Many people who are passionate about cannabis search for new and interesting ways to consume it besides regular smoking. One of those options is making a THC syrup, which is a versatile liquid that can be used to mix into a cannabis-infused beverage as an ingredient enhancement or as a base for all sorts of different kinds of cannabis-infused recipes. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making THC syrup, including a list of ingredients required, the advantages of using this syrup as an infusion type, and some safety concerns to take into consideration when making your own homemade THC infusion.

What Is THC Syrup?

THC-infused syrup is a liquid that uses THC-extraction combined with sweetness. It can be consumed as an infusion in a drink, mocktail, dessert, or just as a medication, depending on the way in which you use it and the amount you consume.

Compared to ordinary flavored syrups, THC-infused syrups are often compared for their sweet flavor and how easily they can mix with other liquids. However, when consuming THC-infused syrup, it is important to note that it will produce different levels of psychoactive properties based on how much THC is consumed and how much is in the syrup.

It is important to note that some tinctures and THC cough syrups sold at dispensaries will have completely different ingredients from each other. Additionally, they can be prepared in different ways, either by creating an infusion based on strength or flavour. 

By creating your infusion at home, you can create your infusion based on what you want and what you don’t want.

Why Make THC Syrup at Home?

Benefiting from the home-made THC syrup can do the following: 

Flexible Selection of Ingredients

You can use any combination of sweeteners, flavours*, and types of cannabis you desire when making syrup.*

Ability to Adjust Strength of THC

Making a THC syrup at home will allow you to create a syrup with whatever amount of THC you desire, based on how much THC you can afford with the tools available to you and based on your preferences. 

Variable Use of Consumption

Your THC syrup can be consumed in the form of a soft drink, juice, tea, smoothie, mocktail, or dessert.

Non-Smoking or Vaping Method of Consumption

If you would like to consume THC and do not want to smoke or vape it, one way you could do so is with a homemade syrup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make syrup, you’ll need the following items:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup of sugar (or another type of sweetener)
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin
• Decarbed cannabis or a THC tincture
• Flavoring extracts (optional)
• Saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• A glass jar or bottle for storage

Step 1: Decarboxylation of your Cannabis:

Decarboxylation activates the THC in cannabis, making it effective for infusion.

How to Decarb Cannabis?

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). 
2. Break off small pieces of the cannabis flower.
3. Make sure they are evenly spaced on a baking sheet. 
4. Place them in the oven for approximately 30-40 minutes. 
5. Leave the cannabis to cool completely.

This process converts THCA into active THC, which is essential for the intended effects of THC syrup. 

Step 2: Create the Syrup Base

In a saucepan:

• Combine one cup each of sugar and water in a saucepan. 
• Heat over medium-low heat while continuously stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved. 
• Add vegetable glycerin for improved texture and improved binding of cannabinoids.
  
  

When heating this mixture, do not aggressively boil the mixture; this will cause negative effects on the final product. 

Step 3: Infusing THC into Syrup

Once you have finished preparing your syrup base, you can add decarboxylated marijuana. You want to use low heat to keep your syrup from burning or woefully overcooked. Simmer the two together for approximately 20-30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

If you are using THC tincture instead of marijuana flower as a source of THC, then you can add it after you remove the syrup from direct heat for a more accurate measurement of potency.

This infusion step is the most important step because it is what will turn your regular syrup into a cannabis-infused THC syrup.

Step 4: Use a Cheesecloth to Strain

After you infuse your syrup with marijuana, you can remove the pan from the stovetop, allow it to cool somewhat, and then use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the syrup from the plant material in the pot to collect your homemade THC syrup.

Be sure to squeeze as much liquid out of the plant material as possible.

Step 5: Consider Adding Flavoring & Storing the Syrup

Some things can improve the taste of your cannabis-infused THC syrup:

• Vanilla extract
• Cherry-flavored syrup
• Extracts from berries
• Citrus flavors
• Mint extract

Many of the commercial THC lean syrups use fruit-based flavor profiles to create a pleasant and enjoyable experience for those who consume them.

Once you have completed your syrup, you are ready to fill a clean glass bottle with the finished product and store it in the refrigerator.

How to Use THC Syrup

There are a few different ways that you can use THC syrup:

• Soda or sparkling water
• Tea or coffee
• Smoothies
• Desserts
• Mocktails

Because people react differently to consuming marijuana, start with a small dose (for example, 1 teaspoon) and wait 1-2 hours before you take more.

How Long Does THC Syrup Last?

If your homemade THC syrup has been maintained in proper temperature conditions, it will have a shelf life of several weeks.

Proper handling of your syrup can help prolong its optimal quality by following these instructions:

• Keep in an airtight storage container. (For storing syrup.)
• Store in the refrigerator.
• Protect the syrup from direct light.
• Mark the date you made the syrup.

Important Safety Tips

Prior to the consumption of homemade THC syrup, you should do the following: 

• Begin with a low dose; 
• Keep out of reach of children and pets; 
• Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming. 
• Be aware of the current cannabis laws in your area. 
• Use caution when consuming. 

As homemade THC syrup can differ in strength, it is wise to dose carefully.

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Final Thoughts

A great way cannabis enthusiasts can try out cannabis-infused foods/drinks is by making their own syrups; when done correctly, it makes it very simple to create your very own infused THC syrup right from the comfort of your own home. 

Using correct preparation methods and quality ingredients, you can create a THC-infused “lean” syrup with added flavours.

Like most cannabis products, the creation of this product is founded on responsible and sensible consumption of the product to ensure a pleasant experience while consuming the finished product. To get your product, visit State of Mind today!