Cannabis Simple Syrup Recipe: How to Make Infused Syrup for Drinks, Desserts, and Edibles

Edibles / Stoner Strategies

Cannabis simple syrup is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to infuse THC or CBD into your food and drinks. Whether you want to elevate cocktails, sweeten tea, or add a controlled dose to desserts, learning how to make cannabis simple syrup gives you a flexible, beginner-friendly edible base.

In this guide, Cannabis Simple Syrup Recipe: How to Make Infused Syrup for Drinks, Desserts, and Edibles, we’ll walk through a step-by-step cannabis simple syrup recipe, dosing basics, and how to use it safely and effectively.

What Is Cannabis Simple Syrup?

Cannabis simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by combining sugar, water, and cannabis-infused fat or tincture.

Unlike cannabutter, syrup mixes easily into drinks, making it ideal for:

• Cocktails and mocktails

• Coffee and tea

• Lemonade and sodas

• Pancakes and desserts

Because it’s liquid, it also allows for more precise dosing when done correctly.

Ingredients for Cannabis Simple Syrup

To make a basic cannabis simple syrup, you’ll need:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar (white or cane)

• 1–2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin or 1–2 tablespoons cannabis tincture

• (Optional) 1–2 grams decarboxylated cannabis (if not using tincture)

• (Optional) flavor add-ins like vanilla, mint, or citrus peel

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Before infusion, cannabis must be decarboxylated to activate THC or CBD.

• Preheat oven to 220F

• Break cannabis into small pieces

• Bake for 30–40 minutes

  
  

This step is essential. Without it, your syrup will not produce noticeable effects. It is importaant to note that there are different decarbing requirements for THC & CBD so please make sure to review the proper decarbing steps below.

If you keep scrolling you'll find one of our favorite Stoner Strategies articles How to Decarb Stems & Shake which would be a great use of those leftovers for this recipe!!

Step 2: Make the Simple Syrup Base

In a saucepan:

1. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar

2. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves completely

3. Do not boil aggressively—keep it at a gentle simmer

This creates your basic syrup.

Step 3: Infuse the Cannabis

Option A (Best Method – Tincture-Based):

• Add cannabis tincture directly to the syrup after removing from heat

• Stir thoroughly

This method provides:

• better consistency

• easier dosing

• longer shelf life

Option B (Flower Infusion):

• Add decarboxylated cannabis and glycerin to the syrup

• Simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes

• Strain out plant material using cheesecloth

Note: This method is less precise and may result in uneven potency. We don't suggest it but some may prefer it.

Step 4: Cool and Store

• Let syrup cool completely

• Store in a sealed glass container

• Refrigerate

Shelf life:

• 1–2 weeks (longer if using tincture and proper storage)

How Strong Is Cannabis Simple Syrup?

Potency depends on:

• strength of your cannabis

• amount used

• infusion method

Basic dosing guideline:

• Start with 1 teaspoon per serving

• Wait 60–90 minutes before increasing

Edibles affect everyone differently, so always start low.

How to Use Cannabis Simple Syrup

Cannabis simple syrup is extremely versatile:

Drinks:

• Stir into iced tea or lemonade

• Add to coffee

• Mix into cocktails or mocktails

Food:

• Drizzle over pancakes or waffles

• Add to desserts

• Sweeten sauces or glazes

Because it blends easily, it’s one of the simplest ways to control edible dosing without baking.

Tips for Best Results

• Use tincture for more accurate dosing

• Label your syrup clearly

• Store away from children and pets

• Keep servings small and consistent, less is more

  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping decarboxylation

• Overheating the syrup

• Using too much cannabis without calculating dose

• Assuming effects will be immediate

  
  

Cannabis edibles take time so be patient.

Cannabis Simple Syrup Recipe: How to Make Infused Syrup for Drinks, Desserts, and Edibles is one of the easiest entry points into homemade edibles. It’s flexible, discreet, and easy to incorporate into everyday foods and drinks.

Once you understand the basics, you’re no longer guessing, you’re creating consistent, controlled experiences that actually fit your body.

Want to go deeper into dosing and edible consistency? Explore more guides on Stoner Strategies or check out Stoner Strategies: The Essential Guide to Edibles or Mangia Ganja for a full breakdown of creating reliable, repeatable infused recipes. using cannabis. Try out Ava Tyler's Trippy Eats: A Cannabis & Psilocybin Cookbook to explore cooking with cannabis and psilocybin.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Always follow your local cannabis laws and consume responsibly.