If you are having trouble managing the symptoms of Lyme disease or other co-infections, medical cannabis may be a treatment option for you. The anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis have been linked to providing potential relief for some of the symptoms of Lyme disease, as well as numerous mental benefits including some relief from anxiety and depression. The pain-relieving properties of medical marijuana make it a viable treatment for Lyme disease. Cannabis is a naturally occurring herb known for its relaxing and neurologically calming properties and has recently become available in Washington State for medicinal use. Cannabis contains Cannabidiol (CBD) which is the major non-psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, and Delta 9 – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which does affect mental acuity.
Cannabinoids promote neurogenesis and have neurological protective effects as well as pain-reducing effects on the body. Therefore, Cannabinoids may be very useful in the treatment of chronic tick-borne illness. The key is to use an extract that is high in CBD but low in THC, so that anti-inflammatory properties are maximized, and mental “dulling” properties are minimized.
If you would like to know more about Cannabinoids in the treatment of chronic tick-borne illness, please contact Dr. Marra. Not everyone is a candidate to use this herb, and so a detailed history and physical will be required to assess your eligibility for this treatment.
