Hey we get it. When you're sick with the flu, all you want is relief — whether it's from the relentless fever, those achy muscles, or the headache that makes even the lightest touch on your forehead feel like a sledgehammer.

When you catch the flu, most people reach for tried-and-true remedies — you know, chicken noodle soup, warm tea, and a lot of bed rest. But there might be another way to help ease those symptoms while you ride out the illness.

Whether you're a long-time cannabis user or just canna-curious, you may wonder if taking edibles while sick with the flu is an effective way to find relief — or if it's even safe. Don't worry, we're here to unpack all of that. Here we'll break down the potential benefits, risks, and precautions to consider before you reach for the gummies.

Understanding Flu Symptoms

So the flu isn't just a cold — it's a viral infection that can knock you down for days or even weeks. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, and respiratory issues such as coughing and a sore throat, which you're probably acutely aware of if you're here reading this article. What's really going on here is the flu virus triggers your immune system to go into overdrive, which causes inflammation in your body. This inflammatory response is responsible for most of those awful flu symptoms.

And you know what has a big hand in controlling your inflammatory responses? That's right — your body's endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for helping maintain homeostasis in your body, but when that's out of whack due to a pesky flu virus, you can do some tweaking of your own with cannabis. Let's talk about that next.

Can Edibles Help with Flu Relief?

So the short answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to be cautious about. First off, cannabis, specifically the cannabinoids THC and CBD, can help alleviate certain flu symptoms like muscle aches, fever, and inflammation. Both THC and CBD have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief from the soreness caused by the flu. Additionally, THC has pain-relieving properties that can further aid in assuring your discomfort. It actually modulates the way your body interprets pain, so you experience it differently.

But the flu isn't just about achy muscles and headaches. If you're suffering from respiratory symptoms like coughing or congestion, cannabis edibles are definitely preferable to smoking or vaping, which can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate symptoms like a sore throat or coughing fits. With edibles, you're not going to have to worry about it because the cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system, which makes for a gentler experience on your lungs and throat.

Now at this point you're probably ready to give it a shot. But let's pump the brakes for a second and talk about some of the drawbacks of taking cannabis to help fight the flu.

Risks and Considerations

Even though cannabis edibles might help alleviate certain flu symptoms, they aren't without risks — especially when you're already dealing with a viral infection. When you're sick, your immune system is working overtime to fight off the bug, and adding cannabis into the mix can affect the body in unexpected ways.

One major consideration is how cannabis can interact with your stomach. If you're already experiencing nausea or an upset stomach from the flu, consuming cannabis-infused edibles may intensify those symptoms, depending on your individual body's makeup. Some folks find that cannabis helps soothe these symptoms, while others report that it can make it worse. If you're unsure how your body is going to respond, it's worth keeping in mind.

Another thing to keep in mind is that cannabis can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may result in dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be a little risky, particularly if you're already feeling weak or fatigued from the flu. If you're predisposed to this or if you're taking medications that can also lower your blood pressure, combining them with cannabis edibles might not be the best choice.

Finally, a lot of people who take over-the-counter cold and flu medications don't realize that cannabis can also interact with those drugs. Some medications used to treat flu symptoms, like decongestants, antihistamines, or pain relievers, can interact with cannabis and either increase or decrease their effectiveness.

This is especially important to keep in mind if you're already medicating for flu symptoms and are considering adding edibles to your regimen. If you're already on medication, you should definitely talk to your doctor before taking anything that could interact with its effectiveness. More on that in a bit.

Choosing the Right Edible for Flu Relief

If you've got the all-clear to proceed from your doctor, you're now going to be confronted with a galaxy of different edibles to choose from. We understand this can be a bit overwhelming. The key is to focus on the specific symptoms you're hoping to make better. Here's what you should consider:

High CBD Edibles

If you're primarily dealing with muscle aches, pain, or inflammation, high-CBD edibles might be the way to go. CBD has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate the discomfort caused by the flu. They're also not going to get you "high," which is important if you need to stay somewhat functional while you recover.

High THC Edibles

Edibles that are high in THC may be more helpful for flu symptoms like that annoying runny nose because it's a natural decongestant that will help to clear out your sinuses. It may also help reduce the severity of your sore throat and can alleviate the feelings of general malaise you're probably experiencing. And as an added bonus, it can help you sleep more soundly while your body works to fight the infection. That said, THC is intoxicating, which may not be ideal if you need to stay alert or are managing other medications. If that's you, we recommend taking a THC edible at night.

THC and CBD Combination

So if you're looking for a balance of both effects, there are a ton of edibles that combine THC and CBD in varying ratios. A 1:1 ratio is probably the best to alleviate flu symptoms while balancing out the psychoactive effects of THC, but keep in mind that everyone's body is different. At the end of the day, this can be a good option if you're looking for a gentle, full-body relief experience.

Considering Methods of Consumption

Edibles come in many forms, and choosing the right one depends on your preferences and symptoms. Some people might prefer gummies for the convenience and consistency in dosage. Others may opt for chocolates or candies if you're looking for something a little fun or under-the-tongue tinctures for quicker action. Either way, it's important to note that the onset time for edibles specifically can be longer compared to other forms of cannabis consumption you might be more used to.

More specifically, edibles typically take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to take effect — it's really important to be patient and resist the urge to take another dose too soon. We get that you're feeling miserable, and the wait for relief can feel like forever, but taking too much too soon can lead to side effects that'll make you feel even worse.

So with that in mind, let's go through some dos and don'ts of taking edibles for flu symptom relief.

The Dos and Don'ts of Taking Edibles with the Flu

Taking cannabis edibles while sick with the flu can definitely provide some relief, but as with any medicine, there are some considerations you need to make. To help you navigate the process, here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind.

Do Choose the Right Type of Edible

Not all edibles are created equal, and the type of edible you choose can impact how well it helps manage your flu symptoms. Like we said above, for muscle aches, pain, and inflammation, CBD-rich edibles are often the best choice as they are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and won't cause the "high" associated with THC. For congestion and a runny nose, THC-infused edibles may help as they can act as a natural decongestant. If you're looking for a balanced effect, edibles with both THC and CBD in equal or varying ratios might provide a full-body relief experience.

Do Start with a Low Dose

If you're new to edibles or cannabis in general, start with a low dose — typically around 5 mg of THC or less.  Also remember that the effects of edibles can be stronger and longer-lasting than smoking or vaping. Starting slow ensures you don't overdo it, especially when your body is already weakened by the flu.

Do Plan Ahead for Onset Time

Edibles typically take a longer time to take effect compared to other methods like smoking or vaping. Be patient — it can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to feel the full effects. Make sure to take your edibles when you have time to relax and don't need immediate relief.

Do Use Edibles to Promote Sleep

One of the most important aspects of flu recovery is getting good quality sleep. If you're struggling to sleep due to aches, chills, or a sore throat, consider edibles with higher levels of CBD. CBD can help calm the body and promote deep, restful sleep, aiding your recovery process.

Do Stay Hydrated

Edibles can sometimes cause dry mouth, especially those with THC. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water or herbal teas to stay hydrated as hydration is key when recovering from the flu. Consider pairing your edibles with a soothing, non-caffeinated beverage like chamomile tea.

Got it? Great! Now let's talk about some don'ts.

Don't Take Edibles with Cold or Flu Medication Without Consulting Your Doctor

Cannabis can interact with other medications, especially those commonly used for cold and flu symptoms. Don't combine edibles with over-the-counter medications like decongestants, antihistamines, or pain relievers without checking with your doctor first. Some interactions could amplify side effects like drowsiness or dizziness or interfere with the medication's effectiveness. When you're already sick, that's the last thing you want.

Don't Overconsume

It's tempting to take another edible if you don't feel immediate relief, but trust us, you need to resist that urge. Edibles take time to kick in, and taking too much too soon can result in some pretty negative side effects that are going to make you end up feeling even worse. Stick to the recommended dose and wait before deciding whether to take more. Don't fall for the classic blunder of thinking it's not working!

Don't Choose Edibles That Could Irritate Your Stomach

If you're dealing with nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach due to the flu, avoid edibles that are too heavy or sugary that could irritate your stomach further. Consider lighter options like cannabis-infused gummies that are much easier on your digestive system. And hey, just so you know, Sherpa offers plenty of vegan and gluten-free edibles!

Don't Take Edibles on an Empty Stomach

If you're already experiencing nausea, taking edibles on an empty stomach has the potential to make things worse. Make sure you've eaten something light and gentle on your stomach before consuming cannabis edibles, especially if you're already feeling a little queasy.

Don't Forget to Rest

Even though edibles may provide some relief from symptoms like pain or nausea, they are not a substitute for rest. Don't rely solely on edibles for flu recovery. Your body needs time to heal, so make sure you're getting plenty of sleep, drinking fluids, and following your doctor's advice for managing the flu.

And speaking of…

When to Consult a Doctor

It's important to remember that while common, the flu is actually a pretty serious illness. While edibles may offer some relief from flu symptoms, they aren't a cure, and it's important to know when to consult a doctor. If your flu symptoms do not improve after a week or if they worsen, it's time to seek professional medical advice. And keep in mind symptoms like difficulty breathing, a really severe sore throat, or a high fever may be signs of complications that require immediate medical attention.

If you're unsure whether cannabis is right for you or if you have concerns about interactions with other medications, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before introducing edibles into your routine.

Get to Feeling Better Soon with Sherpa Edibles

Whether you opt for THC, CBD, or a combination of both, edibles are a gentle, all-natural option for long-lasting relief for some of the worst symptoms of the flu. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding cannabis to your illness management routine, but they can definitely be a lifesaver when you need it most.

We're sorry you're not feeling great right now, but if you rest up and take care of your body, we're sure you'll bounce back in no time. Get well soon!