We get it: Lil Wayne is your spirit animal, and you want to get your “lean” on (legally). Luckily for us medical cannabis patients, we’re living through a revolutionary time in the history of cannabis innovation and science—a point proven by the creation of hemp CBD syrups.
They’re growing in popularity, especially with young consumers, because they replace a similar but dangerous drink, the codeine mixture lean (a.k.a. sizzurp or purple drank).
Haven’t heard of THC or CBD syrup?
Keep scrolling to learn more about this fascinating cannabis incarnation, including the different types of syrups, how they became popular, where to get them, the difference between hemp and cannabis CBD, and more!
CBD Syrup: A New Way to Find Relief
CBD products like syrups are a new, easy, and incognito way to get medicinal relief. They’re therapeutic, medicinal, non-lethal, and contain little to no adverse side effects for a majority of consumers.
As simple, natural cannabis or hemp-derived mixtures, CBD syrups are often used by consumers in an attempt to find relief from a myriad of problems and conditions like insomnia, inflammation, joint and muscle pains, seizures, anxiety, and opiate withdrawal (including from substances like codeine, used in the original, non-CBD "lean").
How is CBD syrup typically consumed?
Simply pour the desired dose into your beverage of choice, usually a fruity-flavored carbonated soda like Sprite or Fanta, add some ice (or even a Jolly Rancher for extra flavor), mix it up a bit, and enjoy.
While most patients prefer using this diluted method as the easiest method of consumption, others simply ingest the non-psychoactive syrup as you would any liquid medicine.
A Healthier Alternative to Lean
This mixing method for CBD syrup is similar to “lean,” also known as sizzurp or purple drank, popularized by rappers like Lil Wayne, A$AP Ferg, and Three 6 Mafia, whose hit “Sippin on Some Sizzurp” made the drink more publicly known and socially acceptable.
Except where "lean" is made with codeine - an addictive opioid that can result in a potentially deadly overdose - CBD syrup is made with natural cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp varieties of cannabis.
While CBD syrup won't result in the intoxicating effects of "lean," and THC syrup is tamer than the illicit version that uses promethazine codeine, the two cannabis-derived options offer consumers a safer, less addictive alternative.
Lil Wayne himself has been hospitalized multiple times from drinking too much codeine-concocted purple drank, and he’s been lucky worse hasn’t happened. DJ Screw, the Houston, Texas DJ/producer known for his pioneering “Chopped & Screwed” method of slowing down and mixing hip-hop tracks, died of a codeine overdose due to mixing lean with valium and PCP.
CBD is often considered one of the most harmless substances available to everyday consumers, while lean has been linked to numerous hospitalizations and deaths.
What’s Hot in CBD Syrups
Unfortunately, CBD syrups and liquid CBD drinks are not extremely popular and may be challenging to find. In addition, not all brands offer the same quality, variety, or name recognition. It is best to look for brands that can validate that their products have gone through third-party testing, especially for products sold outside a licensed dispensary.
CBD vs. THC Syrups
Cannabis products richer in CBD, a cannabinoid found in all cannabis, are generally more calming and relaxing than THC and have been linked to a wide range of medical benefits without the heavy “stoned” sensation commonly associated with THC.
Indeed, there are some legitimate, high-CBD syrups out there on the market in states where medical cannabis is legal and which claim to afford users the full benefits of CBD. Of course, you’ll need a recommendation from a medical cannabis doctor if you hope to purchase such products legally.
For those seeking cannabis syrup with the well-known intoxicating effects of THC, THC-infused syrups and drinks are becoming just as common as their CBD counterparts. Some brands available in legal cannabis states include:
- Adabinol: Made and sold only in Oregon, Adabinol comes in six flavors and contains 1000mg in an 8oz bottle.
- Cannavis Syrup: Available in 2oz bottles with up to 1000mg THC, Cannavis’ THC syrup is made in small batches and comes in eight fruity flavors.
- Lime: Made with live resin and either 500mg or 1000mg of THC, Lime’s cannabis syrup comes in twelve flavors. Consumers can choose from four flavors in each category: indica, sativa, and hybrid.
Some of these syrup products may contain a mixture of CBD and THC. Different ratios of each will provide different effects, so it’s best to experiment in small doses with each until you find what works for you.
If you decide to try THC products, make sure you do so responsibly. If you do dabble and find you have a drug test coming up, here are a few quick tips on how to pass a drug test, too. If you already know you have one coming up, your safest option is to stick with CBD-only products.
Where Can You Buy CBD Syrup?
If you are looking for genuine, cannabis-derived CBD products, the best place to locate CBD syrup is at legal cannabis dispensaries in your area, in states where cannabis-derived syrups are available.
If you’re looking for an even easier way to get your hands on CBD and THC syrups (and you live in California), you can order delivery from a wide selection of cannabis dispensaries.
How Much Should I Drink?
Remember, dosage depends on the type of CBD you’re taking. If you’re trying a syrup that has THC, it’s best to start slow and low, then work your way up from there. THC edibles and drinks can hit hard and last longer than smoked cannabis products.
We also advise you to research in advance and always pay attention to how many milligrams of CBD and THC a product contains. Read product reviews online, ask your friends, consult with the budtender taking your order (whether through an online delivery platform or at a storefront dispensary), or even ask your primary physician what they think.
Of course, talking to your doctor about cannabis can be intimidating for many of us, which is why NuggMD allows you to safely connect with a licensed, pro-cannabis doctor online to get your medical marijuana recommendation.
The evaluation process offers you an opportunity to ask a friendly and knowledgeable MMJ doctor any and all questions you might have related to using medical cannabis to treat your stress, anxiety, and any other problems!
Final Thoughts
As CBD syrups continue to grow in popularity as a legal, THC-free substitute to alcohol, high-sugar energy drinks, and even coffee, more brands are popping up trying to capitalize on this vacancy.
The best thing you can do as a consumer is to research and find a brand that is transparent about its processes and aligns with your preferences and interests.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
