THC infused syrup, also known as cannabis syrup or weed syrup, is a liquid edible cannabis product that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that produces the “high” sensation.
THC infused syrup is made by infusing an oil or tincture that contains THC into a simple syrup base. The THC binds to the sugars and other ingredients in the syrup, allowing for easy dosing and consumption. This results in a sweet, concentrated liquid that can be easily measured and added to drinks or food.
Some of the most common uses and benefits of THC infused syrup include:
Relieving Pain
One of the most popular uses of THC infused syrup is for relieving both acute and chronic pain. THC has analgesic properties that can help reduce sensations of pain throughout the body. The syrup provides longer lasting relief compared to other edibles.
Reducing Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory effects of THC make cannabis syrup useful for conditions involving inflammation, such as arthritis or injuries. The syrup can provide sustained relief from swollen, painful joints or muscles.
Improving Sleep
Many people use THC syrup to promote deeper, more restful sleep, especially those suffering from insomnia or sleep disorders. THC is known to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase overall sleep duration.
Increasing Appetite
THC is known to stimulate appetite, so infused syrup can be beneficial for improving appetite in people with conditions like cancer or HIV that often lead to severe weight loss. The syrup can be taken before meals to trigger hunger signals.
Reducing Nausea
THC has antiemetic effects, meaning it can control nausea and vomiting. Infused syrup is an appealing option for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea in cancer patients.
Enhancing Mood
In low to moderate doses, THC syrup may enhance mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety or depression. It creates a mild euphoric feeling that can improve outlook and reduce stress.
Recreational Use
THC infused syrup is also used recreationally to achieve the psychoactive effects of cannabis. The syrup provides a tasty, convenient way to ingest THC in a portable liquid form.
How is THC Infused Syrup Made?
There are a few key steps to making quality THC infused syrup at home:
Choose a THC concentrate
The first step is choosing a concentrated extract of THC to infuse into the syrup. Common options include:
– Cannabis oil or tincture – Offers precise THC dosing and mixes well into syrups.
– Kief – Very concentrated THC crystals that can be steeped into syrup.
– Hash oil – Extracts like shatter, wax, or budder can be dissolved into warm syrup.
Determine dosage
Carefully calculate the THC dosage for the entire batch of syrup based on the potency of the concentrate. This allows for consistent dosing when consuming the syrup.
Infuse the THC concentrate
Heat up a simple syrup base of sugar and water, then mix in the desired amount of cannabis concentrate. Allow it to infuse for at least 30 minutes while simmering.
Strain the syrup
Pour the syrup through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant material. This results in a smoother, more shelf-stable final product.
Bottle and store
Once cooled, transfer the infused syrup to an airtight bottle or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Be sure to shake well before each use.
How to Use THC Infused Syrup
THC syrup is very versatile – it can be easily added to a wide variety of foods and drinks. Here are some popular ways to consume THC syrup:
Mixed in Beverages
One of the most common uses is adding a dose of syrup to any non-alcoholic drink like soda, juice, tea, lemonade, or coffee. It blends smoothly into cold or hot beverages.
Poured Over Desserts
Drizzle syrup over items like ice cream, fresh fruit, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for an infused treat. The options are endless.
Incorporated into Recipes
Replace some or all of the sugar called for in recipes for cookies, cakes, muffins, or brownies with THC syrup.
Added to Smoothies
Blend syrup into fruit smoothies, milkshakes, frappes, or other blended drinks for a refreshing infusion. It complements both sweet and savory smoothies.
Mixed with Alcoholic Drinks
For adults, add syrup to cocktails, mixed drinks, lemonade, or other alcoholic beverages for an extra kick.
Taken by Itself
You can also measure out a dose and take it by itself straight from the spoon or bottle.
The key is to start with small doses (5-10mg THC) and wait 2+ hours to gauge the effects before increasing your dosage.
Benefits of Choosing Syrup Over Other Edibles
THC infused syrup has some advantages over other types of edible cannabis products:
More Precise Dosing
Liquid syrup makes it easier to measure out precise doses each time. With solid edibles, THC can be unevenly distributed.
Faster Activation
Syrup does not have to be digested like solid edibles, so onset of effects is typically faster acting. Effects start within 30-90 minutes.
Easier to Swallow
The liquid form can be easier to swallow for those with difficulty eating solid foods or digesting edibles.
More Versatile
Syrup can seamlessly blend into dozens of different foods and drinks. Solid edibles are more limited.
Longer Lasting Effects
Syrup provides more prolonged, steady relief compared to other edibles that come on strong then fade quickly.
Less Likely to Cause Negative Effects
The syrup results in a gentler onset of effects, reducing the likelihood of negative side effects like anxiety or paranoia.
More Shelf Stable
Properly stored syrup has a shelf life of up to 6 months. Most baked edibles last only a few weeks.
Potential Side Effects of THC Syrup
While infused syrup provides many benefits, some potential side effects can occur:
– Impaired coordination and reaction time
– Increased heart rate and reddening of eyes
– Short term memory issues
– Anxiety or paranoid thoughts
– Dizziness or headaches
– Dry mouth and throat
– Respiratory irritation if smoked
Consuming too large a dose can increase the risk of unpleasant side effects. It’s important to drink plenty of water and start with a small amount until you understand your tolerance. Effects may last 4-12 hours depending on dosage and individual factors.
Is THC Infused Syrup Legal?
The legal status of THC infused syrup depends on your state laws regarding cannabis products. Here are some key legal considerations:
States Where Recreational Use is Legal
In states like California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and others where cannabis is fully legalized, THC syrup can be purchased from licensed dispensaries by adults 21 and over.
States with Medical Marijuana Programs
For states with medical marijuana laws in place, THC syrup may be purchased by registered patients from licensed dispensaries with a doctor’s recommendation.
States Where Marijuana is Completely Illegal
In states where cannabis is illegal for both recreational and medicinal use, THC syrup is considered an illegal controlled substance.
Transporting Across State Lines
It is illegal to transport cannabis products across state lines, even between two states where it is legal.
How to Store THC Infused Syrup
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the potency and shelf life of your cannabis infused syrup. Follow these tips:
– Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer
– Exposure to light and heat can degrade potency over time
– If frozen, allow to thaw completely before using
– Shake thoroughly before each use to evenly distribute THC
– Over time, syrup may start to separate -shake vigorously to recombine
– Write the date of production on the label
– Use within 5-6 months for best quality
– Keep safely away from children and pets
Signs Your Syrup Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your THC syrup has spoiled and should be discarded:
– Change in color or texture
– Visible mold growth
– Odd or unpleasant smell
– Expired best-by date
– Bottle hisses, bulges or leaks when opened
– Syrup has separated and vigorous shaking does not reincorporate
To maximize freshness, make only small batches you can use up within a couple months. Avoid contamination by sterilizing equipment and only using clean utensils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make THC syrup without cannabis?
No, THC syrup must contain actual cannabis extract or oil that contains the THC cannabinoid in order to provide the effects associated with marijuana. Simply making plain syrup will not produce THC effects.
What’s the shelf life of infused syrup?
If properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, THC syrup will maintain potency and quality for 5-6 months. The cool environment helps prevent degradation of THC and growth of mold.
Are there health risks to consuming THC syrup?
There are no known severe health risks, but overconsumption can lead to side effects like paranoia, anxiety, and altered mental status. It may pose increased risks for those with certain medical conditions.
Can kids safely take THC syrup?
No, THC can be harmful to childhood brain development. THC syrup should be kept safely away from children at all times. Exceptions may be made for epileptic children under medical guidance.
Does THC syrup get you less high than smoking cannabis?
No, properly dosed syrup can produce an equivalent level of psychoactivity. However, it comes on slower than smoking so it’s easier to control the intensity.
Can I fly with THC syrup?
No, the TSA prohibits flying with any marijuana products, even if traveling between two legal states. THC syrup could be confiscated if found at airport security.
Conclusion
THC infused syrup provides a tasty, convenient way to medicate with cannabis. The syrup format allows for precise dosing, simple use with a wide variety of foods and drinks, and sustained therapeutic effects. While useful for many conditions, overconsumption can lead to unwanted side effects so proper dosage is important, especially for beginners. When made and stored properly, syrup can be a shelf-stable alternative to smoking or vaping. Laws continue to evolve, so check your local regulations regarding medical and recreational cannabis use. Used responsibly, THC syrup can be an effective option for accessing the benefits of marijuana.
