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Homemade Sour THC Gummies: Best Cannabis-Infused Recipe Using RSO, Corn Syrup And Citric Acid

Homemade Sour THC Gummies: Best Cannabis-Infused Recipe Using RSO, Corn Syrup And Citric Acid
5.0 from 2 votes
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This recipe was last updated and revised on September 13, 2023

How to Make The Best Sour THC Gummy Bears Infused With Cannabis

Hey there, fellow cannabis cooks! Remember those delightful Sour Patch kids and gummy bears we couldn’t get enough of as kids? Well, it’s time for a grown-up twist!

We’re diving into the fun and vibrant world of gummies, but with a cheeky cannabis infusion, perfect for reliving those tangy childhood memories or just wanting a tasty way to enjoy your cannabis.

The star ingredient in this sour gummy recipe is citric acid.

Citric acid is a relatively weak acid, although it’s one of the most potent acids that are harmless for us to ingest.

Citric acid not only makes you “pucker up,” it enhances the fruit flavors of gummies.

Simple, delicious, and with a dash of nostalgia – let’s get started and make the best cannabis-infused sour gummy bears together!

Check out our beginner’s recipe for making basic Gummy Bears with Canna Oil or our regular not-so-sour Gummy Bears made with RSO/FECO recipes too.

Don’t be afraid to create your own version!

How to Make THC Sour Gummy Bears Infused with RSO/FECO. You need a silicone gummy bear candy mold or your choice of shapes.

Equipment Needed for Sour THC Gummy Bears:

This recipe for cannabis-infused sour gummy bears makes approximately 120 bears or 96 square pieces from the molds mentioned in the equipment list. As always, I try to show the exact items and ingredients I use in my own kitchen.

Equipment for thc INFUSED GUMMIES

Let’s Break Down The Ingredients for Sour THC Gummies

Grab ingredients for your thc gummies recipe

Unflavored “Knox” Gelatin

This is the ingredient that provides the gummy texture to your gummy bears.

It’s a protein derived from collagen and gives structure and a pleasant, chewy feel to the gummies.

Flavored Jello

This ingredient provides the primary flavor and color for your gummies. With an array of choices available, Jello can let you experiment with a range of flavors, from tangy to sweet.

This recipe calls for a small 3 oz. box.

Fruit Flavored LorAnn Oil or Essential Oil

These are highly concentrated flavoring agents. Even in small quantities, they can impart a strong flavor, adding another layer of taste to complement your chosen Jello flavor.

The extra flavor will help mask the cannabis flavor.

To use Essential oils, make sure they are food-grade oils. Essential oils contain valuable terpenes, just as cannabis does.

To add these oils, remove the pan from the heat and add them at the same time or before the RSO mixture once the mixture cools a bit.

High heat destroys volatile terpenes.

Water

The universal solvent! Water acts as the base liquid for dissolving and combining all the other ingredients.

Corn Syrup

A viscous sweet syrup, corn syrup lends a smooth texture to your gummies.

It prevents sugar crystallization, ensuring your gummy bears remain delightfully chewy.

Not everyone is a fan of corn syrup.

You can experiment with honey, brown rice syrup, agave, date syrup, or golden syrup.

Lecithin

Lecithin is used widely in commercial baking, but you often don’t hear it used in home baking. Lecithin comes in granules or liquid forms.

According to WebMD, “Lecithin is a mixture of fats that are essential to cells in the human body.

It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks.” 

Lecithin is an emulsifier, which is an ingredient that will help other ingredients not only mix well but remain mixed.

Since oil and water dislike staying mixed, we add lecithin to our gummy recipe.

I prefer liquid lecithin which is derived from sunflowers. You can use granules interchangeably with the liquid amount.

The soy-derived lecithin is known to be an allergen to some and avoided.

This recipe is very forgiving, so use the amount and type you are comfortable with. 

Citric Acid

There are both natural and artificial sources of critic acid.

Natural sources include tangerines, oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and berries.

For hundreds of years, we have been lowering the PH of food to help preserve it.

Since citric acid lowers the PH, it may help keep your gummies from molding but will change the flavor if you add enough.

I’ve seen recipes call for anything from 1/4 tsp to 1 Tablespoon or more per batch.

So, if sour gummies are your jam, pucker up and add some citric acid.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any science on the minimum amount required to prevent mold.

I’m sure it would involve testing the PH level. 

(If you are infusing with an alcohol tincture, most recipes advise skipping the citric acid.) 

To save money, you can buy citric acid in bulk. Think you’ll never use it all? I love how it cleans my dishwasher.

Just fill your dispensing cup with a few ounces.

Read your manual for precautions.  Lemi Shine is a brand of citric acid cleaning products, but you can easily DIY with some Google searches.

Ingredients needed to Make The Best Sour THC Gummies Infused With Cannabis. on a table are both flavored and unflavored Jello, extra candy flavoring, mold inhibitor, lecithin, glycerin, corn syrup, citric acid, and RSO/FECO.

Potassium Sorbate Mold Inhibitor

I never go without this ingredient anymore. Learning how to extend the shelf life of my gummies has been a game changer.

It’s pretty inexpensive and readily available from the LorAnn candy making supplier.

Potassium sorbate is a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid, although it’s most often man-made today.

It’s used in cosmetics and as a food additive to extend shelf life.

Cheese, yogurt, and dried fruits often contain potassium sorbate to extend shelf life, and these foods benefit from the neutral flavor to prevent an aftertaste.

Potassium Sorbate doesn’t offer any particular health benefits and is often used in minute amounts specifically to inhibit mold growth. 

How much LorAnn Mold Inhibitor (Potassium Sorbate) do you need to add? 

First, you need to know how much one batch weighs.  That will depend on how you are infusing and your mold size.

This recipe will vary from 95 to 140 pieces!

A more accurate way to measure your batch in order to add LorAnn Mold Inhibitor is to take the average weight of your finished batches.

According to the LorAnn Oils website, you’ll need to add 2 tsp per 5 lb (total batch).

For example, a 10-ounce bag of Haribo store-bought gummies has approximately 120 bears.

Therefore, I estimated this recipe to need ¼ tsp of mold inhibitor.

LorAnn Oils Mold Inhibitor –

  • 2 tsp / 5lb total batch 
  • 2 tsp / 80 ounces
  • 1 tsp / 40 ounces 
  • ½ tsp / 20 ounces 
  • ¼ tsp per 10 ounces
  • ⅛ tsp per 5 ounces

Food Grade Glycerin

A colorless and odorless liquid, glycerin provides a smooth texture to your gummies.

It helps retain moisture, ensuring that your gummies don’t dry out and remain soft.

I prefer adding my RSO to my glycerin to help carry it evenly through the candy.

RSO Syringe

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a concentrated form of cannabis. Using a syringe ensures precision in dosage, letting you regulate just how potent you want your gummies to be.

I typically buy a 1 gram syringe and use half a gram per RSO gummy recipe.

Some people refer to RSO as FECO. Feco stands for “Full Extract Cannabis Oil“.

RSO allows you to make potent THC gummies with a great texture.

How to Use RSO (FECO) Concentrate to Make Sour Gummies

Here is my favorite method to add RSO into my cannabis infused sour gummies.

A mug warmer is shown with a clear bowl to Warm the RSO / FECO with lecithin and glycerin before adding them to your recipe.
Combine and warm RSO, glycerin, and lecithin.

Combine:

  • ⅛-¼  cup Glycerin, or you can use corn syrup or honey in a pinch
  • 1 tsp Sunflower or Soy Lecithin (liquid or granules) 

Add the desired amount of concentrated cannabis (RSO or FECO). Choose THC, CBD, or any cannabinoid your dispensary offers.

You can make your own combinations or ratios! 

Use a glass or metal measuring cup on an electric mug warmer to mix these ingredients on very low heat.

Stir often until the mixture is well combined.

Do not boil!

A mug warmer or candle warmer, as they are called, is amazingly handy for mixing cannabis oils at home. They are inexpensive, and I can usually find them in thrift stores! 

If you don’t have one of these handy warmers, you’ll need a very small saucepan and stir the mixture constantly until you’re satisfied.

I prefer to heat these ingredients separately to limit my cannabis from extra heat, and this step helps to emulsify the oils into the main candy mixture.

You don’t want to overheat and degrade any of the cannabinoids.

How to Air Dry Cannabis-Infused Sour Gummies

Drying is said to improve texture and make them more like store-bought candy.

Since drying removes moisture, this step will naturally extend the shelf life. 

To air dry, individually place each piece on a drying rack or a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Cover the gummies with a flour-sack towel or other breathable lint-free cloth and allow them to dry for 24 to 72 hours.

Turn pieces as needed.

How Do I Make The Sour Gummies Coating Recipe?

Combine ¼ cup superfine sugar mixed with ½ -1 Tablespoon of Citric Acid or to your personal sour taste.

Do you remember eating Pixie Stixs as a kid?

These straw-filled sweets can be used to coat your sour gummies as well.

A sweet and sour coating made with citric acid and sugar covers these Sour Cannabis-Infused Sour Gummy Bears

Steps to Making Cannabis-Infused Sour Gummies

  1. Mix unflavored gelatin with water in a saucepan. Let sit 5 minutes to bloom.
  2. Add Citric Acid and your choice of fruit-flavored box of Jello. Mix well.
  3. Blend lecithin, glycerin, and RSO. Warm to emulsify, stirring continuously. Set aside.
  4. Add corn syrup to the gelatin mixture in the saucepan. Heat on low to medium-low, stirring until combined without boiling.
  5. Incorporate the LorAnn Mold Inhibitor
  6. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from burner. Allow to cool slightly. Add the LorAnn Oil flavoring or essential oil, and stir.
  7. Mix in the cannabis oil mixture from step 3 thoroughly
  8. Prep silicone molds on a tray, lightly condition with coconut oil if needed, and wipe excess. Fill molds with the mixture.
  9. Chill molds in the fridge or freezer until set.
  10. Once set, pop out the gummies and let them air dry.
  11. For a sour finish, shake dried gummies in a sour mix mix of fine sugar and citric acid.
  12. Store gummies in a labeled, airtight container. If stored long-term, use the fridge or freezer.
  13. Calculate dosage by dividing the cannabis strength by the number of pieces.
  14. Label clearly as medicated and store away from children or unaware adults.
  15. When consuming, start with a small dose and be patient. Effects can take up to 3 hours, and everyone’s tolerance varies. Homemade gummies might have slight variations in strength.


Pro Tips

  • Try making this recipe without any cannabis first. Once you are confident, you can begin with the real deal.

  • You don’t have to stick to THC-dominant “strains.” Mix and match for your needs.

  • Properly label and package infused gummies to avoid accidental consumption. (mylar bags & stickers are a huge help)

  • Refrigerate or freeze cannabis-infused gummies to preserve potency and shelf life if you skip the mold inhibitor or need long-term storage.
  • They will melt in the summer heat. Don’t leave them in your car!

  • This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable, so take notes on what you tried, and don’t be afraid to be creative as you get more comfortable. 

Enjoy Your Cannabis Infused Sour Gummies

Did you make this recipe? Do you have any of your own tips and tricks?

I always try to have a batch or two of my RSO gummies around. Edibles are discreet, help me with chronic pain, and usually help me relax to sleep better.

I really hope this guide has been helpful. Please share with others and stay well, my friends!


Cannabis Safety Disclaimers:

  • Dosing: Start low, go slow. Effects can be delayed with edibles.
  • Legal Age: For legal-age adults only. Follow local laws.
  • Impairment: Cannabis can impair driving and machinery operation.
  • Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Clearly label cannabis products.
  • Medical Concerns: Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or have medical conditions.
  • Potency Variability: Homemade cannabis items can have varied potencies. Consume with caution.
  • Allergies: Check ingredients for allergens. Beware of potential cross-contamination.


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How to Make The Best Sour THC Gummy Bears Infused With Cannabis
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How to Make The Best Sour THC Gummy Bears Infused With Cannabis

Recipe by Penelope Hamilton Crescibene
5.0 from 2 votes
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Remember those delightful Sour Patch kids and gummy bears we couldn’t get enough of as kids? Well, it’s time for a grown-up twist!

We’re diving into the fun and vibrant world of sour gummies, but with a cheeky cannabis infusion, perfect for reliving those tangy childhood memories or just wanting a tasty way to enjoy your cannabis.

The star ingredient in this sour gummy recipe is citric acid.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Unflavored Knox Gelatin or 2 packets

  • 3 Ounces Jello Flavor of your choice

  • 1/2 Cup Water

  • 2 Tablespoon Corn Syrup

  • 1/4 Teaspoon or more Citric Acid: 1/4 tsp to 1 Tbsp or to taste

  • 1 Dram LorAnn Oil Flavors

  • 1/4 Teaspoon LorAnn Mold Inhibitor

  • 1-2 Teaspoon Sunflower Lecithin

  • 1/8 – 1/4 Cup Glycerin

  • 1 RSO Syringe

  • 1/4 Cup Sugar for coating mix

  • 1/2 – 1 Tablepoon Citric Acid for coating mix

Directions

  • Combine 2 Tablepoons unflavored gelatin or 2 packets with 1/2 cup water in a small to medium saucepan. Stir to mix with a spoon or silicone rubber scraper. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
  • While the gelatin “blooms,” mix 1 tsp of lecithin into ⅛ cup of glycerin and ½ syringe of FECO. Warm the mixture to help emulsify. I use a mug warmer to achieve this step.

    You’ll need to stir a lot! Note: If you use a full syringe of FECO, use ¼ cup of glycerin and 2 tsp lecithin.

    Set this mixture aside. 
  • Next, Add Citric Acid and your choice of One small 3-ounce fruit-flavored box of Jello. Mix well.

    Experiment with different amounts of citric acid to increase the sweet and sour taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and work up to 1 tablespoon.
  • Stir in corn syrup to the gelatin mixture in the saucepan. Heat on low to medium-low, stirring until combined. No need to boil.
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon LorAnn Mold Inhibitor

    Once your mixture seems incorporated, turn the stove burner off.
  • Cool slightly and add the entire 1 dram bottle of LorAnn Oil flavoring or Food Grade Essential Fruit Oil of your choice. Stir well yet acting quickly.
  • You may now Add your cannabis oil mixture and stir and stir until you are confident it’s mixed in as evenly as possible.

    Although many recipes warn against using a whisk and causing foamy bubbles, I find it necessary to get the cannabis oils to mix in.
  • Set your silicone molds on a tray or cookie sheet.

    (If your molds are new, wash and dry completely beforehand. To condition the molds, spritz lightly with a neutral cooking spray such as coconut oil.
    Wipe out any excess oil with a lint-free towel.)

    Use a dropper or silicone squeeze bottle to quickly fill your molds. Count how many pieces your batch made. You’ll need to know this number to estimate the strength of your edible.
  • When your molds are firm enough to be moved, place them into the refrigerator until set. I have also put them in the freezer with no problems.

    The trays are necessary to keep them level and avoid spills.
  • When the candy is firmly set and ready, “pop the shapes out.” I always work over a silicone mat. Now it’s time to air dry.

    Air drying will improve texture and allow the sour sugar coating to stick but not dissolve. (See how to air dry in notes)
  • Mix ¼ cup fine sugar (or super fine if you can find it) with ½ -1 Tbsp citric acid or to taste. Once the sour gummy bears have been cured by air drying, shake them in a bag filled with this mixture.

    You can try Pixy Stix powder as a sour coating alternative.

    Do not spray your gummies with oil if using the sugar mix as a coating. The sugar coating is optional.
  • Package and label your gummies in an airtight container or bag. To preserve the integrity of the cannabinoids, store gummies in the refrigerator or freezer long-term, although If you use the mold inhibitor, you may leave room temperature.

    Label well with warnings and dosage if known. I use these medical cannabis labels.
  • Divide the strength or milligrams of cannabis by the number of pieces to determine the approximate strength of each.

    I can’t stress enough to package and label with warnings that your candy is medicated. Store safely away from children or unsuspecting adults.
  • Start Low and Go Slow! The medicated edible rule is to start with a very low dose of THC and slowly increase until you know the effect. Edibles can take up to 3 hours to peak in some individuals.

    Learn to know your body and your dose.

    Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different. Some people prefer 2mg and others feel nothing after 200 mg.

    Also, your cannabis-infused sour gummy bears made at home aren’t perfectly uniform in size or dosage, so keep that in mind.

Notes

  • How to Air Dry Cannabis-Infused Sour Gummies:
    To air dry, individually place each piece on a metal drying rack or a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Allow them to dry for 24 to 72 hours. Turn as needed.
  • Notes on Adding RSO or FECO:

    Add the desired amount of concentrated cannabis (RSO or FECO). Choose THC, CBD, or any cannabinoid your dispensary offers. You can make your own combinations or ratios! Use a glass or metal measuring cup on an electric mug warmer to mix these ingredients on very low heat. Stir often until the mixture is well combined. Do not boil! A mug warmer or candle warmer, as they are called, is amazingly handy for mixing cannabis oils at home. They are inexpensive, and I can usually find them in thrift stores! If you don’t have one of these handy warmers, you’ll need a very small saucepan and stir the mixture constantly until you’re satisfied.I prefer to heat these ingredients separately to limit my cannabis from extra heat, and this step helps to emulsify the oils into the main candy mixture. You don’t want to overheat and degrade any of the cannabinoids.
  • Try making this recipe without any cannabis first. Once you are confident, you can begin with the real deal.
  • You don’t have to stick to THC-dominant “strains.” Mix and match for your needs.
  • Properly label and package infused gummies to avoid accidental consumption. (mylar bags & stickers are a huge help)
  • Refrigerate or freeze cannabis-infused gummies to preserve potency and shelf life if you skip the mold inhibitor or need long-term storage.
  • They will melt in the summer heat. Don’t leave them in your car!
  • This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable, so take notes on what you tried, and don’t be afraid to be creative as you get more comfortable. 

Did you make this recipe?

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5.0 from 2 votes
Penelope Hamilton Crescibene

Penelope Hamilton Crescibene

View all posts by Penelope Hamilton Crescibene

Penelope Hamilton is a cannabis advocate, wellness coach, and infusion expert who has been involved in the cannabis industry since 2017, when she was introduced to cannabis-infused chocolates, allowing her to replace over 16 years of prescribed opioids. Since then, Penelope helps other people discover cannabis and how to infuse the amazing plant into their foods and lives.

Comments (4)

  • Jennifer Spengler
    July 6, 2023 at 11:29 pm Reply

    This is almost exactly the recipe I’ve used, only I hadn’t tried adding the citric acid, which it why I searched it and found this post. Since I know this recipe (sans citric acid) works well, I just want to say I can’t wait to try it with the citric acid added! Also, I use the MCT oil instead of glycerin but I have no doubt the glycerin provides a sweeter taste. At any rate I’m excited to try this with the citric acid; I’m sure it will be amazing!

    • Penelope Hamilton Crescibene
      Penelope Hamilton Crescibene
      July 28, 2023 at 11:29 am Reply

      I hope you return and let us know if you liked the addition of citric acid. I always felt that glycerin and and the tart addition of the citric acid were game changers!

  • Amy R
    September 18, 2023 at 11:42 am Reply

    I can’t wait to try this recipe. I’ve been experimenting with gummies for a while and was trying to figure out how to make them more shelf stable. This is so clear and easy, thank you! I do have a question about the citric acid. I’ve read (and experienced) that it can melt? After you coat them and store them, have you experienced any melting or stickiness?

    • Penelope Hamilton Crescibene
      Penelope Hamilton Crescibene
      September 19, 2023 at 2:02 pm Reply

      I’m so glad you found the recipe helpful, Amy!

      Yes, any sugar coating and especially citric acid can melt if the conditions are right.

      1.) Read the “how to air dry” gummies section. This will be very helpful step before shaking them in a sour sugar mixture. The perfect texture will come with experience. Too dry and not much sugar sticks. Too wet, and it may become moist and “melt”.

      2.) The weather! The weather can really effect baking and candy making. Humidty and heat will attack your candy.

      3.) You may want to only coat a portion at a time since it makes so many. Just a thought.

      4.) I have noticed that when I store mine in the refrigerator, the humidity in there makes my coating melt a bit. My bag from the dispensary isn’t much better though! sticky! Obviously high heat isn’t a friend either. Don’t leave them in the car lol.

      Happy gummy making,
      Penelope 🙂

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