Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists lyme disease by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding lyme disease
Early Lyme disease is treated with a few weeks of antibiotics, and most people recover fully. Some people have lingering fatigue, aches and thinking problems for months after treatment, sometimes called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, and care then focuses on managing symptoms.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Joint pain and swelling
- Nerve pain, tingling or numbness
- Muscle aches
- Ongoing fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
Does lyme disease qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Not enough research. There is little good research on cannabis for this condition specifically. Patients usually use it for related symptoms such as pain, muscle spasms, nausea or poor sleep, where some evidence exists.
- There is little research specifically on cannabis for Lyme disease, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as pain and poor sleep.
- No clinical trials have tested cannabis in people with Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme symptoms.
- Lab studies have looked at plant compounds against Lyme bacteria in dishes, but these results do not show that cannabis treats the infection in people.
- Evidence from other chronic pain conditions suggests cannabinoids can modestly ease some kinds of pain, which may be relevant to lingering aches.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach lyme disease
Doctors who consider cannabis usually target a specific symptom, such as joint pain, nerve pain or sleep.
Oral products or tinctures are often discussed for steady relief, and evening use is common for sleep.
Balanced or CBD-leaning products may be considered when brain fog is a problem, since higher THC can make thinking feel slower.
Starting low and going slow, with a symptom diary, helps show whether it adds anything to your plan.
Risks and precautions
- Cannabis does not treat the infection, so it should never replace antibiotics prescribed for active Lyme disease.
- THC can worsen memory and concentration problems that some people already have after Lyme disease.
- THC can raise heart rate, so tell your doctor if you have had Lyme carditis or other heart symptoms.
- Cannabis can add to drowsiness from pain medicines, sleep aids and alcohol.
- Avoid cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not drive while impaired.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Records of your Lyme diagnosis, such as blood test results or a doctor's note describing a typical rash.
Details of antibiotic treatment, including dates and medicines.
Notes from specialists such as rheumatology, neurology or infectious disease if you have lasting symptoms.
A diary of pain, fatigue, sleep and thinking problems.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for lyme disease
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Lyme disease: 9 common questions
Does lyme disease qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists lyme disease by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list lyme disease as a qualifying condition?
None list it by name. It can still be certified in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more, where providers decide. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for lyme disease online?
Yes, in 11 of those states — including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 3 others, such as Alaska, Colorado and Florida, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis treat Lyme disease?
No, cannabis does not kill the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Antibiotics remain the treatment for the infection. Some people use cannabis afterward for lingering symptoms such as pain or poor sleep.
Can cannabis help with joint pain from Lyme disease?
There are no studies in Lyme arthritis specifically. Research in other chronic pain conditions suggests modest relief for some people. If joint pain continues after treatment, see your doctor, since other treatments may be needed.
Will cannabis make Lyme brain fog worse?
It can, especially with higher-THC products. THC can slow thinking and affect short-term memory. If brain fog is a main concern, ask your doctor about CBD-leaning products and avoid daytime THC.
Can I take cannabis while on antibiotics for Lyme?
Common Lyme antibiotics are not known to have major interactions with cannabis. Still, mention any cannabis use to your doctor and keep taking every antibiotic dose as prescribed. Do not let cannabis replace or delay your antibiotics.
Can cannabis help me sleep with post-Lyme symptoms?
Some people find evening use helps them fall asleep, which is one of the most common reasons it is tried. Nightly use can lead to tolerance over time. Track your sleep to see whether it truly helps.
Does CBD or THC work better for lingering Lyme symptoms?
There are no studies comparing them in Lyme disease. THC is more linked to pain relief and sleep, while CBD is less likely to affect thinking. Many doctors start with a balanced or CBD-leaning product at a low dose.