Edible cannabis products have the same properties as other forms of the drug. People ingest them to achieve certain effects, such as relaxation, or to reduce certain symptoms, such as chronic pain.
The effects of edibles depend on the dose a person takes. Typically, the effects increase as the dose increases. The effects may also vary depending on the strain of cannabis.
However, it is important to note that it is possible to take too much cannabis. This can occur easily when a person is consuming it in food, as the effects may take longer to develop.
Some potential benefits of edible cannabis include the following.
Relaxation and anxiety relief
Cannabis contains a compound known as cannabidiol (CBD). A 2019 studyTrusted Source of 72 adults with anxiety or sleep problems found that more than 79% who took CBD experienced a decrease in symptoms during the experiment.
Another small study of Japanese teenagers with social anxiety also found that CBD helped decrease symptoms.
However, it is worth noting that these studies focused on CBD alone. The cannabis plant also contains other compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which may cause feelings of relaxation.
Managing chronic pain
CBD may also work as a pain reliever. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a popular treatment among those who experience chronic pain.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source suggests that medical cannabis can help people with chronic pain by reducing symptoms and improving sleep.
Improving multiple sclerosis symptoms
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. It can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, tremors, nerve pain, and changes to bladder control or function.
A 2022 reviewTrusted Source of past research found that most trials on cannabis for MS had positive results. The authors found that oral cannabinoids reduced pain and spasticity, which refers to atypically tight and stiff muscles.
Reducing seizures
According to a 2017 studyTrusted Source, scientists are close to securing firm evidence that medical cannabis helps with certain types of epilepsy. However, more research is necessary to confirm this.
Reducing cancer effects
Some people use cannabis to minimize the symptoms of cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment. These include pain, insomnia, nausea, and lack of appetite.
However, a 2022 review notes that there are still knowledge gaps in the way cannabis might interact with cancers or their treatments. Some previous research suggests cannabis may reduce the effects of immunotherapy.