Dealing with Lyme disease has never been easy. You frequently have to deal with the fever, rash, facial paralysis, and irregular heartbeat. If you have Lyme disease in Florida, you already know that the most difficult part isn’t always getting a diagnosis; rather, it’s figuring out what works if the symptoms persist.
Chronic pain, nerve issues, brain fog, and sleepless nights. No one wants to stay trapped in this endless cycle of agony. The constant urge to seek relief can make many patients consider medical marijuana for Lyme disease.
However, does marijuana really help with Lyme disease? Is it legal to use it in Florida? If you have been wondering about these questions, you need not worry, as we are going to tell you everything from the legal status of medical marijuana for Lyme disease to its effectiveness in managing the disease.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
Is Cannabis actually legal for Lyme Disease in Florida?
Amendment 2 made medical marijuana legal in Florida in 2016. Cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, and chronic neurological problems are among the qualifying medical conditions specifically listed by state legislation.
Lyme disease is not explicitly listed in the medical marijuana qualifying conditions in Florida. However, Florida law offers physicians significant discretion. This means that doctors can certify patients for “other debilitating medical conditions of the same kind or class” as those listed above, and this is the legal doorway for Lyme disease patients.
Most Lyme patients who qualify have already tried several therapies, including antibiotics, pain relievers, sleep aids, physical therapy, and antidepressants, but have not received adequate relief. The state-certified doctor evaluates each patient carefully before determining if they can take Cannabis for their symptoms. The doctors look for one or more of the following:
- Chronic nerve pain or neuropathy
- Muscle or joint inflammation
- Anxiety or PTSD-like symptoms
- Severe sleep disturbance
Remember, medical marijuana for Lyme disease isn’t about curing the infection. It’s about helping patients manage pain, inflammation, sleep issues, anxiety, and nerve discomfort when conventional treatments fall short.
It is worth mentioning that Florida permits the use of medical marijuana, but marijuana remains illegal under federal law. It is still categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
So, using medical marijuana on federal premises or its interstate transport is still a big “No.” It is illegal, and you may get penalized for using Cannabis in places where it is restricted. Having a medical marijuana card won’t save you if you are caught driving while having Marijuana. So, respect your safety and that of others, and always follow the rules implemented by the state.
What Forms of Cannabis Are Actually Allowed?
If your doctor qualifies you for medical marijuana, Florida’s laws permit you to use a variety of marijuana products, including edibles, tinctures, capsules, topical creams, and vaporized products.
Smoking cannabis is permitted, but only if your doctor explains why other methods were ineffective and why smoking is medically appropriate for you.
Remember, Florida restricts not just who is allowed to consume medical marijuana, but also how much and in what form.
The state also has a systematic, rolling window for medical marijuana, regulating THC levels by route of administration over certain periods (35 days for smoking and 70 days for all other forms).
So, there isn’t anything like unlimited access to cannabis even if you get diagnosed with Lyme disease. Everything is tracked through the state registry.
How Does Medical Marijuana Help with Lyme Disease?
Medical marijuana is considered a potential adjunctive therapy for managing persistent Lyme disease symptoms like chronic pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbances. However, it is not a cure for the underlying bacterial infection.
The endocannabinoid system is a messenger and receptor system that plays a major role in homeostasis. It regulates mood, appetite, pain, and more of such things. And in the case of marijuana, it is the CB1 and CB2 receptors that the cannabinoids interact with.
The most abundant cannabinoid receptor is CB1, which is distributed throughout the brainstem and gut. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system and are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis.
Now, the cannabinoids, like THC, THCa, CBD, CBDa, CBG, and CBN, act as agonists and bind to the ECS receptors. The result? Alleviation of an assortment of Lyme disease-related symptoms, like pain, migraines, memory loss, seizures, and others.
Let’s quickly discuss some studies supporting the beneficial effect of medical marijuana on certain Lyme disease symptoms.
An Ohio State study suggested that cannabis can benefit the aging brain by reducing inflammation and regenerating dead brain cells. While other research suggested that low doses of cannabis can reduce neuroinflammatory activity by targeting CB2 receptors.
Moreover, clinical studies suggest that cannabinoids do help in reducing the intensity of chronic neuropathic and nociceptive pain, making them a viable option for Lyme-related neuropathic pain or widespread musculoskeletal pain.
You must remember that Marijuana is not an antibiotic, so it won’t eradicate the root of the disease. i.e., Borrelia. However, it can target the symptom pathways that cause most of the suffering in chronic Lyme disease.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Lyme Disease in Florida?
The process starts by setting up an appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor. If you qualify, the doctor will provide you with a state-required recommendation.
Once you get a marijuana recommendation from the state-certified medical marijuana doctor, the rest of the process is fairly straightforward.
Your medical marijuana doctor will then enter your information and requisite documents in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) along with his recommendation confirming your qualifying condition.
At the time of application submission, you’ll have to pay a $75 application fee to the state.
After payment, your application will be reviewed by the Florida Department of Health. If approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card by mail. You are free to buy your medical marijuana from any of the state-licensed dispensaries.
Still confused? Head over to My Florida Green. They can help you get connected to a certified medical marijuana doctor and get your medical marijuana card without any hassle.
Using Marijuana for managing Lyme disease
It is challenging to live with Lyme disease in Florida, particularly if symptoms don’t go away. While medical cannabis isn’t a miracle cure, it can help some people manage their symptoms in a way that improves everyday functioning, as it improves sleep and reduces discomfort.
And sometimes that’s all one wants, as relief isn’t always about finding the perfect treatment; it’s about finding something that finally makes life a little easier.
Do remember that medical marijuana is just a potential adjunctive therapy for managing persistent Lyme disease symptoms; it doesn’t kill the Borrelia bacteria, which is the root cause of Lyme disease. So, don’t ever forego your traditional treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Cannabis Legal for Lyme Disease Treatment in Florida?
Yes, cannabis is legal for Lyme disease treatment in Florida, provided that a state-certified medical marijuana doctor certifies a patient with Lyme disease and explains why cannabis is medically suitable.
2. How Can Lyme Disease Patients Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
Set up an appointment with a state-certified medical marijuana doctor registered with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry and get your diagnosis. Once he certifies that you have a “debilitating” condition, frequently falling under the “same kind or class” category, apply online, submit documentation, pay the fee, and wait for state approval.
3. What Are the Legal Restrictions for Using Cannabis to Treat Lyme Disease in Florida?
You must be a resident of Florida and have a medical marijuana recommendation from a state-certified doctor. You must adhere to state regulations, follow dosing limits, and purchase only from the state-licensed dispensaries.
