When you think about syrup, three things come to mind: simply syrup, cough syrup, and pancake syrup. Liquify sugar and you can call anything syrup. The cannabidiol version combines the popular hemp-based supplement with added sleep-inducing ingredients like melatonin.
Every time you turn the corner, it seems like there’s a new product showing up on the scene – but hear us out on syrup. As a liquid, this delivery method is a dream come true for people who don’t enjoy smoking cannabis or swallowing capsules. Additionally, drinking a spoonful of syrup before bed could improve your anxiety and sleep.
What are the best syrups? To save you time, we picked the top brands worth trying. If you’re sensitive to smoke, don’t like the taste of hemp, or prefer to drink infused beverages, this small yet satisfying list of the best syrups is sure to hit the spot.
What Is CBD Syrup?
Syrup is an easier way to consume cannabidiol. Most syrups are sold as nighttime supplements with the addition of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone in the brain responsible for regulating sleep cycles.
As an alternative to vaping or smoking flower, syrup is a sweetened liquid that tastes good and still has antianxiety and sleep-inducing properties of CBD.
Although syrup looks and tastes similar to cough syrup, it’s generally used as a sleep supplement. Some people also use simple syrup as an add-on in other beverages, such as tea, coffee, smoothies, and more.
The appeal of syrup has to do with it being easy to swallow. People with sensitive throats and lungs may find it easier to consume extract this way. You can find syrup in familiar flavors like grape and cherry which is reminiscent of cough syrup, but again, they’re completely different.
For some people, CBD syrup is too sweet. Many brands add sugar for taste and glycol as a thickening agent. However, drinking a sweetened infused beverage before bed may not be the healthiest option for everyone.
Syrup is an oddball product that’s fairly new to the market. Preference plays a huge role in this debate. You may find it useful, others not so much.
Why Do People Use CBD Syrup? Is CBD Syrup an Alternative to “Lean?”
Along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is a common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is non-intoxicating and doesn’t make you “high” like THC. While we’re debunking myths, syrup isn’t the same thing as lean, also known as “purple drank.” Lean is made by mixing prescription grade cough syrup with soda and other sugary beverages. Still, some people may seek out syrup as a healthier alternative to lean or cough syrup. Cannabidiol is non-addictive, unlike some of the cough syrup in the traditional concoction.
However, lots of people seem to enjoy syrup for a variety of other reasons, especially as a sleep aid. While it’s not cough syrup, some customers report that it feels soothing for a cold or scratchy throat. For people giving this compound to kids, sweet liquid supplements have an obvious appeal as well. Of course, it’s especially important to consult a doctor before giving it to young people.
Is CBD Syrup Safe? Is it Legal?
CBD is widely considered safe with no potential for addiction. Side effects are rare, but can happen.
However, compared to most medications, CBD has fewer side effects. You may feel tired or have a dry mouth after drinking syrup. But if you’re taking syrup before bed for sleep, drowsiness shouldn’t be an issue!
Some people do report feeling mild aftereffects after taking CBD, such as drowsiness the next day. Melatonin, though also fairly safe, can make people feel too drowsy sometimes, including after waking up. If that’s the case for you, we recommend trying a lower dose.
Hemp-derived cannabidiol is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. That’s a tiny amount, much less than the amount needed to make people feel the “high” associated with marijuana. Currently, the FDA has no guidelines in place for hemp brands to follow. As a result, mislabeled and even fake products abound. To ensure you’re buying from ethical companies, only purchase from reputable brands. It’s essential to do your research by checking reviews on sites like ours and making sure the brand offers third-party lab results. That way, you can verify the CBD potency and feel safe knowing you’re not consuming a product with contaminants, such as pesticides.
Potential Benefits of CBD Syrup
Cannabidiol is commonly used to reduce pain, anxiety, and improve sleep. Here’s a list of the potential benefits of drinking CBD syrup:
- Improved sleep: Studies have already highlighted the therapeutic benefits of CBD for sleep. Since some syrup includes melatonin, it’s even more likely to promote better rest.
- Less anxiety: People with high anxiety can try CBD syrup for its calming and relaxing effects. Drinking syrup may soothe your worries if you’re prone to nighttime stress.
- Easier to dose: CBD gummies or vapes can be harder to dose. These delivery methods aren’t as straightforward as syrup. Simply open the bottle, pour onto a measuring spoon, and enjoy!
