
Lean, also known as purple drank or sizzurp, is a recreational drug made by mixing prescription-grade cough syrup containing opioids and antihistamines with a soft drink and sometimes hard candy. Codeine-based cough syrup is typically used as the base for lean, but other preparations may use codeine/guaifenesin, hydrocodone/chlorphenamine, hydrocodone/APAP, or hydrocodone/homatropine. In Australia, a form of lean known as Canna Lean or THC lean can be crafted using THC syrup, which can be made at home by dissolving THC extract into gently heated MCT coconut oil and combining it with sugar and other ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Lean, Purple drank, Sizzurp, Syrup, Barre, Jelly, Tussin/Tuss', Texas tea, Mud, Dirty Sprite, Tsikuni |
| Base Ingredients | Cough syrup, Codeine, Promethazine |
| Additional Ingredients | Soft drinks (especially fruit-flavored drinks such as Sprite, Mountain Dew, or Fanta), Hard candy (Jolly Rancher), Alcohol |
| Effects | Euphoria, Motor-skill impairment, Lethargy, Drowsiness, Dissociative feelings, Hallucinations |
| Health Risks | Respiratory depression, Respiratory arrest, Cardiac arrest, Tooth decay, Dry mouth, Addiction |
| Notes | Cough syrup may be substituted with over-the-counter cold medicines containing dextromethorphan. |
| Alternative Preparation | THC or CBD syrup can be used as a base for mocktails or cocktails. |
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What You'll Learn

Lean's core ingredients
Lean, also known as "purple drank", is a polysubstance drink used as a recreational drug. It is prepared by mixing prescription-grade cough syrup with a soft drink and sometimes hard candy. The core ingredients of lean are as follows:
Cough Syrup: The base for lean is typically a strong prescription cold medicine, specifically a cough syrup that contains both promethazine and codeine. Other preparations may use codeine/guaifenesin, hydrocodone/chlorphenamine, hydrocodone/APAP, or hydrocodone/homatropine. Codeine-based cough syrups were also used as an alternative to pentazocine/tripelennamine ("T's and blues") after the pharmaceutical industry added naloxone to its constituent drugs. Over-the-counter cold medicines containing dextromethorphan (often paired with guaifenesin or acetaminophen) as the active ingredient have also been used, as they do not require a prescription.
Soft Drink: To create a drinkable mixture, the cough syrup is combined with a soft drink, especially fruit-flavoured drinks such as Sprite, Mountain Dew, or Fanta.
Hard Candy: A hard candy, usually a Jolly Rancher, may be added to give the mixture a sweeter flavour. Masking the undesired taste may impair judgment of the potency, which is a factor in overdosing.
Alcohol: Lean is often used in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. However, lean is especially dangerous when consumed with alcohol.
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Mixing the syrup
Lean, also known as "purple drank", is a recreational drug made by mixing prescription-grade cough syrup with a soft drink and sometimes hard candy. The syrup used to make lean contains codeine and promethazine. Codeine is an opioid drug, and promethazine is an anti-histamine.
To make lean syrup, you will need:
- Cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine
- A soft drink, preferably fruit-flavoured, such as Sprite, Mountain Dew, or Fanta
- Hard candy, such as a Jolly Rancher
- A cup or glass to mix the ingredients in
- Start by pouring the desired amount of cough syrup into your cup or glass. The amount of syrup you use will depend on the desired potency of the lean and your personal tolerance.
- Add the soft drink to the cup or glass. The soft drink will help to mask the unpleasant taste of the cough syrup and will give the lean its purple colour. Pour in enough soft drink to fill the cup or glass to your desired level.
- Stir the mixture gently until the cough syrup and soft drink are fully combined.
- Taste the mixture. If you find the taste of the cough syrup too strong or unpleasant, you can add a hard candy to the mixture to sweeten it further.
- Stir the mixture again to dissolve the candy, and your lean syrup is ready to drink.
It is important to note that lean is not safe to consume under any circumstances. Codeine is a highly addictive substance, and the consumption of lean can lead to serious health complications, including respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.
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Adding sweeteners
Lean, also known as purple drank, sizzurp, syrup, barre, jelly, or Texas tea, is a recreational drug made by mixing prescription-grade cough syrup with soft drinks and sometimes hard candy. The cough syrup typically contains opioids like codeine and the antihistamine promethazine. The soft drinks are usually fruit-flavoured, such as Sprite, Mountain Dew, or Fanta, and the hard candy is often a Jolly Rancher.
The process of adding sweeteners to lean syrup involves incorporating sugar or candy to enhance the flavour and make it more palatable. Here is a detailed guide on adding sweeteners to lean syrup:
Choosing the Sweetener
The most common sweetener used in lean syrup is sugar. Regular granulated sugar or caster sugar can be used, depending on what is available and your personal preference. The sugar helps to balance out the bitter taste of the cough syrup and creates a more pleasant flavour profile.
Alternatively, hard candy can be used as a sweetener. Jolly Ranchers are a popular choice, as they come in various fruity flavours that can complement the fruit-flavoured soft drinks typically used in lean. The candy adds a burst of sweetness and can also enhance the colour of the drink.
Combining the Sweetener
When using sugar as the sweetener, it is important to combine it properly with the other ingredients. Here are the steps to follow:
- Measure out the desired amount of sugar. The amount of sugar you use will depend on your taste preferences and the sweetness level of the cough syrup.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar with the oil mixture. The oil mixture typically consists of MCT coconut oil and the THC or CBD extract, which is the active ingredient in lean syrup.
- Mix the sugar and oil mixture thoroughly until the sugar is completely coated. This step is important to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed and doesn't clump together.
Adding the Sweetened Mixture to the Drink
Once you have prepared the sweetened mixture, it's time to add it to the other ingredients to create your lean syrup:
- In a separate container, combine the cough syrup and soft drink of your choice. Stir them together gently to create a well-blended base for your lean syrup.
- Slowly add the sweetened mixture to the cough syrup and soft drink base. Stir continuously as you add the sweetened mixture to ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste the lean syrup and adjust the sweetness as needed. If you prefer a sweeter flavour, you can gradually add more sugar or another piece of hard candy and mix again.
It is important to note that lean syrup is not safe for consumption due to the presence of controlled substances. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as encouragement or endorsement of lean syrup consumption.
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Potential health consequences
Lean, also known as purple drank, sizzurp, barre, syrup, or jelly, is a recreational drug that has been associated with a range of potential health consequences. The drug is prepared by mixing prescription-grade cough or cold syrup containing an opioid drug (usually codeine) and an antihistamine drug (often promethazine) with a soft drink and sometimes hard candy.
The potential health consequences of consuming lean are varied and can be severe. One of the most significant risks is the potential for respiratory depression, which can lead to respiratory arrest and even death. This risk is heightened when lean is consumed with alcohol. Additionally, as an opioid, codeine places individuals at risk of overdose, which can have fatal consequences.
The sweet taste of lean, created by the combination of soda, cough syrup, and candy, has been found to be appealing to first-time users, particularly teenagers and young adults. However, masking the unpleasant taste of the cough syrup may impair judgment of potency, increasing the risk of overdosing.
Furthermore, the substance combination of codeine and promethazine has been linked to the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). The impact of opioids on the brain's reward response system can lead to rapid addiction and abuse of lean. This is particularly concerning given the prominence of lean in popular culture, especially in music, which may encourage experimentation and use among young people.
Finally, the physiological effects of lean consumption can include mild euphoric side effects, motor-skill impairment, lethargy, drowsiness, hallucinations, and a dissociative feeling from the body. These effects can impair an individual's ability to function normally and may have long-term negative health consequences, especially for young people whose brains are still developing.
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Storing the syrup
Lean syrup, also known as "purple drank", is a recreational drug that originated in Houston in the 1960s. It is made by mixing prescription-grade cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine with soft drinks and sometimes hard candy. While lean syrup is typically consumed immediately after preparation, there may be instances when you need to store it for later use. Here are some guidelines for storing the syrup:
When storing lean syrup, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The syrup can be stored at room temperature, but it is best to keep it in a dark cabinet or pantry to avoid degradation from light exposure. You should always use a clean, airtight container to store the syrup. This helps maintain its potency and flavour by preventing oxidation and the evaporation of volatile compounds.
The ideal storage temperature for lean syrup is between 15°C and 25°C. Storing the syrup at a cooler temperature can help extend its shelf life, but it is not recommended to refrigerate or freeze it. Refrigeration may cause the syrup to thicken and separate, making it difficult to mix with other ingredients when preparing the drink. Freezing is not suitable as it can cause the syrup to expand and crack the container.
Lean syrup should be consumed within a few months of preparation. While the exact shelf life can vary depending on the ingredients and storage conditions, it is generally best to use it within 3 to 6 months. Proper storage can help extend the syrup's lifespan, but it is important to use it in moderation and prepare fresh batches to avoid any potential degradation of ingredients over time.
Always label the container with the date of preparation and store it out of reach of children and pets. Keep the syrup away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as this can affect the quality and potency of the syrup over time. Additionally, avoid contaminating the syrup by using clean utensils and containers during the storage and dispensing process.
In summary, storing lean syrup requires keeping it in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Use airtight containers, label the preparation date, and consume within a few months. Proper storage helps maintain the quality and potency of the syrup, ensuring a more consistent experience when preparing and consuming lean.
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Frequently asked questions
Lean syrup, also known as "purple drank", is a recreational drug made by mixing prescription-grade cough syrup containing opioids and antihistamines with a soft drink and sometimes hard candy.
You need a prescription-grade cough syrup containing opioids (such as codeine) and antihistamines (such as promethazine), a soft drink, and optionally hard candy.
First, mix the cough syrup with the soft drink. Then, add hard candy to taste. The drink is usually served in two foam cups.
Lean syrup produces mild euphoric side effects, motor-skill impairment, lethargy, drowsiness, and a dissociative feeling from all other parts of the body. It can also cause tooth decay and hallucinations.
While some of the ingredients used to make lean are legal when prescribed by a doctor, it is important to note that lean is not safe to drink under any circumstances. Codeine, the main ingredient in lean, is a Schedule II drug with a high potential for abuse and addiction.











































