CBD Syrup: Is “Weed Lean” the New “Purple Drank”?

We get it, Lil Wayne is your spirit animal and you totally want to get your “lean” on (legally). Luckily for us medical marijuana patients, we’re living through a revolutionary time in the history of cannabis innovation and science—a point proven by the creation of hemp and marijuana CBD syrups.

They’re growing in popularity, especially with young consumers, by replacing a similar but dangerous drink, lean (a.k.a. sizzurp or purple drank).

Haven’t heard of it, or lean? No problem, just continue reading and you’ll learn about this fascinating CBD 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 “crunk” (by crunk we mean medicinal relief). They’re therapeutic, medicinal, absolutely non-lethal and contain no adverse side effects.

As simple, natural cannabis and/or hemp derived mixtures, CBD syrups can treat a myriad of problems and conditions like insomnia, inflammation joint and muscle pains, seizures, anxiety, and opiate withdrawal from substances like codeine. They definitely get the job done.

Simply pour the desired amount of syrup 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; or get creative and pour some into a joint, infuse blunt wraps, or even vaporize it!

A Healthier Alternative to Lean 

This mixing method is identical to “lean” codeine concoctions, 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.

The main difference is that promethazine codeine can be dangerous, or even deadly, when abused. Lil Wayne himself has been hospitalized multiple times from drinking too much, 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. 

Like, come on people, those are not smart decisions, and by no means are we drawing any direct correlations between CBD syrup and codeine “lean” drinks in regards to their effects on the body. CBD is among the most harmless (in fact beneficial) substances available to everyday consumers, while the exact opposite can be said about lean.

With sizzurp’s decreasing popularity, CBD hemp syrups have come along to fill the void and are quickly gaining momentum, especially among the hip-hop community (and in turn, young cool kids) as a much safer, even healthy, alternative while still providing the same familiar ingestion method, and some of the sedating, calming effects.

This notion isn’t lost on the companies that produce CBD syrups.

Instead of just marketing their products purely as a medicinal syrups like Robitussin, brands like Cloud N9ne are capitalizing on this void left by lean, enlisting rapper Redman, a notoriously marijuana enthusiast, as a celebrity endorser.

Even Actabliss has teamed up with rapper Riff Raff in a promotional contest to find who can design the most flamboyant and original cup from which to sip your CBD lean.

What’s Hot in CBD Syrups

Cannabis CBD syrups and liquid THC drinks are now highly popular and can be found in almost any medical marijuana dispensary. But like just about anything, some brands are better, or at least more well-known, than others. Some of the more popular brand name hemp and weed lean syrups include:

• Actabliss: based in San Diego, available in THC with CBD 2oz. bottles (higher THC and pure CBD coming soon).
• Cannabinoid Creations: hemp based syrups available in grape or cherry, each in AM or PM form.
• Cannavis Syrup: organic THC syrup handcrafted and made in small batches; available in eight fruity flavors (CBD syrup coming soon).
• Cloud N9ne Syrup: contains 60mg of Charlotte’s Web & AC/DC CBD strains in every bottle and absolutely no THC.
• Dreem CBD: comes in grape flavored AM & HD (daytime) 60mg & 200mg bottles
• Slactavis: THC & CBD syrups offered in 350mg, 1,500mg, 2,000mg & 6,000mg bottles (the strongest available), packaging more similar to cough medicine.
• Tree Lean: has 1,000mg of raw, blue agave THC infused syrup; available in seven flavors.

Of these seven, Cloud N9ne has become one of the most popular brands turning out CBD lean syrup. This is partly because the stuff has no THC, and in fact, doesn’t even have a CBD dose to classify it as real medical cannabis, making it legally available if you’re at least 18.

Featuring colorful flavors like watermelon, blueberry, grape and cherry, Cloud N9ne’s infused syrups are perfect for anxiety, insomnia, and pain relief, but can’t promise to provide the same level of effects as a true, cannabis-derived CBD drink would.

The company calls it a “hemp syrup,” though hemp contains cannabidiol (CBD) levels that are too low to be beneficial, which has about 64mg of (presumably hemp) CBD in each bottle. It also lists CBD-dominant strains AC/DC and Charlotte’s Web (created by crossbreeding with hemp) as ingredients, along with nine powerful, all-natural herbs.  

However, the syrup’s specific ingredient amounts and ratios remain unknown; we assume its legal because the two practically pure CBD strains have been diluted with hemp and are listed in name only. 

So how does Cloud N9ne produce its relaxing effects while seemingly lacking the potency to do it? This content confusion leaves the reason(s) for feeling high up in the air.   

Could it just be a placebo effect? After all, other hemp-derived CBD products are marketed as being “available in all fifty states” and are thus nothing more than a dietary supplement with limited scientific evidence to back up any claims.

CBD vs. THC Syrups 

Cannabis products richer in CBD (or Cannabidiol), a cannabinoid found in all cannabis, are generally more calming and relaxing than THC and provide significant 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 will afford you the real medical benefits of CBD. Of course, you’ll need a recommendation from a doctor if you hope to purchase such products legally.

For those seeking the “stoned” sensation, or just want something stronger with real psychoactivity, THC-infused syrups and drinks are also becoming just as common.

Companies like Baked Bros, winners of High Times’ Cannabis Cup and many other awards, are making high-quality pourable weed syrups that will surely spice up your sodas and leave you leaning. Their 300mg and 600mg bottles are available in grape, cherry, strawberry kiwi, mango, and watermelon flavors.

But seriously, be careful with those kind of dose amounts, as even 300mg THC is enough to put even the most seasoned cannabis vet on their ass.

Some of these syrup products, like the marijuana they are derived from, 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.

Another common emerging product, liquid THC/CBD drinks, are similar in that they combine hemp-derived CBD or THC oil with a beverage. Drinks like Venice Cookie Co.’s “Cannabis Quenchers” are vegan/gluten-free and provide heavy pain relief, available in THC and CBD with a variety of ten complex flavors, including CBD mango.

Where Can You Buy CBD Syrup? 

Where is Cloud N9ne syrup for sale? How much does it cost? On average, a 4 oz bottle of CBD syrup will cost you $30-40. But remember, these hemp-only CBD drinks aren’t what you’ll find on cannabis dispensary shelves. In fact, you’re more likely to find them on the shelves of your nearest grocery store.

If you are looking for real, 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 this stuff (and you live in California), you can order from a wide selection of cannabis dispensaries online at getnugg.com.

How Much Should I Drink? 

Remember, dosage depends on the type of CBD you’re taking. If it’s a hemp CBD syrup like Cloud N9ne, you don’t need to worry about THC (but should be aware of other ingredients intended to produce similar effects), and even if you downed the whole bottle, you still wouldn’t be getting a high-enough dose of CBD to be considered a “medical” product.

If you’re trying a syrup that has THC like Actabliss, it’s best to start slow and low then work your way up from there.

We also advise you do some research in advance, and always pay attention to how many milligrams of CBD and/or THC it contains. Read product reviews online, ask your friends, consult with the budtender taking your order (whether it be through an online delivery platform like Nugg or at a storefront dispensary), or even go so far as to ask your primary physician what he or she thinks.

Of course, that last suggestion is not an option for most of us, which is why NuggMD allows you to safely connect with a licensed, pro-cannabis doctor online to get your recommendation or medical marijuana card.

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!

Testimonials 

“I like how [CBD syrup] isn’t a drug, although I was still expecting it to feel more like a high. It serves its purpose and it is a very relaxing and euphoric experience, and in its own bracket it’s flawless. It’s not what I expected but it’s definitely worth a try.” —James D.

“I was skeptical at first, but saw so much hype on [Cloud N9ne’s] twitter account from people saying they love it, I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. Not only does it taste good, I was super relaxed and feeling good…Shockingly it seems to be working better and better for me than my prescription for anxiety. I will definitely be buying more when I run out!” —Nicole B.

“I’m a long time customer of [CBD] syrup. I have COPD which happens to be a respiratory disease…[it] has in fact helped with relief of pressure as I live with a feeling of a rubber band around my chest.” —Peter C.

Final Thoughts 

As CBD syrups continue to grow in popularity as a legal, THC-free substitute to opiates, alcohol, high sugar energy drinks and even coffee, more companies/brands are popping up trying to capitalize on this vacancy.

Some are clearly doing so to provide pain relief for those who don’t have access to insurance, or even a med marijuana card, while others are simply trying to profit from these sick by promoting a panacea that’s actually a placebo. 

The world is a crazy place, but luckily you’ve got people like us to fill the knowledge gap so that you can make a purchase decision that aligns with your preferences and interests.