The Science of CBD & THC Edibles: How Do They Bring Pain Relief?

CBD and THC edibles are becoming increasingly popular as a natural, non-invasive option for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and sleep aid. As consumers become more interested in holistic wellness, the demand for these products has surged. CBD and THC, both compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant, interact with our bodies differently. The experience of consuming CBD and THC edibles is distinct from smoking or topical application due to the digestive process. In this article, we’ll explain the science behind how these edibles work, describing how they relieve pain and anxiety.

 

What Happens When You Eat CBD or THC-Infused Edibles?

When you consume an edible containing CBD or Delta-9 THC, it first travels to your stomach, where stomach acids break down the edible. Then, the active compounds—CBD and THC—are absorbed through the small intestine and enter the bloodstream. You will not feel full effects immediately because the compounds must first pass through your liver in a process known as first-pass metabolism.

Once in your liver, Delta-9 THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite more potent than Delta-9 THC itself. This metabolite crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, resulting in a more intense psychoactive experience compared to smoking or vaping. CBD, on the other hand, is metabolized by your liver without producing a psychoactive compound. Instead, it interacts with receptors primarily outside the central nervous system (CNS) to provide therapeutic effects, such as pain relief and anti-inflammation.

 

How Long Does It Take for CBD and THC to Start Acting?

Digestive and first-pass metabolism takes time, so edibles don’t offer immediate relief. Generally, it takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to begin feeling the effects. Factors like your metabolism, body weight, and whether you ate the edible on an empty stomach can influence this timeframe. When eaten, cannabinoids are carried into the body by lipids, meaning that their effects are enhanced when ingested with food. Consuming cannabinoids orally takes longer to produce an effect than inhaling cannabinoids, which enter the bloodstream through the lungs and produce almost immediate effects. That being said, the effects of ingested cannabinoids will last much longer than other methods.

 

How Do CBD and THC Interact With Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

Once CBD and THC enter the bloodstream, they interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system that controls pain perception, mood, inflammation, and appetite.

Delta-9 THC binds directly to the CB1 receptors found in your brain and central nervous system. This interaction produces THC’s psychoactive effects, including euphoria, altered perception, and heightened sensory awareness. To a lesser extent, THC also binds to CB2 receptors in your immune system and peripheral tissues, contributing to anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

CBD, on the other hand, does not directly bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it modulates these receptors by influencing your body’s production of natural endocannabinoids like anandamide. CBD enhances the body’s ability to manage pain, stress, and inflammation without causing psychoactive effects. Additionally, CBD interacts with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), which play a role in reducing anxiety and improving mood.

 

What Kind of Relief Can CBD and THC Edibles Bring You?

CBD Edible Benefits:

• Anxiety and Stress Reduction: CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors promotes a sense of calm and reduces anxiety.
• Pain Management: CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties effectively relieve chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness.
• Improved Sleep: CBD helps regulate sleep patterns by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
• Anti-Inflammatory: CBD’s modulation of CB2 receptors helps reduce inflammation in conditions like autoimmune diseases or injuries.

Delta-9 THC Edible Benefits

• Pain Relief: THC’s interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors helps alleviate both neuropathic and chronic pain.
• Appetite Stimulation: THC can increase appetite, which is beneficial for individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
• Relaxation and Euphoria: THC’s psychoactive effects can induce a sense of euphoria, which helps with mood enhancement in patients with depression or anxiety.

Combined CBD and THC Edible Benefits

• Synergistic Pain Relief: Combining CBD and THC may result in more effective pain management than using either cannabinoid alone, thanks to the entourage effect—where cannabinoids enhance each other’s effects.
• Reduced Anxiety: CBD counteracts the potential anxiety-inducing effects of THC, creating a more balanced and calming experience.
• Better Relaxation and Sleep: The combination of CBD and THC provides deeper relaxation and improved sleep without the risk of paranoia or over-stimulation that sometimes occurs with THC alone.

 

How Long Do the Effects Last When Taking Edibles?

Because edibles must pass through your liver, their effects last significantly longer than inhalation methods. The relief provided by CBD or THC edibles typically lasts 4 to 8 hours, depending on the dose, metabolism, and other individual factors. Some residual effects may even last beyond this window, providing extended relief from pain or anxiety.

 

A Note on Testing Positive for THC When Consuming Edibles

It’s important to note that consuming THC edibles can result in a positive urine test for THC, even if the product contains legal amounts of Delta-9 THC. THC can remain detectable in your system for up to 30 days after ingestion, so individuals who undergo frequent drug testing should consider sticking to CBD isolate products or broad-spectrum CBD products, which contain no THC, to ensure compliance with their workplace policies.

 

A Brand You Can Trust

At Jammin Canna, we pride ourselves on offering third-party lab-tested products that meet the highest standards of quality, purity, and potency. Our doctor-owned company is dedicated to providing safe, effective wellness solutions through CBD and THC products that deliver natural relief. Whether you’re managing chronic pain or looking to reduce stress and anxiety, our edibles are designed with your health and well-being in mind. Discover our products today!

 

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FDA Disclosure: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.