Best Edibles for MS

From chocolates to gummies and hard candies, a wide variety of cannabis edibles can be purchased at licensed retailers. While this is great for providing consumers with options, it can be overwhelming for someone new to the cannabis shopping experience.

Cannabis edibles can be used recreationally or as a form of treatment for specific medical ailments. Some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) choose to use cannabis as a way of managing symptoms. The best edibles for MS are unique to the individual, as cannabis affects each person a bit differently. Still, some key factors must be considered before patients select their final edible.

Can Weed Help with MS?

Some research has demonstrated that cannabis may be able to help with managing MS symptoms.

One study examined the impacts of cannabis on MS and found that many of its benefits were due to the plant’s ability to interact with neurons in the central nervous system. This interaction may help to reduce muscle spasticity, pain, and inflammation, offering relief from some of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS.¹

Many MS patients self-report that cannabis helps manage their pain and spasticity, as well as helps with sleep. While these benefits may be true for some patients, it’s important to note that everyone responds to cannabis differently. What works well for one person may not be right for another.

Some researchers have found that cultivars that contain both THC and CBD are some of the most effective at helping manage MS symptoms.² While many of the cultivars available on the market contain both cannabinoids, a large majority of them are higher in THC. Be patient in the shopping process and open to alternative options. For those having difficulty finding high CBD strains, a hemp variety may be the best choice. 

Another way that cannabis may help those with MS is through sleep. One study found that participants experienced significant sleep improvements compared to the placebo group. Improved sleep quality may lead to better overall well-being and aid in managing fatigue and other MS-related symptoms.³

Reports vary when it comes to the effectiveness of using cannabis for MS. Some people report that cannabis is extremely effective at helping them manage their MS symptoms.² If you’re not sure which options are right for you, consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss how cannabis could fit into your current treatment regimen.

Best Types of Edibles for MS?

If you’re living with MS, then you may be wondering what edibles you should purchase or skip. 

While many edible options are available, baked goods such as cookies and gummies are usually the most common. They can be high in saturated fats and refined sugar. MS patients may want to avoid these ingredients and choose a cleaner option, as maintaining a healthy diet can help manage inflammation and promote overall wellness.

The ingredients should always be clearly listed on the product's packaging. If not, it may be best to choose an alternative edible option. If you’re not comfortable with the ingredients in products available at your local dispensary, consider making your own edibles.

Many people with MS prefer to use edibles made with nanoemulsions.¹ These products are precisely dosed like regular edibles but allow for faster and more consistent absorption, which can help provide quicker relief and more predictable dosing.

How to Choose Edibles for MS

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best edibles for MS.

It’s important to only purchase products from reputable retailers and brands with third-party tests. This helps to ensure the product is safe to consume. Look for a certificate of analysis, check for a QR code on the packaging, or head to the brand’s website.

When consuming cannabis edibles for the first time, it’s recommended to start with a 2.5-5mg dosage.  It’s important to note that consumers will not immediately feel the effects. Traditional edibles take 30 minutes to two hours (or longer) to feel the full impact. Nanoemulsified products may be felt in as early as 15 minutes.⁴

If you don’t get the desired results at that dose, wait 24 hours before you try again. Some patients may want to consider increasing the dose the next time.

If you’re not happy with the options available at the dispensary, you can consider making your own edibles. It’s a great way to customize the product to your liking.

Exploring all the options available is essential regarding the relationship between MS and edibles. Asking your doctor for guidance and discussing products with dispensary staff can help guide your shopping experience. 

The 5 Best Edibles for MS

Below are some of the best edibles for MS.

• Care By Design Gummies: This popular edible option contains equal parts THC and CBD. Each gummy contains 5mg of both THC and CBD, and the recommended dosage is two gummies. This is a gluten-free option and a vegan option.
• Care By Design Soft Gels: Soft gels could be the perfect solution if you’re looking for an option free of sugars and other unhealthy ingredients. They are processed in the body similarly to edibles and contain various cannabinoids, including THCA and CBDA. This can help provide a full-spectrum experience and enhance the entourage effect, where multiple cannabinoids may work together to amplify therapeutic benefits.
• Space Gems: These gluten-free drops are vegan and contain natural ingredients. They are also a solventless option, providing a more full-spectrum experience or ‘high.’ These come in full THC or 1:1 THC CBD options. Beginner cannabis users or those with a lower tolerance may want to opt for the CBD variety or consider taking a portion of a whole piece.  With that being said, the strong effects could be beneficial for those with more severe MS symptoms or higher tolerance levels. 
  WYLD Pomegranate Gummies: WYLD is a reputable brand in the cannabis space. They provide a wide range of products with various cannabinoids and effects. These pomegranate-flavored hybrid 1:1 CBD THC gummies are known to help aid in body relaxation, which may benefit some MS patients.

References

1. Nouh RA, Kamal A, Oyewole O, Abbas WA, Abib B, Omar A, Mansour ST, Abdelnaser A. Unveiling the Potential of Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and the Dawn of Nano-Cannabinoid Medicine. Pharmaceutics. 2024; 16(2):241. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020241 ↩︎
2. Nielsen S, Germanos R, Weier M, et al. The Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Treating Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review of Reviews. Current neurology and neuroscience reports. 2018;18(2). doi:doi.org/10.1007/s11910-018-0814-x ↩︎
3. Haddad F, Dokmak G, Karaman R. The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms. Life. 2022; 12(5):682. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050682 ↩︎
4. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.