Compare the best CBD Oil for Lyme Disease in 2022

How CBD Helps With Lyme Disease

Several studies show that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, may help reduce chronic pain and inflammation⁽¹⁾ and provide antibacterial effects⁽²⁾.

These properties suggest CBD may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is an infection by several species of the Borrelia bacteria carried by infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks⁽³⁾.

This disease is most prevalent in the United States and is characterized by common symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, and skin rashes⁽⁴⁾.

Small red bumps similar to mosquito bites appear on the skin during the early stages. Within a month after infection, rashes with a bulls-eye pattern may develop.

Other symptoms of Lyme disease include joint pains and inflammation of the eyes and liver, neurological symptoms, and heart problems⁽⁵⁾.

When left untreated, Lyme disease may cause complications like chronic joint inflammation, peripheral neuropathy, heart rhythm irregularities, and cognitive difficulties⁽⁶⁾.

Some of these complications may also be associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain.

CBD provides various health benefits that may help address Lyme disease by engaging the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS modulates essential bodily functions like memory, learning, sleep, temperature regulation, pain control, and inflammatory and immune responses⁽⁷⁾. The ECS maintains the body’s wellness and quality of life.

The ECS consists of several cannabinoid receptors, including the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are found in the immune system and the central nervous system and influence the body’s inflammatory and pain responses⁽⁸⁾.

CBD binds with the ECS receptors, helping manage pain and inflammation in medical conditions such as Lyme disease.

Benefits and Uses of Using CBD for Lyme Disease

To date, no study regarding the effects of CBD on individuals with Lyme disease has been conducted.

However, anecdotal information on the effects of CBD mentions that the drug may have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve pain, fight bacteria, and manage anxiety and depression associated with Lyme disease⁽⁹⁾.

CBD is currently unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment method for Lyme disease. Thus, CBD must not be used to cure the illness.

Consult a doctor or professional health worker regarding Lyme disease and potential antibiotic treatments before taking CBD products.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Lyme Disease?

Different CBD products have varying onset times depending on the ingestion method⁽¹⁰⁾.

CBD tinctures applied sublingually or under the tongue take a few minutes to take effect because CBD is delivered directly into the bloodstream.

CBD edibles and capsules are administered orally and pass through the digestive system. This method may take one to two hours before CBD takes effect.

CBD topicals like creams, lotions, and balms are applied to the skin and are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Topicals may be more effective for localized skin conditions and joint pains. Onset times may depend on the amount of skin fat.

Inhalants such as vapes deliver CBD directly to the lungs, then into the heart and brain, and finally throughout the body.

The effects of CBD may be felt within seconds to a few minutes after inhalation, giving this method the fastest onset times among other CBD product types.

A negative attribute of vaping is that this method may cause lung disease⁽¹¹⁾. Consult a physician or healthcare professional before considering vaping as your method to deliver CBD.

How Long Will CBD Help With Lyme Disease?

The duration of the effects of CBD products may depend on the product type, dosage, body weight, and the person’s metabolism⁽¹²⁾.

No study has been performed to determine how long CBD may be effective in managing Lyme disease symptoms.

CBD tinctures have short onset times and long-lasting effects, lasting for six to eight hours.

Edibles and capsules usually take longer to work compared to tinctures. However, you may feel the effects for 6 to 12 hours.

CBD topicals may remain effective for five hours or more.

CBD vapes may maintain their effects after about two or three hours.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Lyme Disease

Side effects of CBD consumption include dry mouth, loss of appetite, drowsiness, fatigue, and diarrhea⁽¹³⁾.

CBD products may contain a grapefruit warning, meaning CBD may prevent other medications in the body from breaking down. Drugs that remain unmetabolized may cause further risk in the body⁽¹⁴⁾.

One suggestion to minimize potential risks caused by CBD intake is to start with lower doses first⁽¹⁵⁾. Small amounts may be more effective, especially for individuals new to CBD.

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp-based CBD products with THC content not exceeding 0.3% from the list of controlled substances of the Drug Enforcement Administration. This law also legalized industrial hemp production in the U.S.⁽¹⁶⁾.

Marijuana-based CBD or other plant derivatives that contain more than 0.3% THC are still prohibited under federal law⁽¹⁷⁾.

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Lyme Disease

Cannabis oil may be classified by the presence of cannabinoids and other compounds in the product. These forms are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids in the hemp plant, like THC, cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CDC). All these compounds produce an entourage effect, which enhances CBD’s health benefits⁽¹⁸⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum without the THC content. 

CBD isolates only contain cannabidiol, and no other compounds are included. Isolates may appeal to persons who prefer to take only pure CBD.

CBD brands selling cannabis-based products must have their products tested with a third-party lab. This test determines the actual CBD content and the amount of the other ingredients in the product⁽¹⁹⁾.

How to Take CBD Oil for Lyme Disease

CBD tinctures are administered sublingually or under the tongue. Some products applied this way are CBD tinctures in oromucosal sprays or droppers.

Sublingual application allows CBD oil to bypass the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream directly, allowing faster onset times than oral administration.

CBD edibles like cookies, gummies, and candies are consumed orally. CBD is first absorbed and broken down by the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.

Topicals such as creams, balms, and lotions are applied to the skin. Topicals may be effective for skin problems and joint pains.

Vapes are inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. CBD then passes from the lungs to the heart and brain before CBD spreads throughout the body⁽²⁰⁾.

Vaping can harm the lungs, causing lung damage⁽²¹⁾. If you have Lyme disease symptoms, inform a physician or a healthcare worker about your condition before using CBD vapes.