Top 4 CBD Syrups
Best of 2023

Olivia Walters Updated on December 30, 2022 Affiliate Disclosure Some links are specifically formatted for which we may receive a commission on resulting sales or clicks from affiliate partners (“Affiliate Links”).

Most syrups are sold as nighttime supplements with the addition of melatonin, a naturally-occurring hormone in the brain responsible for regulating sleep cycles.

When you think about CBD syrup, three things come to mind: simply syrup, cough syrup, and pancake syrup. Liquify sugar and you can call anything syrup. The CBD 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 CBD product showing up to the scene – but hear us out on CBD 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 CBD syrup before bed could improve your anxiety and sleep.

What are the best CBD 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 CBD-infused beverages, this small yet satisfying list of the best CBD syrups is sure to hit the spot.

What Is CBD Syrup?

CBD syrup is an easier way to consume cannabidiol (CBD). Most CBD 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, CBD syrup is a sweetened liquid that tastes good and still has anti-anxiety and sleep-inducing properties of CBD.

Although CBD syrup looks and tastes similar to cough syrup, it’s generally used as a sleep supplement. Some people also use CBD simple syrup as an add-on in other beverages, such as tea, coffee, smoothies, and more.

The appeal of CBD syrup has to do with it being easy to swallow. People with sensitive throats and lungs may find it easier to consume CBD this way. You can find CBD 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 CBD-infused beverage before bed may not be the healthiest option for everyone.

CBD 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. CBD is non-intoxicating and doesn’t make you “high” like THC. While we’re debunking myths, CBD 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 CBD syrup as a healthier alternative to lean or cough syrup. CBD is non-addictive, unlike some of the cough syrup in the traditional concoction.

However, lots of people seem to enjoy CBD 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 CBD to kids, sweet liquid supplements have an obvious appeal as well. Of course, it’s especially important to consult a doctor before giving CBD to young people.

While CBD syrup is a unique product, some may prefer it to a capsule or smoking in order to help them get a better night’s sleep.

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 CBD syrup. But if you’re taking CBD 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 CBD 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

CBD 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 CBD 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 CBD 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 CBD syrup. Simply open the bottle, pour onto a measuring spoon, and enjoy!

Our Criteria for the Best CBD Syrup

  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA) – This is the surest way to guarantee your safety and investment. Brands with published third-party lab results give buyers greater peace of mind. When you can verify CBD potency, you know you’re getting exactly what’s advertised on the label. Every brand listed above features a CoA. Never buy CBD syrup from brands that omit this information.
  • Extract Type – CBD products are sold in one of three ways: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum contains less than 0.3% THC while broad-spectrum has zero THC but includes whole-plant hemp cannabinoids like CBN and CBG. CBD isolate is just what it sounds like – just CBD! Some people report more benefits from broad- or full-spectrum products, but most CBD syrup is made with isolate.
  • Potency – To determine how potent your CBD syrup is, check the label for the milligram (mg) number. Of the brands listed above, 200mg is the highest CBD syrup we found. Of course, CBD potency can be higher – anywhere from 200mg to 1,000mg – but these are usually from other consumption methods, such as CBD oils (tinctures).
  • Ingredients – CBD syrup is made with other ingredients, such as sugar, glycol, and flavoring. People with diabetes may want to avoid CBD syrup because of its high sugar content. Not to mention, it’s worth checking out where companies source their industrial hemp.

Olivia Walters

Olivia Walters is a journalist in Portland, OR. Olivia writes for cannabis publications and clients so she can bewitch the world with feminist and educational messages. She has a passion for women’s health and believes cannabis can help women take care of themselves. For Olivia, cannabis is a path to deeper, proactive discussions about health, culture, and femininity. For more information, find Olivia on LinkedIn.

Frequently Asked Questions

It varies from brand to brand, but the average seems to be around $20. Nature’s Script sells a 100mg CBD syrup for $19.99.