THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While smoking or vaping cannabis flower remains a popular way to consume THC, eating cannabis-infused edibles is an alternative.

Provides long-lasting pain relief

The most well-established medical use for cannabis is pain management. THC was found to have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate pain perception. The digestive system and liver process THC before entering the bloodstream. Gradual and longer-lasting compared to inhaling THC. An edible can take 30-90 minutes to kick in but persists for 4-8 hours. This extended duration can be beneficial for those dealing with chronic pain conditions.

Reduces inflammation 

Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including autoimmune disorders, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and more. Emerging research suggests that cannabis and CBD have anti-inflammatory properties. THC inhibits cytokine production and chemokines, inflammatory substances produced by immune cells. A 2020 study in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that both THC and CBD decreased the inflammatory response in human cell lines.

Another study published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics tested an oral CBD/THC spray in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes painful inflammation in the joints. The treatment effectively improved pain during movement, pain at rest, and sleep quality. Consuming THC edibles allows the compound to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive tract. This systemic circulation means the anti-inflammatory benefits can be felt body-wide, which may be helpful in inflammatory conditions not localized to one area.

May alleviate anxiety

While high doses of weed edibles to trigger anxiety and paranoia in some people potentially, research suggests that low doses may have the opposite effect and relieve stress. A 2017 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders looked at patients with anxiety and depression. Participants were given medical cannabis, with the average THC dose being around 4%. After about three months of use, patients with anxiety experienced significant improvements in symptoms. Edible cannabis products make it easy to control dosage and get consistent low doses of THC. This is important because the anxiety-reducing effects occur within a limited dosage window, with higher doses more likely to be anxiety-promoting.

Stimulates appetite

The medicinal effect of cannabis, mainly attributable to THC, is appetite stimulation. It’s well known that getting “the munchies” is a common side effect of cannabis use. While for some, it can incredibly benefit others. Certain medical conditions and treatments can cause reduced appetite and weight loss, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies and health complications. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience nausea and loss of appetite as side effects. Similarly, unintentional weight loss is a problem for many people living with HIV/AIDS.

THC was studied for its potential to boost appetite and prevent unhealthy weight loss in such cases. A 2005 survey published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that nearly one-third of oncology patients at a cancer centre in Seattle had used cannabis—the majority appetite stimulation. As cannabis laws continue to be conducted, we may gain a precise understanding of how THC edibles are used to support health and well-being. For now, the current evidence suggests promising potential.