Edibles

Is the term for medicinal foods to which cannabis extracts have been added. They are often found in baked goods such as cookies and brownies, but also in beverages, breads and sweets. When consuming edibles, it can be expected that the active components from the extracts will take longer to work as they need to be absorbed through the digestive system. In Germany, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, or BfArM for short
, has not yet allowed edibles to be prescribed by doctors. Only with an extension of the Narcotics Act (BtMG)this would be conceivable. In the USA, on the other hand, edibles are already being used in many places for medical purposes.

The dosage form through edibles

The administration of medical cannabis in the form of edibles differs from other forms of administration, such as smoking or vaporizing. When edibles are consumed, the Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) they contain is metabolized by the liver, which converts it to 11-hydroxy-THC. This active metabolite is particularly effective at crossing the blood-brain barrier, resulting in a more intense psychic effect. In contrast, inhaled THC is subject to different metabolic processes because it is sent directly to the brain rather than through the stomach and liver. For this reason, the effects of smoked or vaped cannabis come on faster, but also wear off faster.
Edibles are typically made with highly concentrated cannabis, whether it be concentrates (hash oil), cannabis-infused butter, or infused oil. Therefore, the dosages are significantly lower than, for example, those of medicinal hemp or drugs such as sprays and capsules.

Edibles and their potential use in medicine

Like other medicinal products containing cannabis, edibles could have medicinal uses for the treatment of various medical conditions. Both THC and CBD can produce positive physical and psychological effects when used on humans. For example, THC binds to the cannabinoid receptor CB1 , which is found in pain-processing areas of the brain. Also because of its appetite-enhancing and antiemetic effect, THC is particularly valued in cancer patients during chemotherapy. CBD, in turn, acts as an antiepileptic and hypnotic.