CBD-Rich Cannabis and Lyme Disease: Here’s the Research

Since the original discovery of cannabis’ medicinal benefits eons ago, it has been used as a form of treatment for various conditions.

Recently, it has been discovered that cannabis can also be used by those afflicted with Lyme disease. But how exactly does it work? In this article, we discuss how cannabis can affect the treatment of Lyme disease, and explore if it is indeed a revolutionary new method of ameliorating this ailment.

WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?

If you happen to be bitten by a deer tick, then suffer from rashes, head and body aches, chills, and nausea over the next few days, you are likely suffering from Lyme disease. Once the tick gets in contact with human skin, it initially injects a numbing agent that hinders its victims from feeling anything at first.

Ideally, this disease should be given treatment for a few weeks via prescribed antibiotics, and if left unattended, could turn into more chronic joint pains, and at worst, could even lead to meningitis. But if the tick was immediately detached from the skin in under 36 hours, contracting the disease is more unlikely.

Cannabis and Lyme Disease: A Look at the Research

Medical experts naturally veer towards pharmaceutical treatment first when it comes to conditions such as Lyme disease. However, several studies have also been conducted to show how cannabis can be included as a treatment option.

This 2008 study^[1], for one, showed how cannabis is effective against an “antibiotic-resistant” strain of MRSA. The study also points out that antiquated claims of cannabis increasing one’s vulnerability to infection is paradoxical, to say the least. In fact, the researchers argue for the strong antibacterial potential of numerous cannabinoids including CBC, THC, and of course, CBD.

Plenty of anecdotal accounts support using CBD-rich strains in cases of Lyme disease, but the science doesn’t exist to validate these claims. Very few studies have tested CBD against the bacteria^[2] that underpin the condition, and robust clinical trials are needed to see if the cannabinoid offers any hope.

Cannabis and Lyme Disease: What’s the Best Approach?

There’s no standardised approach when it comes to using cannabis in cases of Lyme disease. However, some proponents perceive oils and extracts as the way to go, and justify this claim based on research that shows a link between smoking and immunosuppression^[3].

IN CONCLUSION

Unfortunately, we cannot offer a solid, cohesive conclusion regarding whether or not Lyme disease can be cured or effectively treated with cannabis. Under current research, CBD certainly seems to display positive implications, but far more research is needed. One positive thing to note, however, is that more and more doctors are encouraging experimentation with CBD-rich products, so long as patients are not avoiding all forms of traditional medication.