Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by Borrelia bacteria transmitted by ticks. According to the CDC, Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Early symptoms include a characteristic rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. Many patients recover after antibiotics, but a significant subset experience persistent symptoms, including chronic pain, neuropathy, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive fog. These symptoms can last months or years. With medical marijuana providing relief in many medical conditions, many are wondering if it can help with Lyme disease.
This article summarizes the evidence supporting medical marijuana for Lyme disease, explains mechanisms, and lists practical treatment considerations.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
Medical Marijuana for 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, and can only manage some symptoms.
The research supporting the effect of marijuana on managing symptoms of Lyme disease is limited. Most evidence is anecdotal, suggesting benefits in symptom relief rather than disease eradication.
Marijuana is not an antibiotic, so it cannot eradicate the root cause of the disease. However, it can interact with the endocannabinoid system to impact some debilitating symptoms of chronic Lyme disease.
How Does Medical Marijuana Help against Lyme Disease?
Recent research and clinical studies into Marijuana’s healing abilities have revealed its impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system. ECS is a messenger and receptor system that regulates mood, appetite, and pain.
The most abundant cannabinoid receptor is CB1, which is distributed throughout the brainstem and gut. CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system and are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis.
Cannabinoids, like THC, THCa, CBD, CBDa, CBG, and CBN, can impact the ECS receptors, leading to improvement in symptoms of pain, migraines, memory loss, seizures, and others.
Lyme disease is a common cause of brain fog because it causes inflammation in the brain. An Ohio State study suggested that cannabis can benefit the aging brain by reducing inflammation and regenerating dead brain cells. In contrast, some research suggested that low doses of cannabis can reduce neuroinflammatory activity by targeting CB2 receptors.
Moreover, clinical studies also suggest that cannabinoids help in reducing the intensity of chronic neuropathic and nociceptive pain. This makes them a viable option for Lyme-related neuropathic pain or widespread musculoskeletal pain.
Marijuana Strains for Lyme Disease
Marijuana has the potential to impact everyone differently. There isn’t a specific strain that can work magically for treating Lyme disease for everyone. One strain that worked well for one person might not work for another for the same symptom. Hence, it is important to select the right strain. Patients must work with a licensed Marijuana doctor to ensure they take the right strain for their symptoms and condition.
Different strains and cannabinoid ratios can help alleviate some specific symptoms of Lyme disease. For instance, hybrids and Indica-dominant strains like ACDC, Blackberry Kush, and OG Kush crosses can help with chronic pain. Moreover, strains having myrcene and caryophyllene as primary terpenes may benefit muscle relaxation and inflammation.
Moreover, Indica-dominant or high-THC strains like Granddaddy Purple and Northern Lights can help improve sleep quality because of their sedating analgesic effects.
Wondering about the ratios? Many patients find products with a balanced CBD-THC ratio or CBD-rich products to be quite effective for general symptom management. But it’s always best to consult a certified medical marijuana doctor and get your personal prescription.
So, there isn’t anything like the best marijuana strain for Lyme disease. The choice depends on your goals, tolerance, and prior response. You must see a licensed Marijuana doctor, who can evaluate your symptoms and give you a strain that will work especially for you.
| Benefits | Risks |
| Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties | Can interact with other medications, including antibiotics, blood thinners, and antidepressants. |
| Medical marijuana, particularly Indica-dominant strains, can act as a sleep aid. | Potential side effects from THC include dizziness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, fatigue, and cognitive impairment |
| Alleviate mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and stress. | Individuals with a history of psychosis, severe mental illness, or low blood pressure, or those at risk for a heart attack, should exercise caution or avoid using medical marijuana. |
Therefore, it’s best to consider the potential health benefits and risks of using medical marijuana before adding it to your treatment regimen.
What are the qualifying conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida?
The State of Florida has developed a list of health conditions that serve as an eligibility criterion for medicinal use of Marijuana. The qualifying conditions for an MMJ card in florida include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
There are more diseases in the qualifying conditions, and some others which are not mentioned. Florida law allows for medical conditions of the same kind or class, or those comparable to the listed conditions.
Got a qualifying medical marijuana condition but don’t know what to do? Reach out to My Florida Green today. They can help you connect to a qualified state-certified medical marijuana doctor and get your medical marijuana card without any hassle.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
The process starts by checking whether or not you are eligible for a medical marijuana card. The criterion is rather simple:
- You must be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida.
- Must be 18 years or older (exceptions are there for minors).
- Must have a qualifying medical condition.
If you fulfill the requirements, it’s time to set up an appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor. If you qualify, the doctor will provide you with a state-required recommendation.
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.
Read More: Our comprehensive guide on how to get a medical marijuana card in 2025.
Understanding the benefits of Marijuana for Lyme disease
Medical Marijuana has emerged as a healing agent for many symptoms of Lyme disease. However, you must remember that medical cannabis does not kill the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that cause Lyme disease and hence is not a treatment. It should only be used as a substitute for, in addition to, appropriate antibiotic treatment as recommended by medical professionals. However, it can alleviate some Lyme disease symptoms, such as pain and inflammation.
Cannabis has the potential to impact the ECS, which allows your body, brain, nervous system, and immune system to function properly. This can help you feel less stressed, sleep better, and improve your cognitive abilities.
So, use medical marijuana with caution and only after consulting with a certified medical marijuana doctor. Stay informed, stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a medical marijuana card with Lyme disease?
Whether or not you get a medical marijuana card with Lyme disease depends on your jurisdiction and state. For instance, Lyme disease is recognized as a potential qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in Florida.
Does medical marijuana help Lyme disease?
Medical marijuana isn’t an antibiotic, so it won’t eradicate the root of the disease. i.e., Borrelia. However, it can help manage symptoms like pain, inflammation, and anxiety. You must take Marijuana with the advice of a licensed Marijuana doctor.
What kind of medical marijuana is best for Lyme disease?
There isn’t one best medical marijuana strain for Lyme disease. Hybrids and Indica-dominant strains can help with chronic pain, while Indica-dominant or high-THC strains can help improve sleep quality. You must work with a licensed doctor to create a tailored prescription of Marijuana products that will work for you.
