Edibles are food products that contain cannabis. Some early evidence suggests they may help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, or manage some chronic conditions. However, more research is necessary.
Edibles are a popular method of consuming medicinal and recreational cannabis. The many forms of edibles include baked goods, candies, chocolates, and beverages. These edibles create a “high” that people associate with cannabis use.
Many consider edibles to be a safe way to take cannabis. However, there are also risks. For example, consuming too much may lead to cannabis poisoning. Some individuals may also experience side effects, such as nausea or panic attacks.
Read on to find out about the effects and side effects of cannabis edibles, including how these differ from smoking cannabis.
Edible cannabis products have the same properties as other forms of the drug. People ingest them to achieve certain effects, such as relaxation, or to reduce certain symptoms, such as chronic pain.
The effects of edibles depend on the dose a person takes. Typically, the effects increase as the dose increases. The effects may also vary depending on the strain of cannabis.
However, it is important to note that it is possible to take too much cannabis. This can occur easily when a person is consuming it in food, as the effects may take longer to develop.
Some potential benefits of edible cannabis include the following.
Relaxation and anxiety relief
Cannabis contains a compound known as cannabidiol (CBD). A
Another small study of Japanese teenagers with social anxiety also found that CBD helped decrease symptoms.
However, it is worth noting that these studies focused on CBD alone. The cannabis plant also contains other compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which may cause feelings of relaxation at lower doses but anxiety at
Managing chronic pain
CBD may also work as a pain reliever. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a popular treatment among those who experience chronic pain.
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Improving multiple sclerosis symptoms
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. It can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, tremors, nerve pain, and changes to bladder control or function.
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Learn more about cannabis for MS.
Reducing seizures
According to a
Additionally, medical cannabis is different from the nonmedical cannabis people may use in homemade edibles. A 2023 review emphasizes that there is little high quality research on the effects of nonmedical cannabis for epilepsy.
Learn about CBD oil for seizures.
Reducing cancer effects
Some people use cannabis to minimize the symptoms of cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment. These include pain, insomnia, nausea, and lack of appetite.
However, a 2022 review notes that there are still knowledge gaps in the way cannabis might interact with cancers or their treatments. Some previous research suggests cannabis may reduce the effects of immunotherapy.
People with cancer need to discuss cannabis, CBD, or THC use with their doctor before trying it.
While edibles are a discreet way to consume cannabis, they are not without risk. Potential adverse effects include the following.
Mental and cognitive effects
There is some evidence that long-term cannabis use can
Cannabis use can also:
- cause anxiety
- worsen schizophrenia
- lead to cannabis dependence, in which someone finds it hard to stop using cannabis
In adolescents, cannabis use has associations with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in adulthood. A 30-year longitudinal study suggests that starting at a younger age and using it frequently are important factors.
Cannabis use in adolescents can also affect
Accidental ingestion
People can accidentally consume candies, cookies, and other goods containing cannabis if they do not know what they contain. This poses a particular risk to children and pets.
Interactions with medications
Edibles and other forms of cannabis can interact with alcohol and some medications. These interactions may intensify the effects of THC or interfere with the actions of medications.
Overdose, or cannabis poisoning, is another risk when it comes to edibles.
Edibles have low bioavailability, meaning the body does not absorb them very effectively. Because nonmedical cannabis also has varying levels of THC, this can make it difficult for a person to know how much they are taking.
Additionally, edibles can take 1 to 3 hours to take effect. This can mean people accidentally take too much, thinking the edible is not working.
The symptoms of overdose from edibles can also be more severe than the symptoms from smoking cannabis. They may include:
- nausea
- paranoia
- hallucinations
- panic attacks
- impaired mobility
Many individuals consider edibles to be safer than smoking cannabis. In some ways, this is true.
Cannabis smoke has similar levels of toxicity to tobacco smoke. Both contain various toxins and cancer-causing substances. Smoking cannabis also has links to bronchitis.
Ingesting edibles does not affect the lungs in this way. However, edibles pose their own risks, including the increased risk of accidental ingestion or overdose.
More research is necessary to understand the full effects of edibles and how these compare to other methods of cannabis consumption.
Edibles, or edible cannabis products, may create feelings of relaxation and lower anxiety. There is also some evidence that cannabis may help with managing certain health conditions.
However, no drug is entirely safe. While edibles do not have the same effect on the lungs as smoking cannabis does, they still have risks.
Long-term and frequent use of cannabis may lead to dependence. People taking edibles may also be more likely to take too much accidentally. Additionally, sweet foods containing cannabis can also look tasty to children or pets.
People always need to follow safety guidelines when using edibles and stop ingesting them if any adverse reactions occur. If a person has any other health conditions or takes other medications, they need to consult a doctor before trying them.