Is it Possible to Improve Inflammation Symptoms with THC Edibles?

THC, the main compound in marijuana that makes people feel happy and relaxed, is also a powerful agent to alleviate pain and inflammation symptoms. THC can reduce discomfort, relax tight muscles, control nausea, stimulate appetite, improve sleep, and more. For those adverse to smoking, edible THC products offer an effective therapeutic alternative. Edibles are also the most intense and long-lasting—a massive plus for those who want to manage inflammation from injuries, disease, or chronic pain.  

Let’s explore how THC works for inflammation, how the edibles experience can ease pain and inflammation symptoms, and the best dosing recommendations for THC edibles.

Why Inflammation Is a Big Deal

Inflammation is the body’s cellular response to an irritant like a bacterial disease or injury. It’s essential to healing, but excessive inflammation when the body isn’t sick or damaged can cause downstream consequences like chronic pain and arthritis.  

Unchecked inflammation is a major factor in almost every chronic disease, affecting approximately 133 million Americans—more than 40% of the total population. These include:

*Diabetes

*Heart disease

*Arthritis

*Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

*Autoimmune diseases

*Chronic pain

*Multiple sclerosis (MS)

*Crohn’s disease

In addition to pain, those suffering from unmitigated inflammation often experience numerous side effects, including:

*Fatigue and loss of energy

*Headaches

*Loss of appetite

*Muscle stiffness

What the Research Says About THC and Inflammation 

Research links marijuana and its main compound, THC, with anti-inflammatory properties, making THC products like Sweet Life Delta 9 Syrup a potential option for addressing inflammation without steroids and opioids. 

*A 2020 study looking at inflammation biomarkers found that patients who reported marijuana use in the last 30 days had lower inflammation levels.

*In a study involving patients with Crohn’s disease, 10 out of 11 subjects experienced some form of relief from cannabis while avoiding steroids.

*Another study showed that cannabis extract eases muscle stiffness typical of multiple sclerosis, extending to pain, muscle spasms, and sleep quality.

*Many professional athletes report anti-inflammation benefits from cannabis.

*Research shows THC can improve symptoms caused by traumatic brain injuries. 

How THC Works for Pain and Inflammation

THC is a type of molecule called a cannabinoid. Specifically, it is a phytocannabinoid, or plant-based cannabinoid. 

Human bodies also make cannabinoids called endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that send nerve impulses to the brain to trigger different effects on the body. 

Because THC looks and acts like the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, our brains recognize it, allowing THC to affect various body functions controlled by the endocannabinoid system, including pain, appetite, mood, inflammation, and muscle tone. 

THC can bind to endocannabinoid receptors throughout the brain, central nervous system, immune cells, and even the fluid surrounding joints. As a result, THC affects the body in several ways that can help relieve inflammation symptoms:

*Alters pain perception: The “high” from THC results from increased cerebral blood flow, which carries THC molecules to every tissue in the body, including the brain, allowing it to regulate pain perception and immune responses. This effect can significantly reduce inflammation, soreness, and uncomfortable aches.

*Inhibits inflammatory cytokine production: Cytokines signal the immune system to attack invaders and heal the body. However, overactive cytokines can cause chronic inflammatory symptoms like pain and disease. THC blocks unmitigated cytokine cells, stopping the body from attacking itself. This is beneficial for autoimmune disorders.

*Boosts mood: When THC hits brain cells, it causes them to release dopamine, a feel-good brain chemical. A review in the Annals of Internal Medicine noted that mood is a huge part of treating chronic pain and inflammation symptoms, and THC’s euphoria has the power to help patients recover faster. 

*Improves appetite and sleep: Some people suffering from chronic diseases and inflammation lose their appetite. THC stimulates the production of a hormone called ghrelin, which acts on the appetite centers in the brain to stimulate hunger. It also increases sleep-promoting adenosine levels and suppresses the brain’s arousal system, which can help people relax and sleep better. 

Benefits of THC Edibles for Inflammation

Edibles are food products infused with cannabis extract. They come in many forms, including baked goods, candies, gummies, chocolates, lozenges, beverages, and even syrups like the Sweet Life Delta 9 Syrup.

The cannabis experience from an edible differs significantly from smoking. It offers many benefits for those who want to treat inflammation symptoms: 

Last longer: 

Smoking, vaping, or inhaling cannabis has an immediate impact, which is great for instant relief. However, the results also wear off quickly. On the other hand, when people eat an edible infused with THC, the body metabolizes it through the liver and digestive tract before it enters the bloodstream. The digestive process slows down the THC’s path across the blood-brain barrier, meaning edibles have a significantly larger window of effectiveness. 

Edibles usually take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in, and the effects last six to eight hours, providing symptom relief all day or night without the need to re-dose often. 

Stronger, full-body effects: 

Edibles provide a more intense, full-body experience than smoking or vaping. This occurs because the liver turns delta-9 THC into a more potent form called 11-hydroxy-THC. A study found that 11-hydroxy-THC resulted in a faster onset than Delta-9 and a more powerful psychoactive experience, which can benefit those dealing with severe inflammation and pain symptoms. 

Easier to control dosage: 

Estimating how much THC will get into the bloodstream when using concentrates or smoking can be challenging. More reputable companies now produce edible-infused THC products that go through consistent lab testing, with measured reliable dosages listed on the package. 

For example, each bottle of Delta 9 THC syrup from Qwin contains five 40 mg servings of Delta-9 THC, allowing users to adjust the amount to fit their needs easily. 

THC Edible Dosing for Inflammation

New users should start with low doses when consuming THC edibles for the first time. The main concern over edibles stems from 11-hydroxy THC, which feels much different than Delta-9 and causes some people to feel too high. Additionally, because it can take up to an hour for THC to enter the system in edible form, some people mistakenly think “it’s not working,” and take a second serving before the first dose kicks this in. This can result in users ingesting more than they can handle.

An edible starter dose of THC for most people is 3-5 mg. After 24 hours, users can gauge the potency they want to try next time. A 10-15 mg THC edible is a moderate dose for experienced users. Thirty grams is a high, expert-level dose.

The Bottom Line

THC edibles can effectively treat inflammation and its symptoms, including pain, appetite loss, muscle stiffness, and insomnia. THC helps muscles relax, alleviates discomfort, and boosts mood, which can dramatically improve recovery and help people cope with chronic diseases. Edibles offer many benefits for those suffering from inflammation, including longer-lasting, full-body effects and consistent dosing. Remember that starting low and slow is always best when using THC edibles to dial the correct dosage.