Compare the Best CBD and THC Edibles for Cough in 2022

How CBD and THC Help with Cough

The immunomodulatory ability of cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has led to their suggested anti-inflammatory potential⁽¹⁾. 

Bronchodilation (the widening of the bronchi in the lungs) and the suppression of inflammation in these airways help alleviate pulmonary diseases⁽²⁾. 

The capability of cannabinoids to modulate inflammation and induce expansion in the bronchial airways asserts its importance in respiratory pathology⁽³⁾. 

Cough is a defensive reflex of the airways or a respiratory illness symptom⁽⁴⁾. This reflex is essential in protecting the lungs and airways from irritants⁽⁵⁾. 

Naturally, cough expels the unwanted particles that individuals breathe in. However, in some cases, coughing may be a symptom of a more severe respiratory disease.

An acute cough is a most common and least severe cough, like a common cold⁽⁶⁾. It lasts for three weeks or less, unlike chronic cough that lasts for more than eight weeks and may indicate lung disease⁽⁷⁾.  

A cough may also be associated with flu symptoms, including stuffy nose or runny nose, fever, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue⁽⁸⁾.

Some conditions that may be associated with cough are the following⁽⁹⁾:

• Rhinosinusitis
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux
• Lung cancer

Drinking fluid, resting, and taking pain killers are the typical remedies for cough. However, some pain relief medicines may inhibit phlegm from coming out⁽¹⁰⁾.

Benefits of Using CBD for Cough

Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound, are the prevalent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. 

These cannabinoids both work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the neuromodulatory system responsible for various central nervous system activities, inflammatory functions, and immune system functions⁽¹¹⁾.

The ECS has two types of receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors, that have different functions. 

CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and are believed to be responsible for regulating the psychoactivity of cannabinoids⁽¹²⁾. CB1 regulates motor control, mood, and memory⁽¹³⁾.

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors (peripheral receptors) primarily exist in the immune cells and are responsible for the ECS’ immunomodulatory functions⁽¹⁴⁾.

THC has shown a high affinity with the CB1 receptors, while CBD binds weakly with CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, studies noted CBD’s antagonistic effect on both receptors with THC’s presence⁽¹⁵⁾.

A study suggested that cannabinoid receptors, particularly the CB2 receptor, repressed the LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice⁽¹⁶⁾.

The regulation of CB2 receptors in the immune cell function in animal inflammatory diseases was mentioned in a study on the CB2 receptor’s role in inflammation⁽¹⁷⁾.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of CBD and THC

Inflammation is the body’s response to irritants⁽¹⁸⁾. It may be caused by bacteria or pathogens, external injuries, chemicals, or radiation⁽¹⁹⁾.

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the central airways or bronchi in the lungs, with cough as its main symptom⁽²⁰⁾. 

A study on mice suggested that CBD improved lung function and exhibited possible potent anti-inflammatory effects on mice with acute lung injury⁽²¹⁾.

Simultaneously, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD were demonstrated in experimental allergic asthma⁽²²⁾. 

The research results showed that CBD in high doses may reduce the lung’s elastance (inflation of the lungs)⁽²³⁾. Moreover, regardless of the dosage, CBD may decrease the airway’s sensitivity and reactivity (hyperresponsiveness)⁽²⁴⁾.

Other potential benefits of CBD include analgesic effects on chronic pain. A study suggested that CBD’s pain-relief qualities are well-tolerated in clinical trials⁽²⁵⁾.

Cannabis edibles (with high THC content) were discussed in the research, saying that it is a discreet and safe way to feel the therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant compared to the possible risks of smoking⁽²⁶⁾. 

However, the limited references concerning the ingestion of cannabis are inconclusive.

Using CBD Edibles for Cough

A study on CBD users found out that the most commonly used CBD products are CBD edibles⁽²⁷⁾. Moreover, according to this study’s results, the top reason for buying CBD is to relieve stress⁽²⁸⁾.

Edibles are CBD-infused drinks or foods⁽²⁹⁾. Ingesting edibles is a discreet and practical way to take CBD. 

It is advisable to go low and start slow when it comes to edibles. Most of the time, these edibles do not have a precise dosage. 

One has to wait at least 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes) after consuming a single serving of CBD- and THC-infused food or drink⁽³⁰⁾. 

High doses of CBD taken orally showed prospective anxiolytic and anti-psychotic effects⁽³¹⁾. However, an excessive amount of THC may trigger euphoric effects.  

According to a book called Medical Edibles, a few examples of CBD edibles are⁽³²⁾:

• Cannabutter
• Canna Oil
• Cannacream
• Canna-peanut butter

Furthermore, CBD capsules, CBD gummies, CBD chocolates, CBD lollipops, CBD cookies, CBD candies, and CBD lozenges are also included under the edibles category.

Among the CBD edibles, the CBD lozenges may be the most appropriate kind of edibles for cough. These CBD lozenges are comparable to cough drops that are dissolved in the mouth⁽³³⁾. 

How Soon Can CBD and THC Edibles’ Effects Be Felt?

One of the significant differences between inhaling and ingesting CBD and THC is its onset and duration of efficacy⁽³⁴⁾.

Inhalation of THC is known to have faster onset actions, while the orally taken CBD has a slow and erratic absorption rate⁽³⁵⁾. 

Vaping or using a vaporizer is one way of inhaling THC and CBD. Inhalation has a quick onset of two to fifteen minutes and a peak effect in approximately 30 minutes⁽³⁶⁾.

Meanwhile, with ingestion, the onset of action takes 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on an individual’s metabolism and what they ate. The effects also last much longer, from six to eight hours.

CBD lozenges specifically used for cough may take 20 minutes to take effect⁽³⁷⁾. 

The rate of absorption or bioavailability of ingested CBD and THC is 6% to 15% compared to the 17% to 44% bioavailability of the inhalation method⁽³⁸⁾.

However, smoking cannabis and inhaling THC, particularly in medical marijuana, may be associated with some adverse effects. The effects of CBD inhalation lasts for two to four hours only⁽⁴¹⁾.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC’s immune-suppressing effects in cannabis may escalate to other lung infections⁽³⁹⁾. 

NIDA is a research institute under the US Department of Health, National Institutes Health,  and Human Services, dedicated to researching drug use and addiction⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Other Routes of Administration 

CBD products may also be administered through topical absorption, transdermal application, and sublingual delivery method.

Topical and transdermal methods of administration involve applying the CBD product directly to the skin. However, they have their differences.

The topical method is often used for targeted pain relief. In this method, the product components do not enter the bloodstream⁽⁴²⁾.

Meanwhile, when using a transdermal route, like CBD patches, the compound is absorbed into the bloodstream through the dermis of the skin⁽⁴³⁾.

CBD products, like CBD cream, CBD salve, CBD lotion, and CBD balms, are applied topically to the skin. On the other hand, CBD patches and CBD gels are transdermally administered. 

In sublingual applications (under the tongue), CBD is absorbed by the mouth’s mucous membranes. It takes 15 to 30 minutes of onset time, and the effects last for four to six hours⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Some CBD oil tinctures may be used sublingually or topically.

Risks of Using CBD and THC Edibles for Cough

With the limited studies available to support or test the use of CBD and THC edibles, some consumers are not educated on the onset time, dose, and drug-to-drug interaction of these edible products. The lack of information may result in harmful repercussions⁽⁴⁵⁾.

The growing literature on CBD-rich cannabis products talks about its potential health benefits. However, the unregulated availability and use of these products in dispensaries may pose risks to consumers’ health.

CBD Side Effects

CBD products are often marketed as supplements that may help enhance overall wellness. Even so, there are risks and consequences to keep in mind when taking CBD products.

Some known side effects of CBD include⁽⁴⁶⁾:

• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in weight
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 

As consumers, you may want to consider consulting with your doctor before using any CBD products. 

It is also important to know the different interactions of CBD with other drugs, such as cytochrome inhibitors and inducers. CBD may increase or decrease some medications’ effects⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Note that CBD is not advised for people taking herbal medicines with sedative effects, as CBD may induce sleepiness and drowsiness⁽⁴⁸⁾.

Pregnant and breast-feeding women are also warned against taking CBD products, as the compound may have adverse effects on the fetus or infant⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

The Legality of CBD and THC

There are two subspecies of cannabis, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica⁽⁵⁰⁾. Two of the dominant constituents of cannabis are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Hemp is a cannabis strain with a low amount of THC and a higher proportion of CBD. CBD-rich products extracted from hemp are federally legal under the Farm Bill 2018⁽⁵¹⁾.

However, different states in the United States of America have distinct laws about cannabis and hemp products. It is best if you research these stipulations before using any CBD products to avoid unpleasant repercussions.

Things to Consider When Buying CBD THC Edibles for Cough

• Type of CBD Extract

The type of hemp extract with both THC and CBD is the full-spectrum or whole-plant extract⁽⁵²⁾. 

Unlike pure CBD molecule extracts or CBD isolates, full-spectrum CBD oil extracts contain other cannabinoids, like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC), with terpenes and flavonoids⁽⁵³⁾.

CBD and THC have the ability to bind together synergistically and result in the entourage effect, wherein non-psychoactive compounds, like CBD, modulate the effects of the whole cannabis plant⁽⁵⁴⁾.

• Source of CBD extract

Knowing the hemp extract source is understanding the quality of the hemp and the cultivars’ farming protocols.

CBD companies often assert their hemp extracts are derived from high-quality, USA-grown hemp. Identifying the hemp source may verify these claims. 

Colorado, Oregon, North Carolina, and Kentucky are some of the states in America with a hemp pilot program⁽⁵⁵⁾.

In this program, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) can approve plans laid out by states and Indian tribes regarding hemp’s domestic production⁽⁵⁶⁾. 

If a state is under this program, the USDA has to approve their plans first before they proceed with the production of their hemp.

• Extraction Method

The CO2 extraction process and ethanol extraction methods are commonly used in obtaining CBD extracts. Knowing the extraction process may help buyers assess the purity and safety of CBD products. 

It also helps consumers make purchase decisions when a brand is transparent about its extraction process.

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Laboratory test results are indicated in the certificate of analysis (COA) of CBD products. This certificate ensures consumers that the products have been tested for pesticides, chemicals, and microbial contaminants.

The COA also provides information on the amount of CBD in the product and per serving. Examining the COA is a way of verifying a product’s CBD and THC content. 

• CBD Strength and Potency

The potency per serving and concentration per container indicated in the COA shows how much CBD is in every product. Higher potency means more CBD content per serving.  

• Ingredients

Knowing the ingredients of the CBD product may help you identify any possible allergy-inducing components in the product.

Most CBD products contain carrier oils that may contribute to the beneficial effects of CBD. Hempseed oil and MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) are two of CBD products’ most common carrier oils.