycerine, and sugar. THC syrup can be used sublingually or added to drinks or food.
How long does it take THC syrup to work?
How long THC syrup takes to work depends on the method of consumption. If taken sublingually, you may start to feel the effects within 10-15 minutes3. When the syrup is added to drinks or foods, effects may take 30 minutes or longer.
Find Cannabis Syrup Near You
While it’s easy to make THC syrup at home, it takes time to prepare the syrup. Don’t miss out just because you’re busy – visit your local dispensary and talk to your budtender about the best cannabis syrup for you.
Sources:
1. “Does the Combination Matter? Examining the Influence of Alcohol and Cannabis Product Combinations on Simultaneous Use and Consequences in Daily Life,” National Library of Medicine, November 26, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8142286/
2. “Lean/Sizzurp Ingredients, Use, and Coping With Mental Health Symptoms,” National Library of Medicine, September 22, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10517614/
3. “Become Fluent in Cannabis Sublinguals,” thrillist.com, January 10, 2020, https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/sublingual-cannabis-thc-strips-tablets
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
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