Jul 10, 2023

Edibles For Pain

Chronic pain affects 20% of Americans, making it the most common cause of long-term disability. Edibles for pain offer a natural way to treat chronic pain and increase the quality of life.

Edibles for Pain

Chronic pain is much more than a physical condition. It affects people mentally, spiritually, financially, and emotionally. That is why many pain patients have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression. As a result, it is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care (CDC).

Fortunately, cannabis is a way to treat chronic pain naturally. It’s effective, safe, and non-addictive. It also has many healing properties, such as reducing neuropathic pain and inflammation. Edibles offer a potent way to treat pain. They are both pleasurable to consume and provide long-lasting effects.

In this article, we discuss different edible varieties, as well as how long they last. Then, we examine the benefits of using edibles for pain. Lastly, we explore how to use edibles for pain management.

What are Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused products in food or beverage form. There are a wide range of edible products. Some of the most common include:

Baked Goods (cookies, brownies, fudge, cake pops)
Ice Cream
Chips and other savory snacks
Dissolvable powder
Capsules
Candy
Beverages
Tinctures
Products for cooking with cannabis
Gummies (gummy bears, chews, drops)
Hard candy (lollipops, mints, and lozenges)

Edibles can have CBD, THC, or both. It is important to read the product description and know how to dose edibles. Too much of a delicious treat can leave people feeling uncomfortable! To avoid that situation, we have provided resources so you can learn how to dose properly. The key is to start slow and gradually increase.

How Long Do Edibles Last

cannabis infused chocolates

Edibles are the longest-lasting type of cannabis product. However, not every edible will affect users in the same way. Here are the shortest to longest-acting edibles, and their benefit for pain management.

Immediate Relief- Fastest Option

Immediate relief edibles work the fastest, but the effects wear off the soonest as well. However, this is a great way to treat rapid-onset pain or pain early in the morning. The fastest-acting edibles are oral uptake ones, meaning they are dissolved in the mouth. Most people experience benefits in a few seconds to minutes. Some of the immediate relief products include tinctures, lollipops, mints, and sprays. Pain patients with severe nausea would benefit from these types of edibles. These edibles last between 2-3 hours on average.

Second Fastest Option

The second fastest option works fairly quickly. They can take up to 30-45 minutes to work, but last for 4-5 hours. These types of edibles must be partially absorbed by the mouth. Some products include candies, gummies, ice cream, and infused drinks. This type of edible is a great choice for pain patients throughout the day.

Third Fastest Option

Although the third fastest option takes about an hour to feel any benefits, it also lasts the longest. Users typically experience 6-8 hours pain-free! These types of edibles must be absorbed in the digestive tract. Examples of longest-lasting edibles include baked goods like chocolates, cookies, and brownies. Other options are chips, savory snacks, and capsules.

Many pain patients prefer these edibles because it gives the longest lasting respite. As a result, some people use these after their initial fast-acting edibles every 5-6 hours. In addition, many consumers take these an hour before bedtime to ensure a good night's sleep. However, the edibles must be indica or indica dominant strains! Otherwise, users will feel energized instead of sleepy.

Benefits of Edibles for Pain

There are numerous benefits to using edibles for pain relief. Firstly, edibles provide powerful pain relief that lasts much longer than other ways of consuming cannabis.

Secondly, edibles that are infused with indica or indica hybrids are very effective for reducing different types of pain. These strains can help treat headaches, neuropathic pain, and back pain. In addition, indicas soothe muscle spasms and joint pain. Many pain patients also have difficulty sleeping. However, indica edibles relax the body and lull people to sleep. As a result, when considering the best strains for pain, indicas are a great choice for edibles.

Another benefit of using edibles is that they treat a variety of medical conditions. For example, they help people with cancer, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, and arthritis, to name a few. Edibles are highly versatile and effective.

Lastly, edibles are a safer way to treat pain than some prescription pain medication. As a result, if looking for a better way to relieve pain, or if your pain is still uncontrolled, edibles for pain are a worthwhile alternative.

How To Use Edibles for Pain Management

Sometimes it takes experimentation for a pain patient to know how to treat their pain with edibles. Here are some tips for how to use edibles for the management of pain.

Use indica or indica hybrid edibles for the best pain management.

Many users decide to take a fast-acting edible to begin their day for immediate pain relief. Some people keep edible products right by their beds. However, be sure to use a locked box if there are children in the home! A lollipop, mint, or spray are easy and discreet ways to treat your pain.

After taking the initial dose, many people decide to use the 2nd or 3rd longest-lasting type of edible. To ensure full pain relief and coverage, keep in mind the time of the last dose. Similarly, know how long it takes for the next edible to work. Since the fastest-acting edible lasts approximately 2-3 hours, take the next edible about 1-1.5 hours later. Then the second edible will begin working within .5-1 hour later.

If using the second longest-acting edible, space out the timing of taking edibles every 3-3.5 hours. Some people use a timer on their cell phones. Alternatively, if using the longest-acting edible, take doses every 5-7 hours. Lastly, take the last dose before bedtime to ensure a good night’s rest.

Edibles are a delicious and effective way to treat pain. Sometimes, it takes some experimentation to get the right products and timing. However, with patience and the right dosing, edibles offer a natural treatment for pain and can improve quality of life.

Cannabis consultants at JANE Dispensary are trained to help you select edibles for pain. Please consult them if you have any questions.

JANE Dispensary has two beautiful California locations, a Santa Rosa dispensary, and a Cotati Dispensary. Browse the online dispensary menu.To learn about applying for a medical card, click here.

Note: This is an informational article. This is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor.