{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/lyme-disease/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3986-markdown","title":"National Lyme Disease Month: How Cannabis Can Help","slug":"national-lyme-disease-month-how-cannabis-can-help","content":"May is **National Lyme Disease Month**. It’s a time to [learn more](https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html) about a disease that affects more than 300,000 Americans each year with symptoms including fatigue, rash, and body aches. [National Lyme Disease Month](https://nationaltoday.com/national-lyme-disease-awareness-month/) spotlights Lyme disease causes, prevention, and treatments – but it’s also a time to take a look at the many ways cannabis can help to relieve the discomforts of this common tick-borne condition. \n\n![Hello2-min (47).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_47_a48111b063.png)\n\n### What is Lyme Disease?\nLyme Disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. It’s caused by either of two bacteria strains, *Borrellia burgdorferi* or *Borrellia mayorii*, which are carried by a species of tick called the black-legged tick or deer tick. Lyme Disease occurs most often in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic parts of the country, where conditions are damp and grasses grow tall in summer, but it’s been reported in all 50 states, including the dry desert Southwest.\n\nOnly the deer tick carries the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but not every deer tick bite transmits it. Ticks cling to the skin and burrow into it, and the longer a deer tick remains attached to the body, the greater the risk for Lyme disease. That’s why health professionals recommend carefully checking for ticks after any outdoor activity during tick season.\n\nLyme disease symptoms typically appear between 3 and 30 days after the *Borrellia bacterium* enters the bloodstream, and [they can include](https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html):\n\n- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches\n- Headache\n- A distinctive skin rash called erythema migrans, which can appear in various areas of the body\n\n![Hello8-min (8).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello8_min_8_027309e5da.png)\n\nIf Lyme disease is untreated, more serious symptoms can appear, including neck stiffness, facial palsy, and arthritis. The erythema migrans rash can also spread or appear in more locations.\n\nThere are no specific tests for Lyme disease, so it’s usually diagnosed by symptoms, a recent activity that might include exposure to ticks, and general blood tests revealing the presence of certain antibodies. Once diagnosed, Lyme disease is usually treated for two to four weeks course of antibiotics.\n\nFor some people, symptoms can persist for weeks or months after Lyme disease treatment – a condition called [Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, or [PTLDS](https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/postlds/index.html ). Others may experience Lyme disease symptoms indefinitely, known as [chronic Lyme disease](https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/chronic-lyme-disease). \n\nCurrently, there’s no proven treatment for PTLDS or chronic Lyme disease since long-term use of antibiotics can lead to some serious complications. But some research suggests that [cannabis can help](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/could-lyme-disease-patients-find-relief-with-medical-marijuana) to relieve the symptoms of Lyme disease and PTLDS without the side effects and risks of pharmaceuticals.\n\n![Hello3-min (37).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello3_min_37_70b4240b45.png)\n\n### Cannabis Provides Natural Relief for Lyme Disease Symptoms\nCannabis isn’t a cure for Lyme disease, but it shows promise for relieving its symptoms. A growing body of research reveals that cannabis has considerable anti-inflammatory and analgesic or pain-relieving properties. It’s also a powerful neuroprotectant, capable of supporting neural pathways in the brain and central nervous system. That’s because cannabis in all its forms activates responses in the body’s [endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), a network of cell receptors that respond to cannabis compounds in ways similar to cannabinoid chemicals naturally produced by the tissues. \n\nCannabis compounds such as [THC](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc) (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and [CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/cbd) (cannabidiol) can activate pathways in the brain and central nervous system that are related to pain signaling and immune responses, which can help to relieve the discomforts of Lyme disease. According to [LymeDisease.org](https://www.lymedisease.org/), an education and advocacy group for those living with Lyme disease, [these properties](https://www.lymedisease.org/med-marijuana-lyme-kinderlehrer/) make cannabis “very valuable as an adjunct to treatment of tick-borne diseases.”\n\n### Products and Strains for Symptom Relief\nWhether you prefer to smoke, vape, or consume your cannabis another way, there’s a cannabis product that can help to relieve the symptoms of Lyme disease, such as [pain](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/the-best-cannabis-strains-for-chronic-pain) and inflammation. Here are a few options to try.\n\n![Hello3-min (39).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello3_min_39_3a2ffca615.png)\n\n### Harlequin Cannabis Flower by MrHempFlower\n[Harlequin from MrHempFlower](https://mrhempflower.com/product/harlequin) is a high CBD Sativa dominant hybrid that’s a popular choice for relief of chronic pain and headache. Descended from Colombian Gold and a mix of landrace strains from around the world, Harlequin also contains soothing [terpenes](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-how-do-they-work), including Myrcene,  Bisabol, and Linalool.\n\n![Hello4-min (36).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_36_f7a65e54bd.png)\n\n### ACDC Hemp Flower from Scotch Valley Ranch\nCBD-dominant [ACDC from Scotch Valley Ranch](https://svrhemp.com/shop/cbd-flower/ac-dc/)  is a Sativa hybrid that offers relief from aches, pains, and other discomforts, as well as anxiety and restlessness. ACDC contains less than 1 percent THC as well as the calming terpene Myrcene.\n\n![Hello5-min (27).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello5_min_27_700dcd5e0d.png)\n\n### OGKush  High THC Flower from Fluent\n[OG Kush from Fluent](https://getfluent.com/products/og-kush-whole-flower/)  is a potent Sativa dominant hybrid with a reputation for easing pain and the symptoms of neurological disorders. OG Kush is low in CBD at about 1 percent, with a THC content that ranges between 12 and 30 percent, plus the terpenes Terpinolene and Farnesene.\n\n![Hello6-min (19).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello6_min_19_c2cf45cc96.png)\n\n### Dark Chocolate CBD 5:1 Bar from Kiva Confections\nKiva’s [Dark Chocolate CBD 5:1 bar](https://www.kivaconfections.com/flavor/cbd-51-dark-chocolate) is part of Kiva’s collection of tasty, upscale cannabis edibles. With just 1mg THC per serving to 5mg THC, this dark chocolate bar with a hint of vanilla offers relaxation and relief from aches and pains.\n\n![Hello7-min (12).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello7_min_12_170bdeda34.png)\n\n### Martha Stewart CBD Tropical Medley Wellness Gummies\nMartha Stewart’s [CBD Tropical Medley Wellness Gummies](https://www.shopcanopy.com/en/product-details/martha-stewart-cbd-tropical-medley-wellness-gummies?item=10%20mg,%2030%20Gummies) contains pure CBD isolate along with the flavors of pineapple, mango, and coconut, with less than 0.3 percent THC. Designed by Martha herself and produced by CBD specialists [Canopy Growth](https://www.canopygrowth.com/), these gourmet gummies provide relief from stress, tension, and insomnia.\n\n### Do it Yourself: Homemade Cannabis Topicals\nCannabis-infused creams, salves, and oils can provide relief from pain and inflammation. They’re sold by dispensaries and retailers around the country, but it’s also easy to make a homemade version that can be customized to suit individual needs. This [simple recipe](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/diy-recipe-marijuana-infused-topical-for-pain-relief) for a customized cannabis salve combines essential oils, cocoa butter, and cannabis-infused coconut oil.\n \n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/ee604/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.png","srcSet":"/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/69585/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.png 200w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/497c6/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.png 400w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/ee604/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.png 800w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/f3583/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.png 1200w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/1ea5b/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.png 1414w","srcWebp":"/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/58556/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/61e93/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.webp 200w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/1f5c5/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.webp 400w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/58556/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.webp 800w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/99238/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.webp 1200w,\n/static/4aed337b7534aa79ff0915372ceab15d/397e9/dd66ba8b427835c6f24ad296294f1e14.webp 1414w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2067-markdown","title":"Could Lyme Disease Patients Find Relief with Medical Marijuana?","slug":"could-lyme-disease-patients-find-relief-with-medical-marijuana","content":"Lyme disease has gained a lot of attention in the media lately. Reality TV star and former model Yolanda Foster has publicly shared her battle with Lyme disease on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills tv show, garnering reactions ranging from theories of delusion to an outpouring of support. Avril Lavigne also shared her journey with Lyme disease with the public, expressing she was bedridden for months and thought she was near death. This May, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger’s daughter, Allie, released a book describing her perilous journey with the disease, which even included being committed to a mental institution because of complications Lyme disease caused, even prior to her diagnosis. Yet behind all of the buzz and big names, there are many people who suffer from Lyme disease across the world and cannabis could be a helpful component in their journey towards getting healthy. \n\n### What Is Lyme Disease?\n\nLyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease according to the Center for Disease Control. Roughly 329,000 new patients are diagnosed with [Lyme disease](http://www.bayarealyme.org/about-lyme/lyme-disease-facts-statistics/) in the United States each year, compared to only 50,000 new cases of HIV/AIDs. Lyme disease has been found in all 50 states and more than 65 countries in the world, making it a global issue. Lyme disease is controversial, the CDC claims that all cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 30 day regime of antibiotics, but that track of treatment has left many sufferers with severe relapses in symptoms, especially if they went preliminarily undiagnosed for a long period of time. Since many patients do not find a tick on themselves, or the rash traditionally associated with Lyme disease, and the current mainstream tests miss up to 60% of cases, Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, or other similar conditions. \n\nSymptoms for Lyme disease can vary greatly based on the person affected. The tell-tale symptoms, however, include flu-like symptoms, migraines, joint pain, and neurological problems. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal problems, severe fatigue, and inflammation throughout the body. Lyme disease can be tricky to target if the bacteria has been in the patient a long time without recognition. Some patients end up needing months to years of IV antibiotics and a regime of herbal supplements to rebuild the bodies immune function. \n\n### How Can Cannabis Help?\n\nDr. Ernie Murakami of British Colombia’s Center for Lyme Research [believes](https://www.medicaljane.com/2015/05/22/doctor-believes-cannabidiol-paste-could-be-a-potential-cure-for-lyme-disease/) that CBD could greatly help Lyme patients. Dr. Murakami has found success while using CBD against live spirochetes, a type of bacteria, and believes it has potential for helping kill Lyme bacteria. After Dr. Murakami presented his findings in October of 2014, a university in the United States has picked up the research and is investigating into these ideas further. \n\nA new [book](https://www.lymedisease.org/book-review-cannabis-for-lyme-disease-and-related-conditions/) released in 2015 provided a wealth of knowledge, and anecdotal evidence, on how marijuana could help patients with Lyme disease. Shelley M. White wrote 'Cannabis for Lyme Disease and Related Conditions' after her battle with Lyme disease. White personally used cannabis during her treatment process and said that, “Cannabis oil greatly reduced the severity of my symptom picture and improved my quality of life while going through Lyme treatment,”. The book also includes first hand accounts of other Lyme patients who successfully used cannabis to help them during their treatment. \n\nMany Lyme disease sufferers may be able to find an improved quality of life during their treatment by using cannabis. Many of Lyme diseases’ primary symptoms can be aided by the use of cannabis. Many Lyme suffers experience severe chronic pain throughout their body, primarily in joints. Cannabis is known to reduce pain, working on the cannabinoid receptors in the body to reduce inflammation. Many Lyme patients also have problems with their digestion, either due to the Lyme disease itself or all of the antibiotics needed during the treatment process. Cannabis has long been used to help patients with gastrointestinal problems and can also stimulate appetite in patients who have trouble eating. It is believed that Lyme patients may also experience some problems similar to autoimmune diseases, where the body has trouble differentiating between the foreign invaders, in this case Lyme bacteria, and its own internal workings. It is [believed](http://www.honeycolony.com/article/%EF%BB%BF5-autoimmune-disorders-met-their-match/) that CBD can help improve the immune system, allowing the body to better recognize between foreign entities and itself. \n\nCannabis could be a useful support for patients getting treatment for Lyme disease. Though there are currently very few studies that look at the connection between Lyme disease and medical marijuana, the anecdotal evidence is very positive. Many of the individual symptoms of Lyme have also been successfully eased by cannabis. Medical marijuana may be just the boost that Lyme patients need to help them work to conquer the disease. \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/31031835@N08/6368335425/in/photolist-aGKofD-7L89E6-bGakZP-jKr5VT-CCnws-q2KALd-9AuwzL-2Zs4M-95DWgv-8zMM1b-eeviZh-5D2eAv-5tNaYL-9GNbDz-5UW3UM-qRJPLj-6sWmhN-5tHN1n-e79dzz-7L89v2-3rPew-7KrcCR-6oSa18-79i5qJ-rzSHvv-7Krckr-7L8b22-pGYE13-6XMp7e-7L8bbR-cJ1Qxh-hpviGL-7Lc95L-8ZFnQV-7L8b7g-9cTHxT-egPwig-q7hirx-eVLAke-q4mPTr-dAq6dr-58CPm4-jBYsvd-3oPHeT-4wYwYW-9pFWt1-bAyyGm-psTHjp-9Tb1re-butkCK)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4184397163120568,"src":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/ee604/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png","srcSet":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/69585/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 200w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/497c6/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 400w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/ee604/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 800w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/463a8/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 809w","srcWebp":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/58556/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/61e93/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 200w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/1f5c5/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 400w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/58556/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 800w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/899ae/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 809w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5466,"name":"Lyme Disease","slug":"lyme-disease","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}