Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause severe long-term effects when not cared for immediately. Research suggests that using CBD for Lyme disease may yield effective results.
At LeafMed, we want to keep you informed on all the different health conditions that cannabis can ease. If you’re interested in applying for a medical card, learn more about the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act to see whether your condition qualifies. Below, we discuss everything you need to know about CBD for Lyme disease.
Understanding the Interaction Between CBD and Lyme Disease
Unlike THC, CBD is a cannabis compound that does not cause psychoactive effects but can provide numerous health benefits, including the ability to fight off the dangerous bacteria causing Lyme disease. Because of the severity of Lyme disease, you should speak with your doctor about using CBD for more information.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. People can get Lyme disease from a tick bite if the insect carries the bacteria. The initial onset of the disease comes with common symptoms, like headaches, a rash around the bite, and fevers, causing many to overlook its severity.
Unfortunately, Lyme disease can quickly progress into a severe, life-threatening condition when untreated. Acute Lyme disease can last as long as six months, while chronic infections persist for years. Severe, and sometimes permanent, symptoms of Lyme disease include the following:
· Joint pain, inflammation, and muscle aches
· Headaches
· Swollen lymph nodes
· Nerve pain
· Nervous system damage
· Heart complications
· Paralysis
· Depression and anxiety
· Confusion
· Peripheral neuropathy
The primary option for caring for Lyme disease involves antibiotic courses to kill the bacteria. Prompt antibiotic dosing can prevent long-term complications. Many patients suffer from a reduced quality of life without fast antibiotic courses.
Using CBD for Lyme Disease
CBD includes numerous cannabinoid compounds that can have immune-boosting, antibacterial effects, helping your body fight Lyme disease. Research suggests that CBD can decrease peripheral neuropathy pain, calm headaches and nausea, boost your immune system, help with anxiety and depression, and control nervous system episodes with anticonvulsant effects.
A research study in 2008 found that CBD-rich cannabis can fight the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Considering the wide overuse of certain antibiotics, CBD can work as an effective solution to antibiotic-resistant strains. When patients require numerous rounds of antibiotics, CBD can amplify effects in later courses when the bacteria become resistant.
Aside from fighting the bacteria to improve Lyme disease, CBD can help with its underlying symptoms, offering hope to patients struggling with the chronic disease. For example, one research study on medical cannabis’ effectiveness in easing chronic pain found that cannabinoids can improve sleep, anxiety, moods, and general quality of life. Many patients testify that CBD helped with their disease-related symptoms, such as daily seizures.
The FDA recently approved the first cannabis product for medical applications. Epidiolex, the CBD solution, can help with rare and severe forms of epilepsy. Such news displays how promising CBD is in improving neurological symptoms.
Considerations Before Using CBD for Lyme Disease
While CBD may have the ability to reduce bacteria populations, we do not yet know if it can rid your body of Lyme disease entirely. If you think a tick has bitten you, you must get tested for Lyme disease and meet with your doctor immediately. Do not use CBD without consulting your doctor, as your healthcare team will likely need to place you on an antibiotic course.
Improving Your Symptoms With CBD
At LeafMed, we want to help you understand how to use CBD for Lyme disease and other health conditions you face. As a Mississippi-based medical marijuana dispensary, we’re passionate about helping people find relief for all the ailments they face. Continue learning with our guide on medical cannabis dosage requirements, then visit your local LeafMed dispensary in Mississippi or call us today if you have any questions.