Lolly Janes: How to Make Weed Lollipops

The world of weed continues to expand, and edibles may be the best example of the nearly endless possibilities. Edibles have significantly diversified over the past few decades. Once limited to just a few options, edibles now cover almost every food and beverage while expanding into other consumables, including infused ingredients, oils, tinctures, and powders.¹ Edibles are one of the most diverse and popular consumption options today. People love edibles for their range of choices and the discretion it provides. Grab an edible on the go, and no one will be any wiser than your handheld meal, snack, or drink comes with a zest of the good green stuff. 

Weed lollipops are one example of the booming edible market. Variations of CBD and THC suckers have been around for some time, representing the constant refinement of infused edibles. Like most old-era edibles, pot lollipops used to taste a bit funky, with the food or drink's flavor cut by a prominent weedy taste. But today, weed lollipops and numerous other edibles have found a flavor-potency balance that allows big brands and at-home producers to create delicious, potent edibles. 

Read on to learn how you can make your own infused CBD and THC lollipops at home.

What are Cannabis Lollipops?

Before we get to making our weed suckers at home, let's take a quick second to recognize the unique position weed lollipops and other sucker-type edibles fall into and how they got there. 

Unlike standard edibles, weed lollipops aren't absorbed the same way. Your typical infused food or beverage is consumed through the digestive system and metabolized in the liver. Infused lollipops instead offer two consumption methods in one experience. Pieces of the pop will travel down the traditional edible pathway when swallowed. But before the lollipop is eaten, it is consumed sublingually, a process where cannabis compounds are consumed through the mouth's mucous membranes. Unlike the digestive system, which typically takes 30 to 120 minutes for effects to be felt, a sublingual like a CBD or THC-infused lollipop offers a more rapid onset effect, often kicking in at around 15 minutes.^2,3,4 

Other than the infusion of cannabis, weed lollipops are the same as standard suckers. If you have any ingredient preferences, check for those before buying.

What Are the Effects of THC Lollipops?

Once a weed edible like a lollipop takes effect, the consumer will experience the results of a somewhat unique two-pronged experience. The sublingual will hit first, providing effects lasting two to three hours in most cases. In most cases, edibles will come in anywhere from 15 to 105 minutes afterward, often lasting six to eight hours.^3,4 

This unique consumption experience may lead some to believe that weed lollipops offer a double dose of weed in every pop. That isn't actually the case. Instead, an infused lollipop and other items may provide a more rapid onset effect via the sublingual. At the same time, the traditional edible helps extend the effects several hours longer than a sublingual typically would.

Why Make THC Suckers?

Making edibles at home is an excellent way for someone to make lollipops and other items just how they like. These and other benefits of making weed lollipops and other edibles at home include:

• Customization: From creating unique flavor profiles to having control of what ingredients are used, making weed suckers at home gives you the ultimate control over what you make and consume.
• Cost-Effective: Making edibles at home can become cost-effective if you manage your ingredients and produce enough edibles at home to offset the cost and taxes associated with dispensary options. 
• Fun and Educational: Making edibles is like an adult home economics class, where you learn hands-on how to make edibles and discover how the plant fits into the equation. Plus, you get to eat the stuff you make at the end.
• Gifts: Many states allow people to make and gift cannabis and infused products. If your state allows, you can hand out your weed lollipops and spread the love. 
• Discretion: Edibles are a way to consume without anyone knowing. Unlike a vaped or smoked option, edibles let you take in your THC or CBD, all while looking like you're having a quick bite or drink. 
• Smoke-Free: Many are concerned about the effects of cannabis smoke, with numerous also weary of vaping. Those worried about any possible adverse impact on the lungs, throat, or otherwise often turn to edibles to experience the plant's potential effects.¹

What You'll Need to Make THC Lollipops

Making your own weed lollipops is fun, educational, and pretty straightforward. To make your own infused suckers, have the following on hand:

• Infused Cannabis Tincture or Oil
• Sugar
• Corn Syrup
• Flavorings (Your preferred flavored extracts or oils)
• Cooking Thermometer 
• Lollipop Molds
• Parchment Paper

Those with dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free, should plan accordingly, substituting any necessary ingredients. For example, agar powder or pectin can be used to replace animal-derived gelatin edibles. Those making gluten-free lollipops may want to try xanthan gum to give our edibles the same texture gluten creates. Those looking to keep processed sugar out of their edibles may want to try maple syrup or agave nectar.

How To Make Weed Suckers at Home

Now that you've got the ingredients, it's time to make your weed suckers:

1. Decarboxylate: Decarbing, or heating your weed, converts the plant into the cannabinoid needed to get high, THC. This process is often done in an oven or using a weed-specific decarboxylation device. 
2. Prepare the Mixture: Combine your sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Heat the pan on medium heat, stirring the ingredients until the sugar dissolves. From there, allow the ingredients to form over the heat without further mixing. 
3. Monitor the Mix: Watch for the mixture to reach 300F. Then, immediately remove from heat. Allow the mix and pot to cool on an unheated surface. 
4. Add Color: If using color, add your preferred colors to the mixture. Keep in mind that gel and dye colors require different approaches. Gels should be dipped and swirled into the mixture using a toothpick. Dyes require a less precise hand, adding in just a few drops. 
5. Infuse Your Lollipops: Add your infused oil or tincture to the mix. Any additional flavors should also be added at this stage. Stir quickly once added to the pot. 
6. Molding: Pour your cooled liquid into the molds. Once poured, insert a stick into the center of the mold's opening, allowing the mixture to cool further and form into a shaped lollipop. 
7. Enjoy: Once formed, you can take the sucker from the mold and enjoy. Or, wrap your lollipops in food-safe single-item packaging and store them in a cool, dark place for whenever you're ready to enjoy or gift them.

What To Look For When Buying Weed Lollipops

When buying infused lollipops, be on the lookout for a few factors that may influence which sucker is satisfactory to you:

1. Ingredients: Look for lollipops made from the ingredients you'd prefer or need to consume. 
2. Reviews: Read consumer reviews for an idea of what to expect. Look for feedback on flavor, effects, consistency, price, and other critical factors. 
3. Potency and Profile: Consider the product's cannabinoid profile and THC potency for an idea of the effects you'll receive and how intense they may be.

References

1. Spindle TR, Bonn-Miller MO, Vandrey R. Changing landscape of cannabis: novel products, formulations, and methods of administration. Curr Opin Psychol. 2019;30:98-102. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.04.002 ↩︎
2. Barrus DG, Capogrossi KL, Cates SC, et al. Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles. Methods Rep RTI Press. 2016;2016:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611. doi:10.3768/rtipress.2016.op.0035.1611 ↩︎
3. Lucas CJ, Galettis P, Schneider J. The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Nov;84(11):2477-2482. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13710. Epub 2018 Aug 7. PMID: 30001569; PMCID: PMC6177698. ↩︎
4. MacCallum CA, Lo LA, Pistawka CA, Boivin M. A Clinical Framework for Evaluating Cannabis Product Quality and Safety. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023;8(3):567-574. doi:10.1089/can.2021.0137 ↩︎

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.