The treatment for early/stage one Lyme disease is a round of antibiotics. Depending on whether or not the disease has progressed from early Lyme to chronic Lyme (and which treatment protocol the doctor follows), several rounds of oral antibiotics and/or IV antibiotics may be prescribed in an effort to eradicate the spirochete bacterium. Unfortunately, many Lyme disease patients and families of children impacted by Lyme disease find that these standard treatments are inadequate at best. Over time, untreated or undertreated Lyme disease destroys the nervous system causing wide-spread neurological disorders.
Cannabis is a neuroprotectant and antioxidant, so it makes sense that many Lyme infected patients have experienced relief and even remissions from their symptoms. In my practice as a nurse, I’ve noticed that many of my patients seek relief from their Lyme symptoms with cannabis as it is an incredible pain reliever, it can help afflicted people cope with their pain and disability, it can promote sleep and rest. I’ve had a few Lyme disease patients state that cannabis saved their lives. I’ve also had caregiver parents seek Cannabidiol, CBD — one of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids — for their child patient who is struggling with Lyme. One parent reported that the CBD helped their Lyme afflicted child (a young teen boy) to reduce anxiety and to promote sleep, thereby reducing the child’s behavioral issues. Other caregiving parents reported that CBD greatly reduced inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with their children’s Lyme infections. This anecdotal evidence is promising, but it is still relegated to the anecdotal evidence category.
reported that the CBD helped their Lyme afflicted child (a young teen boy) to reduce anxiety and to promote sleep, thereby reducing the child’s behavioral issues. Other caregiving parents reported that CBD greatly reduced inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with their children’s Lyme infections. This anecdotal evidence is promising, but it is still relegated to the anecdotal evidence category.
The unknowns are extensive and more research is needed across the board in order to bring cannabinoid therapeutics to the forefront of chronic disease management. For example, more information is needed to understand the antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties of cannabis. More information is needed in regards to treating pediatric cases of Lyme disease and other chronic conditions with cannabis. And perhaps the most important coin that needs to drop into its proverbial slot — we need more health professionals to stand up for patients who may greatly benefit from this powerful medicinal plant. Fellow health professionals, I implore you to be willing to learn, adapt practice standards, and bring this medicine to the forefront of disease management. Your patient’s lives may very well be improved and saved by it. The time is now.
Marissa Fratoni, RN
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