Unlocking the Power of Edibles: A Complete Guide to Cannabis-Infused Treats for Pain Relief

Updated on September 29, 2023

Cannabis-infused treats can work wonders for your pain management regimen. They not only provide pain relief but can also ease stress and increase relaxation. It’s all about finding the right product, type of cannabis, and flavor. As a bonus, it’s also very likely that you’ll be enjoying a nice buzz or a strong high—depending on the edible of your choice—with each bite! 

Find yourself the right weed dispensary in Illinois and be on your way to reaping all these amazing benefits!

Understanding Cannabis Edibles: What They Are and How They Work

Cannabis edibles have certainly become very powerful for pain relief. They provide remarkable benefits and are more convenient than smoking or vaping. Basically, cannabis edibles are dietary supplements or food products infused with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.

The cannabinoids in THC or CBD bind with the receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system—The system that plays a pivotal role in regulating the body’s pain and inflammation response, among other things.

Some types of cannabinoids are absorbed quicker or are more potent than others. When we say type, we mean different products such as delta-8 THC gummies or delta-8 THC gummies.

Edibles often take longer to kick in, being somewhere in the 30 minutes to 2 hours range. But the effects are significantly longer-lasting and can easily last for hours on end, sometimes even up to 8 hours!

The exact effect you’ll have varies depending on the dosage, tolerance, metabolism, brand, diet, fitness level, age, and other parameters.

There are 3 main strains of cannabis. Indica is better for relaxation and pain relief; Sativa is ideal for energizing and uplifting effects; and hybrid blends are a middle ground.

Choosing the Right Edible: Factors to Consider for Pain Relief

First of all, it’s pertinent that you understand that our bodies are different chemically and biologically. Different THC users respond differently to the same gummies. Finding the right cannabis edible for you is a journey that will likely involve some level of experimentation.

The best part is many stores or brands offer product mixes—Basically different strains or flavors that you can try before you choose a favorite. Also, all reputable stores and online sellers have money-back policies which they take seriously. So, if you’re not happy and want to try another edible, you can go right ahead and return.

So, with all that out of the way, here’s what you need to consider when buying a cannabis edible for pain relief:

  • Cannabinoid Content: The THC and CBD in the edible is the main ingredient. Its content directly determines what kind of effect and benefits you can expect. THC is generally better for pain relief but it’s also psychoactive (meaning it will give you anything from a mild buzz to a feeling of high depending on the strain and type of THC). On the other hand, CBD has no psychoactive qualities but also subtler effects. Also, the percentage of CBD or THC determines the potency.
  • Brand Reliability: Don’t just buy any edible. There are tons of options but some strains and brands are more popular than others. These are also higher quality, broadly speaking, as they follow better farming practices and don’t use any harmful or unnecessary ingredients in their formula. Don’t rely completely on the reviews embedded on these websites, always check reviews on third-party marketplaces and Trustpilot, if available.
  • Testing: Ensure that the edible you choose is made by a reputable manufacturer and undergoes rigorous testing for quality and safety. Look for products that are produced in licensed facilities and clearly labeled with information about cannabinoid content, dosage, and potential allergens. It’s important to prioritize products that meet regulatory standards and adhere to proper manufacturing practices. 

Dosing Guidelines: Finding the Right Amount for Effective Pain Management

Dosing is everything when it comes to taking cannabis edibles for pain management. It’s not always easy to find out the current dosing that will work for you.

That’s why we have some actionable intelligence for you below.

Start Low & Go Slow

Remember this mantra—Especially if you’re a first-time user or a beginner. Always begin with a low dose, such as one gummy per day. If it’s a more potent edible, like one with delta-8, you might want to go with half or even a quarter of a gummy per day and wait for the effects.

As a general rule of thumb, 5-10 mg of THC or CBD is a good starting point. It’s always better to start slow and gradually increase your dosage than to take too much and struggle with the negative effects.

Understand the Onset & Duration

Edibles usually have a delayed onset. You might need to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to feel the effects. Be patient and avoid overconsuming thinking it hasn’t worked yet.

The effects will also last for hours. Based on this data, you can plan your consumption from the next day.

Incorporating Edibles into Your Pain Management Routine: Tips and Best Practices

The best way to incorporate edibles into your pain management routine is to consult with a healthcare professional. Apart from that, you should also make sure that you’re starting in a comfortable environment. This means that you’re buying a flavor you like and a high-quality product that will not sour your experience.

Apart from that, follow all the instructions and guidelines such as storage, dosage, and supplementation information found on the official website and product label.

It’s very important to stay hydrated and nourished. Cannabis edibles can easily cause dry mouth and increase your appetite. It can be detrimental to your health. For example, you might compensate for the hunger by snacking too much.

Fibrous foods such as fruits and plenty of water are prerequisites, alongside a nutritious and well-balanced diet and physical exercise to get the most out of our pain management routine.

Wrapping Up

Cannabis-infused edibles certainly offer a tantalizing and potentially effective option for pain relief. But hey, let’s not forget to have a little fun along the way! While edibles can provide therapeutic benefits, they can also lead to some interesting experiences.

Just imagine yourself blissfully munching on a cannabis-infused cookie, finding yourself engrossed in a riveting Netflix series, and suddenly realizing you’ve been giggling uncontrollably at the simplest jokes.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.