- What exactly is THC Syrup?
- The growing popularity of THC syrup
- How is THC syrup made?
- FAQ
- Are there any health concerns about taking THC Syrup?
When it comes to weed, we live in very exciting times. With more ways than ever to consume cannabis, and constant innovation and new products hitting dispensaries, It’s sometimes hard to keep up! One particular product that is gaining a lot of traction at the moment is THC syrup.
No doubt cannabis aficionados have been experimenting with cannabis-infused syrups and honey for many years, and in light of this recent surge and intrigue surrounding syrup, it’s certainly worth taking a deeper dive.
What exactly is THC Syrup?
THC syrup is essentially weed, in liquid form. Texturally, it mirrors cough syrup in its thick consistency and is made by infusing cannabis with sugar and water (and usually a thickening agent like vegetable glycerin or coconut oil).
There has been confusion and controversy surrounding THC syrup in recent years, with many people referring to it as THC lean and confusing it with syrup (lean).
What is Syrup (Lean)
Lean at its core consists of codeine and promethazine, and then soda, alcohol and candy are often used to add flavour and colour.
Its prominence in hip-hop and popular culture has glorified its use, but it is hard to ignore the plethora of harmful side effects linked to the drink.
Lean is said to create feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation. It activates your central nervous system and can have a sedating effect leaving the user feeling like they are ‘floating’ and that their world has slowed down, often described as spaced out and a leaning feeling (hence the name).
It seems like the risks involved and the negative effects (addiction/withdrawal) outweigh these sought after feelings. Reportedly , lean has caused many users to experience seizures, hallucinations and extreme sedation, this highly addictive drink is considered to be a huge contributor to the opiate crisis.
Fact: Syrup is also known as lean, purple drank and sizzurp.
The growing popularity of THC syrup
There are many reasons for the surge of interest in THC syrup, not only does it mimic the full body high sought after in edibles , but it’s also a great alternative for those who don’t want to/like smoking.
Along with the fact it’s easier on the lungs, THC syrup is a less conspicuous way to consume cannabis (it is also odourless so you can enjoy the benefits of getting high without the lingering smell of weed).
Another huge reason why THC syrup is also becoming more popular is that it can be infused with a lot of our favourite foods and drinks.
Mixing it with syrups and cake toppings as well as using it as a marinade or combining it with your favourite salad dressings, are some of the many creative ways to enjoy it!
Helpful hint: THC syrups are often quite high in sugar content, so people trying to avoid sugar should be cautious when consuming THC Syrups.
How is THC syrup made?
Making THC syrup is a fairly straightforward process. Although it may be a little time-consuming, it’s not overly labour-intensive. The most important part is the decarboxylating of the cannabis.
Fact: Decarboxylation (dee-car-box-ill-ation) is not as complicated as it sounds! Simply put, it is the process in which cannabis is heated to activate the compounds that are to be extracted.
Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis!
Complicated word, but an easy-ish process! As with many extraction methods, geographical location and access to equipment will determine the exact methods used, but the application of heat is how we achieve decarboxylation.
This can be done using a conventional pot on a stove or some people like to use a sous vide machine set to a consistently low temperature.
Some people like to decarboxylate their weed in the oven on a baking tray whilst others like to place the weed inside a mason jar and cook in the oven. Whatever the method, it’s important not to burn the plant or have too high of a temperature.
Beginners tip: I would monitor your first few batches to fine-tune how long and how hot the temperature should be. A good starting point would be 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30/45 mins (check every 15 minutes or so)
The finished result should leave your cannabis looking golden brown and smelling loud (decarbing in a mason jar or oven-safe container will help to alleviate the smell of dank consuming your kitchen).
Fun fact: Eating raw cannabis will not get you high, the heating of the flower is what activates the properties that give you that ‘high feeling’.
Step 2: Make your simple Syrup and add your flower
Making a simple syrup is a very straightforward process and involves dissolving sugar in water. After the syrup has cooled it is time to add your flower to the mix.
There seems to be a split consensus on how small the weed should be and whether to grind or crumble it.
Like many things in the cannabis space, it depends on what you are looking for in your edible as breaking or grinding can have differing effects on your edible. One thing that I would say is to make sure the excess plant matter is gone i.e sticks, stems and leaves.
Step 3: Thicken and flavour
Extracts used such as vanilla essence and almond are great additions to add but remember to use cautiously and it’s always easier to add more flavour but harder to take away!
You will see the use of vegetable glycerin is quite popular in making THC syrup. VC is quite a common ingredient in the syrup-making process and can be found quite easily at your local grocery store (It helps give the syrup that thick syrupy texture).
A few tablespoons will usually suffice and stirring constantly will help reach desired thickness.
Step 4: Filter the syrup
This is the final stage of making THC syrup, separating the syrup from the remaining plant matter. Many online blogs advise the use of a cheesecloth for this process (although any fine mesh-type material should suffice).
Depending on the quality of your filtering device may mean that you have to repeat this process a few times.
Once potted it’s advisable to store it somewhere dark and cool and enjoy it at your leisure!
THC Syrup – Final Thoughts
THC syrup is a great way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking it. It’s easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways, making it a versatile option for those who want to enjoy cannabis differently. If you’re looking for an alternative to smoking cannabis, or just want to try something new, THC syrup might be the perfect choice for you!
FAQ’S
How does syrup differ from smoking?
As THC syrup is a liquid form of marijuana it is consumed orally, and just like consuming an edible, ingesting THC syrup is fairly straightforward and does not require any additional equipment (papers, grinder, combustion).
THC syrup can be consumed simply by placing a drop under the tongue.
Fun Fact: Administering a substance under the tongue is called sublingual administration. THC is absorbed a lot faster this way!
THC syrup is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly when it is consumed orally, which leads to a longer-lasting high.
As it’s a concentrate it is also much more potent than cannabis that is smoked. It is important to start with a low dose and increase slowly as needed.
Are there any health concerns about taking THC Syrup?
So along with the culinary delights that THC syrup offers it also provides a lot of health benefits. Relief from pain and inflammation and nausea relief are among some of the many positive benefits THC syrup offers.
At its core THC syrup is ‘safe’ as long as it is consumed responsibly, overdosing on any substance can have negative effects. Like with all cannabis products, start small and find what dosage works for you, everyone’s tolerance is different and thus can have different reactions to the same things.
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