Best Edibles for Pain

If you’re exploring cannabis as a method to manage pain, the vast array of edible options can feel overwhelming. From gummies and chocolates to baked goods and beverages, the market offers a dizzying selection of products. How do you find the right product to treat specific pain? 

The challenge lies not only in navigating the different types of edibles for pain but also in understanding how different strains and cannabinoid profiles can significantly impact their effectiveness. Finding the best edibles for pain may help lessen or eliminate the discomfort you experience. First, let’s look at how cannabis might work against pain.

Can Weed Help with Pain?

Cannabis, including edibles like weed gummies for pain, has the potential to alleviate various types of pain, particularly in conditions such as neuropathy and chronic inflammation. 

Current research suggests that cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies in animals and humans examine how chronic inflammatory pain develops and how it might be managed or treated. Researchers have found that THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids show significant potential to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

One of the most well-studied products is Sativex®, which is a combination of THC and CBD. It may be effective in lessening neuropathic pain and other forms of chronic pain, such as those associated with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, without notable side effects.¹ Moreover, CBD alone may help reduce the sensation of pain by interacting with several different systems in the body.

THC is similar to a natural chemical in our bodies called anandamide, sometimes called the "bliss molecule," because it can create feelings of happiness. 

THC works by partially activating special cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate many bodily functions, like mood, pain, and immune response.

CBD also works with receptors and channels in the nervous system, which may affect how we feel pain. For example, it influences serotonin receptors, affecting mood and pain. It may also influence some ion channels, which work like gates in cells, to affect how pain signals are transmitted. CBD may help maintain higher levels of natural pain-relieving compounds in the body by slowing down their breakdown.²

When using cannabis for pain relief, patients in a NuggMD survey found it as effective as traditional pain medications, including opiates for neuropathic pain. Another study points out that CBD and THC used together may enhance the pain relief effects significantly. They may deliver up to a 200-fold increase even in low doses compared to using either compound alone.¹

Given these findings, it’s clear that edibles for pain, particularly those containing a balanced ratio of CBD and THC, might be a viable option for patients seeking alternatives to conventional pain medications. However, how well it works may depend on the specific condition and the individual’s response to the cannabinoids used.

Best Types of Edibles for Pain?

All edibles, including gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and drinks, may help relieve chronic pain. The advantage of edibles is the extended relief from their long-lasting effects, often up to six hours.³

Gummies, especially those formulated as pot gummies for pain, are popular because they allow for precise dosing and come in a variety of cannabinoid ratios. 

A 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD is a standard recommendation for pain management. It combines the pain-relieving effects of THC with the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD while minimizing potential side effects.⁴ Nano-emulsion gummies, capsules, and tinctures are an emerging option for patients who need faster relief, as these absorb more quickly, reducing the time it takes for the effects to set in.⁵

Many consumers report that combining cannabis and chocolate enhances the mood-boosting and euphoric effects of both. There is some science to this since chocolate contains anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule.” Both anandamide and THC act on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, possibly elevating the effects of both.² 

Patients should shop for edibles with high-quality ingredients to match their personal dietary restrictions and health preferences. Some edibles with a high sugar content might not be suitable for all patients, especially those concerned about glucose levels. Moreover, patients should avoid products with artificial additives or low-quality ingredients. These may exacerbate health issues or reduce the overall effectiveness of the edibles.

Making edibles at home can be an attractive option for patients who want complete control over the ingredients and dosage. Home-made edibles allow patients to use specific strains or cannabinoid ratios tailored to their needs. Be cautious with dosing, and use an edibles calculator, as homemade edibles can be difficult to standardize. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dose as needed for the safest approach.

How to Choose Edibles for Pain

Where legal edibles can be a helpful element in pain management, with choices from beverages to brownies, understanding the basics of cannabis products helps consumers make educated decisions about the best marijuana for pain.

Patients should focus on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles when selecting the best cannabis for pain relief.

Some cannabis product labels list a ratio, which indicates the amount of CBD compared to THC in milligrams. For instance, a product with a 1:1 ratio means an equal amount of CBD and THC, with one milligram of CBD for every milligram of THC.

Dosage is another critical factor. For those new to edibles or cannabis in general, start with a low dose. A conservative recommendation is to begin with 5–10 mg of CBD, taken 1–2 times daily, especially for managing inflammatory pain during the day. 

For evening use, particularly if sleep is affected by pain, a lower dose of THC, around 2.5 mg, may be appropriate. Patients with complex medical conditions or who are elderly may need to start with even lower doses, such as 1–1.25 mg of THC, to minimize any potential adverse effects.^3,4

On Opioids and Cannabis for Pain Management

Studies are ongoing on using cannabis alongside opioids for pain management. Some preclinical studies suggest that the body’s endocannabinoid system plays a role in how opioids, like morphine, work to relieve pain, especially in conditions involving inflammation. Cannabinoids might enhance the pain-relieving effects of opioids. 

A systematic review found that in 17 out of 19 cases, combining cannabinoids with opioids delivered more substantial pain relief than using opioids alone. 

In real-world settings, some patients have found that using cannabis allowed them to reduce their reliance on opioids. For example, in one observational study, 26% of patients stopped using opioids entirely after starting medical cannabis, and 55% were able to reduce their opioid dosage by 30% or more over six months. Cannabis might be a helpful addition for managing chronic pain and could potentially reduce the need for higher doses of opioids, which are known to carry significant risks.⁴

However, a healthcare professional should oversee any adjustment to a pain therapy regimen.

The 5 Best Edibles for Pain

So many choices! Don’t worry; here’s a roll-up of the best marijuana edibles for pain based on patient reviews and cannabinoid content. 

Rose Los Angeles 1:1 Mango Rose Delights

Cannabis folklore tells of the extra-elevating effects of eating a mango before using weed. Although this theory isn’t scientifically proven, consumers of Mango 1:1 Delights Mangos praise these gummies' relaxing and mellow effects. Equal parts CBD to THC (2.5mg:2.5mg) blend into a euphoric feeling, potentially relieving stress and pain. High-quality, natural ingredients make these gummies popular among patients looking for a healthier option.

Wyld Pomegranate 1:1 Hybrid Enhanced Gummies

Some call the effect “active relaxation.” Wyld’s 1:1 gummies combine equal parts of THC and CBD for a balanced effect. Terpenes may round out the effects, including limonene, linalool, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene. Wyld gummies are made with real fruit, high-quality cannabis extract, and botanical terpenes to create a consistent and reliable product.

Wana Quick Strawberry Margarita 1:1 Gummies

We love gummies. But when you need relief fast, the slow onset of traditional edibles can be frustrating.  Wana Quick Strawberry Margarita gummies start to work in five to fifteen minutes. And even though the effect comes on quickly, they still provide a full two to four hours of pain relief. Wana Quick gummies utilize emerging nano-emulsion technology to deliver effects faster than traditional edibles. With 5mg each of THC and CBD per gummy, they give manageable rapid relief.

Canyon Sour Lemonade 1:1 Chew-its

A High Times Cannabis Cup winner, Canyon’s non-GMO and gluten-free Sour Lemonade 1:1 Chew-its are available to Colorado consumers. Containing a 1:1 CO2 extract and natural flavors, this edible captures the full spectrum of the plant. Each chew contains 2.5mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBD, for a total of 100mg each per package.

Kiva Confections CBD Espresso Dark Chocolate

Espresso Dark Chocolate CBD 1:1 from Kiva combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the pain-relieving properties of a balanced 1:1 and a hint of espresso.  Each square of this 20-serving chocolate bar has 5mg CBD and 5mg THC. Smooth chocolate melts into a fusion with cold water hash, formulated to create a clean, pure cannabis edible that captures the essence of the whole plant. 

For the DIY-er

There’s no taste like homemade. Whether you make cannabis edibles to fulfill your creative side with weed cupcakes or you want more vegan edible options, you’ll have complete control over ingredient quality and dietary adaptations. Or, if you are just looking to bake some pain relief into a warm and comforting tradition, whip up a pan of classic weed brownies.

References

1. Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(22):8870. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228870 ↩︎
2. Vučković S, Srebro D, Vujović KS, Vučetić Č, Prostran M. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259 ↩︎
3. 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 ↩︎
4. MacCallum CA, Eadie L, Barr AM, Boivin M, Lu S. Practical Strategies Using Medical Cannabis to Reduce Harms Associated With Long Term Opioid Use in Chronic Pain. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.633168 ↩︎
5. Regina E, Schneider Rauber G, Caon T. An update of nano-based drug delivery systems for cannabinoids: Biopharmaceutical aspects & therapeutic applications. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2023;635:122727-122727. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122727 ↩︎

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.