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 Sizzurp is a mixture prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine and soda. Although, the concoction originated in the south, rappers like Dipset and Lil Wayne have popularized it across the nation.
The drink, or drank as it's also referred to, has gotten so big in the south that two different beverage companies are trying to capitalize on its popularity with newly released beverages -- one called "Drank" and the other labeled "Sippin' Syrup."
Both drinks labels themselves as "anti-energy" drinks that provide "extreme relaxation."
However, the ingredients are not harmful. They contain Melatonin, a natural substance that helps you sleep; and Valerian Root, which is used medicinally for insomnia and other disorders.
On the official website for Drank (DrankBeverage.com), it says: "The first EXTREME RELAXATION drink to hit the market. DRANK, the new drink design to calm and relax you."
According to local news station KBMT12, stores in Southeast Texas have started to stock their shelves with them, and local law enforcement and parents are concerned, calling both products a gateway to using other harmful and illegal substances.
"It is such an obvious gateway product to one of the most dangerous drugs in our area," Major Jim Singletary who works in the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, told the new channel. "We got enough problems with kids experimenting with the real thing," he added, "now the younger kids will be able to buy something like this until they can buy the real thing."
Parents seem to agree with Singletary. Johnny Davison, who has four kids, says he is making sure his children stay away from the drink. "You hear it all the time on the rap tapes," he said. "If kids see it they're going to think it's something good."
They just may have a point too. 18-year-old Jackie Robinson told the news station that he just started drink "Sippin' Syrup" just because of its name. "I ain't gonna lie it really do," Robinson said, as he sipped his drink. "It probably attracts a lot of people from the name too.
"To put sippin syrup they're going to make some money," he added.
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