Numerous individuals encounter pain due to various conditions throughout their lifetime. The nature of pain people experience varies, with some being transient while others endure for prolonged periods.
Traditionally, the go-to approach for managing this ubiquitous symptom involves pain management plans that frequently incorporate opioids.
The acknowledged negative repercussions linked to the use of opioids have spurred individuals to actively explore edibles weed.
Let’s delve into the rising trend of turning to cannabis as a means to effectively and differently address the challenge of pain management.
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Opioids are strong painkillers but are prone to side effects.
- Many patients suffering from pain choose cannabis due to fewer side effects and better pain management.
- Edible’s long-lasting effects can be a great choice for managing pain.
What are Opioids?
Opioids constitute a diverse category of pain-alleviating medications designed to interact with brain cells. Derived from the opium poppy plant, opioids traverse the bloodstream and bind to some receptors in the brain. This interaction effectively interrupts the transmission of pain signals while concurrently enhancing sensations of pleasure.
Adverse Effects of Opioids
- At lower doses, opioids might induce drowsiness, but at elevated levels, they pose a severe risk by slowing both your breathing and heart rate.
- The euphoria or intense high experienced from opioid consumption can create a strong desire to escalate usage in frequency and dosage and lead to addiction. The impact on your brain and behaviour becomes so profound that controlling opioid intake becomes an insurmountable challenge.
- Adverse respiratory effects, particularly at elevated dosages, may pose a risk even to individuals in good health. Those with pre-existing lung conditions are particularly vulnerable and may face heightened risks of severe respiratory impairment.
Studies on Medical Marijuana as a Great Alternative
BMJ Journal
The study posits a compelling narrative that suggests that a select subset of chronic pain patients may find solace and relief through the judicious use of both opioids and medical cannabis. The revelation carries substantial weight, especially because cannabis, unlike opioids, doesn’t induce respiratory depression. This exploration of pain relief opens doors to a more informed and tailored approach to patient care.
The research findings also indicate that there is a low to moderate level of evidence pointing toward the potential for medical cannabis to offer modest enhancements in pain relief compared to opioids.
Journal of Cannabis Research
Researchers arrived at the conclusion that individuals perceived medical marijuana and opioids to be equally effective in alleviating pain intensity. Medical cannabis demonstrated an additional positive impact on broader pain-related aspects such as emotion, functionality, and overall sense of well-being.
The study highlights substantial distinctions between the two groups, emphasizing enhanced relaxation, superior sleep quality, elevated mood, and a heightened ability to endure pain. These effects were notably more prevalent among participants using medical marijuana.
Journal of Cannabis – Cannabinoid Research
It focused on exploring cannabis as an alternative to opioids from a cohort of 2,897 individuals utilizing medical cannabis for various health reasons.
The Response Shows:
| 97% | Strongly agree cannabis reduces opioid consumption |
| 89% | Strongly agree opioids lead to more side effects |
| 92% | Strongly agree that cannabis is more tolerable than opioids |
| 81% | Cannabis is more effective than opioids |
| 71% | Cannabis is as effective as opioids |
| 92% | Prefer cannabis to opioids |
Possible Theory of Cannabis’ Analgesic Effect
- Blocks the release of presynaptic neurotransmitters and neuropeptides
- Adjusts the postsynaptic neuronal excitability
- Activating the descending inhibitory pain pathway
- Reducing neuroinflammatory signalling
- THC operates as a partial agonist at Cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors and exerts its influence by adjusting the release of glutamate and 5-hydroxytryptamine. It also intricately alters dopaminergic function, consequently impacting the pain pathway.
What Cannabis Edibles Can I Use to Manage Pain (Product Selection)
Potluck – Maple Bacon Chocolate
| THC: 300mg | Edible: Chocolate |
Potluck Chocolate brings you Maple Bacon flavour, a fine cannabis-infused chocolate bar carefully crafted from all-natural ingredients. Each piece comes with a handy 25 mg portion that caters to the preferences of seasoned cannabis users and those just dipping their toes into the experience.
Potluck Pear Gummies
| CBD: 200mg | Edible: Gummies |
Potluck Gummies in Pear flavour brings you 200 mg of CBD, with a delicious and effortless method to embrace the advantages of CBD. Each gummy contains 20 mg of CBD for a consistent and enjoyable dose.
OneStop Acai Berry Gummies
| CBD: 500mg | Edible: Gummies |
OneStop Acai Berry Gummies have an appealing taste that enhances your CBD intake. When you buy OneStop edibles, each package includes 500 milligrams of CBD, with 50 mg per gummy. It’s the ideal option for individuals looking for a precise CBD dosage.
Mikro Gummies – Raspberry
| THC and CBD: 100mg | Edible: Gummies |
Mikro brand designs their gummies for their customers who are interested in consuming cannabis in small amounts or for microdosing. Every gummy in this package boasts a harmonious fusion of 2.5mg full-spectrum CBD and an equivalent dose of THC.
Users who consume both cannabis compounds experience tranquillity, pain relief, stress reduction, and sleep enhancement.
High Dose Tangerine
| THC: 1000/1500mg | Edible: Gummies |
High Dose caters to cannabis users who can manage increasing amounts of the psychoactive component. In a single packaging, consumers get one large gummy infused with either 1000 or 1500 mg of THC. Aside from getting high, users can also experience the benefits of pain relief and relaxation.
Best Way to Consume Edibles for Pain Relief
Pick Your Cannabinoid of Choice
When you look at the selection of products above, you’ll notice that they contain THC, CBD, or both. You can start by deciding which to choose from.
- THC only: THC garners significant interest owing to its association with the “high” sensation. This cannabinoid can evoke euphoria, heightened creativity, deep relaxation, and relief from pain.
- CBD only: CBD boasts non-intoxicating properties that demonstrate superior efficacy in tackling anxiety. If you prefer the assurance of not experiencing overwhelming sensations, opt for CBD-exclusive edibles.
- THC and CBD: Individuals encounter a mellow high compared to the intensity of a THC-only experience. The presence of CBD significantly reduces the effects of THC. This blend of cannabinoids is best for beginners.
Dosage Selection
- Commence with a 2 mg THC dose. Given THC’s variable impact on individuals, this amount can be a microdose, a low dose, or an ideal dose, depending on the individual.
- Starting with 10 mg of CBD is best, but ensure you acquire your CBD edibles from a reputable dispensary for accurate potency.
- For a balanced approach, consider initiating with 2 mg of THC and 2 mg or more of CBD.
Have Patience
Upon ingesting your initial dose, exercise patience and allow at least two hours to elapse before contemplating additional intake. For a more cautious approach, wait a complete 24 hours before you experiment with an elevated dose. This method allows a more accurate evaluation of the impact of 2 mg versus increments like 4 mg or 5 mg of THC.
Conclusion
Research is highlighting the importance of cannabis as a substitute since opioids may cause harm due to their side effects. Patients are increasingly inclined to explore cannabis for its perceived ability to offer more effective relief. The escalating curiosity surrounding cannabis-based pain relief led to a proliferation of products like edibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do edibles work?
The onset of effects from consuming edibles ranges from 30 minutes to two hours and reaches their maximum intensity approximately four hours later.
Following the peak, these effects may persist for six to eight hours. Residual effects can linger for as long as 24 hours post-ingestion.
How does the body metabolize edibles?
When you indulge in a gummy treat or sip on a carefully infused beverage, cannabinoids and other dynamic components, embark on a journey through your digestive system.
Your liver metabolizes them and ushers them into your bloodstream. This intricate process allows these compounds to traverse into your brain and throughout your central nervous system.
What are the best choice of edibles for beginners?
The optimal choice for first-time users lies in products with lower potency. If you’re a novice to this experience, we recommend initiating your journey with the least potent options and gradually increasing as needed.
Another alternative worth exploring, especially for those with a sweet tooth, is opting for sugar-free edibles. This caters to your taste preferences and acts as a preventive measure against overconsumption.
Is there an expiration date for edibles?
All cannabis products expire, but they have different expiration dates. Even though edibles expire, you can still prolong their shelf-life. This is possible by securely wrapping them in plastic or foil and storing them in the freezer.
Is there a possibility of overdosing on edibles?
Contrary to common misconceptions, experiencing a true “overdose” on marijuana edibles is highly improbable, as these products are inherently safe. The description of individuals as “severely affected” by edibles originates from their selection of products with heightened levels of THC or a lower tolerance level.
