This cannabis syrup THC lean recipe from Herbistry420 turns a basic simple syrup into a versatile cannabis infusion using decarbed weed, vegetable glycerin, and citric acid. The result is a smooth, pourable canna syrup recipe with vegetable glycerin that blends seamlessly into beverages, cocktails, lemonades, and desserts. Fordee estimates approximately 17 mg THC per tablespoon using 5 grams of decarbed cannabis per batch.
What Is a Cannabis Syrup THC Lean Recipe?
A cannabis syrup THC lean recipe is a water and sugar-based infusion that uses vegetable glycerin as a THC binder instead of fat. Unlike cannabutter or infused oil, canna syrup is water-soluble and mixes into cold and hot beverages without floating or separating. This makes cannabis syrup for cocktails, teas, and lemonades far more practical than oil-based infusions. THC lean is the street name for lean-style syrups made with cannabis instead of prescription cough syrup.
Ingredients for This Cannabis Syrup THC Lean Recipe
- 470 ml (2 cups) water
- 400g (2 cups) white sugar — a 1:1 ratio with water; use 2:1 for a thicker syrup
- 5g decarbed cannabis (approximately 17 mg THC per tablespoon at ~18% THC strain)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
- ¼ teaspoon citric acid (added at the end as a preservative and flavour brightener)
- Cheesecloth and a funnel for straining into bottles
How to Make Cannabis Syrup THC Lean in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: Combine Water and Sugar
Add 470 ml of water to a saucepan over high heat. Pour in 400g of sugar and stir to dissolve. The sugar will fully dissolve before the mixture reaches a simmer — do not rush with high heat or the syrup can crystallise. This is the base of your cannabis simple syrup dosage calculation — the ratio of sugar to water affects both consistency and THC concentration per serving.
Step 2: Add Vegetable Glycerin
Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin to the pot. Vegetable glycerin is not the strongest THC binder (fat is better), but it makes the canna syrup recipe with vegetable glycerin water-miscible — meaning it blends into drinks without separation. Stir it in while the mixture is still warming.
Step 3: Add Decarbed Cannabis and Simmer
Remove the decarbed cannabis from the freezer — storing it cold prevents sticking to the jar. Tip it directly into the pot. Stir to incorporate. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously), then reduce to medium-low heat. Stir continuously for 15 minutes, keeping the temperature at a light simmer. Watch carefully — once the pot gets hot, it can rapidly go from simmer to boil. Remove from the burner briefly if it starts boiling too hard.
Step 4: Cool and Add Citric Acid
After 15 minutes of simmering, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, stir in ¼ teaspoon of citric acid. Citric acid acts as a natural preservative and adds a subtle brightness to the flavour of the THC lean homemade syrup. Do not add it while boiling — high heat can degrade it.
Step 5: Strain and Bottle
Line a funnel with cheesecloth over a clean bottle or mason jar. Pour the syrup through slowly, letting the cheesecloth catch all the plant matter. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract the remaining syrup. Bottle and seal. The leftover cannabis pulp from the cheesecloth can be saved and used in baked goods — do not throw it away. Store your cannabis syrup for cocktails in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Cannabis Simple Syrup Dosage Notes
Fordee used 5 grams of decarbed cannabis (estimated ~18% THC) in this batch. His conservative cannabis simple syrup dosage estimate is approximately 17 mg THC per tablespoon. He notes the actual potency may be slightly higher. For a weaker syrup, use less cannabis or a lower-THC strain. For a stronger syrup, use more cannabis per 470ml of water — the ratio of water to sugar stays the same.
Tip: When you first make a new batch, test with 1 tablespoon (one serving). Wait 90 minutes to assess potency before taking more.
Uses for Cannabis Syrup for Cocktails and Beverages
- Stir into lemonade, iced tea, or fruit punch
- Add to cannabis syrup for cocktails — margaritas, mojitos, daiquiris
- Drizzle over fruit salad or yogurt
- Use to moisten cake layers before frosting
- Mix into cannabis sorbet or ice cream base
Frequently Asked Questions
Does glycerin bind THC as well as butter or oil?
No. Fat (butter, coconut oil, MCT oil) is a much stronger THC binder than vegetable glycerin. The canna syrup recipe with vegetable glycerin sacrifices some potency in exchange for water solubility. If maximum potency is the goal, infused oil or cannabutter are more efficient. Cannabis syrup excels in beverages where fat would separate or leave an oily film.
Can I use a 2:1 sugar to water ratio?
Yes. A 2:1 ratio (800g sugar to 470ml water) creates a thicker, more viscous cannabis simple syrup. This is closer to traditional bar-style “rich simple syrup.” The THC lean homemade syrup will pour more slowly and have a slightly sweeter flavour per tablespoon. The dosage stays roughly the same per tablespoon since THC amount does not change.
How long does cannabis syrup keep?
Stored in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator, this cannabis syrup THC lean recipe keeps for up to 4 weeks. The citric acid acts as a mild preservative. If the syrup develops an off smell, cloudiness, or mould, discard it. For longer storage, freeze the syrup in small portions — ice cube trays work well for pre-measured cannabis simple syrup dosage servings.
References
- Cannabis Edibles: Effects, Dosing, and Safety — Healthline
- Cannabis Edible — Wikipedia
- About Cannabis — Health Canada
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