How to Make Cannabis-Infused Syrup for Drinks and Desserts

Looking to add a little extra sweetness to your drinks and desserts? Consider making cannabis-infused syrup. THC syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used to sweeten beverages, add flavor to mocktails, moisten pastries, and even provide daily relief for various health issues. Making THC syrup is a simple process, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep it on hand in your canna-kitchen for endless culinary adventures.

What Is THC Syrup?

THC syrup is a type of cannabis-infused simple syrup. Simple syrups typically consist of equal parts sugar and water, with additional flavorings added for taste. THC syrup incorporates everyone’s favorite intoxicating cannabinoid, THC, into the mix. There are two common methods for infusing syrup with THC, which we’ll discuss later on.

Cannabis-infused simple syrup has a slightly earthy taste due to the cannabis flower used in its creation. However, the sweetness from the sugar predominates, making it a pleasant addition to various recipes. When used as a sweetener in drinks, the cannabis flavor is often milder compared to other edibles.

THC syrup is known to have a slower onset but more potent effects compared to smoking or vaping cannabis. It can be consumed on its own without the need to incorporate it into another recipe, unlike other cannabis infusions like cannaflour or cannabutter.

Is THC Syrup the Same as Lean?

No, THC syrup is not the same as lean. Lean, also known as purple drank or sizzurp, is a dangerous and addictive drink that combines cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine with soda. THC syrup, on the other hand, does not possess addictive properties and is safe for consumption when used responsibly. It’s important to note that there is no such thing as “THC lean.”

How to Make THC Syrup

There are two main methods for making THC syrup: one using glycerin and another using high-proof alcohol. The glycerin-based method is recommended for beginners, while the alcohol-based method is preferred by more experienced users who want a stronger syrup.

If you choose to make glycerin-based syrup, you’ll need to start by decarboxylating your cannabis flower. For a step-by-step guide on decarboxylation, refer to our article on the topic.

Tools Needed

• Small sauce pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mesh strainer* (for glycerin-based syrup)
• Cheesecloth* (for glycerin-based syrup)

*Only needed for glycerin-based syrup

Method 1: Glycerin-Based THC Syrup

Follow these steps to make glycerin-based THC syrup:

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1-3.5 grams decarboxylated cannabis flower
• 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
• Optional: flavoring of your choice (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of extract, 1 cup of dried flower petals or herbs, etc.)

Steps

1. Add water and sugar to a small sauce pot and heat on medium-low until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add decarboxylated cannabis flower to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes. You can also add any herbs or other flavorings at this stage.
3. Remove from heat and add vegetable glycerin. If desired, add liquid flavor extracts. Let it sit for five minutes, then strain the mixture to remove the flower. Store the syrup in an airtight, opaque bottle to protect it from light.

Method 2: Tincture-Based THC Syrup

Follow these steps to make tincture-based THC syrup:

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1-3 tablespoons THC tincture
• Optional: flavoring of your choice (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of extract, 1 cup of dried flower petals or herbs, etc.)

Steps

1. Add water and sugar to a small sauce pot and heat on medium-low until the sugar dissolves.
2. If using herbs or other flavorings, add them to the pot and simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the THC tincture and any liquid flavor extracts. Store the syrup in a dark, airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Use THC Syrup

Using THC syrup is incredibly easy and offers a variety of options:

Drinks

THC syrup can be added to mocktails, low-alcohol cocktails, and other beverages to provide a sweet and cannabis-infused twist. Use it to sweeten tea, coffee, lemonade, or any other drink that calls for simple syrup. THC syrup can be a direct replacement for regular simple syrup in drink recipes.

Desserts and Other Sweet Recipes

THC syrup is an excellent ingredient for adding subtle cannabis flavor and moisture to desserts. It can be used as a glaze for fruits, a soak for cakes, a sweetener for jams and jellies, or in any recipe that requires simple syrup. It can even be used in savory-sweet marinades or salad dressings for a unique twist.

With a Dropper

For a quick and discreet way to consume THC syrup, use a dropper to place a few milliliters of syrup under your tongue. This method bypasses the need for additional ingredients and allows for precise dosing.

Medical Benefits of THC Syrup

THC syrup offers more than just a sweet treat. It also provides various medical benefits, such as:

Nausea Relief

THC syrup can help alleviate nausea, making it useful for individuals experiencing medication side effects or undergoing chemotherapy. It is often used as a preventative measure to reduce the likelihood of nausea occurring.

Chronic Pain Relief

Many individuals find relief from chronic pain, inflammation, and migraines by incorporating THC products like syrup into their pain management routine. THC infusions can also help reduce the need for stronger pain medications and their associated side effects.

Potential Risks of THC Syrup

Consuming THC syrup, like any other edible, comes with certain risks. It’s crucial to consume it responsibly and avoid overconsumption due to the delayed onset of effects. Here are some tips to minimize risks:

• Start with a low dose if you are new to edibles or have a low tolerance for cannabis.
• Wait at least two hours before consuming more syrup, as the effects may take time to manifest.
• Avoid mixing THC syrup with alcohol, as this combination can intensify the effects and potentially lead to nausea and other unpleasant experiences.
• If you accidentally consume too much THC syrup, refer to our article on how to recover from cannabis edibles for helpful tips.
• If you have diabetes or need to limit your sugar intake, it’s best to avoid THC syrup and explore alternative cannabis-infused products.

Final Takeaway

THC syrup is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations and provide medical benefits. Whether you use it to sweeten your favorite drinks or add flavor to desserts, it offers a convenient and discreet way to incorporate cannabis into your lifestyle. Remember to consume THC syrup responsibly and start with low doses to find the right level of relief for your needs.

What are your favorite ways to use THC syrup? Share your ideas in the comments below!