Learn how cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system to alleviate symptoms of Lyme disease and support overall health and well-being.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates the function of the brain and the central nervous, endocrine and immune systems, among others, and it is responsible for influencing virtually every physiological process in the body including immune response, mood, and communication between cells.
Furthermore, the ECS is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, which act as neuromodulators. To affect change, these neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors and are subsequently expressed throughout the central (including the brain) and peripheral nervous systems.
In tandem with the ECS, cannabis is documented to help with: appetite and digestion; metabolism; chronic pain; inflammation and other immune system responses; mood; learning; memory; motor control; sleep; cardiovascular system function; muscle formation; bone remodeling; liver function; reproductive system; and nerve function.
ECS Receptors
The ECS has two primary receptors: CB1 and CB2.
The most abundant cannabinoid receptor is the CB1 receptor. These receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, peripheral organs, and tissues. They are also found in the brain stem, which is responsible for involuntary actions of the body (e.g. breathing, circulating blood) and controls activities of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems – something of utmost consequence with COVID-19; additionally, they can impede infections that inhibit respiratory functioning by acting as a “bronchodilator.”
CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are located primarily in the immune system and are responsible for much of the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. Research shows stimulating CB2 receptors may be the key in treating a plethora of illnesses that cause degradation in CB2 receptor expressions including gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, psychiatric, bone, skin, lung disease, as well as various forms of cancer.
These primary cannabinoid receptors play a critical role in creating homeostasis in the body, which has three main components: “messenger” molecules called cannabinoids (e.g. CBD), the receptors in the body that these molecules bind to, and the enzymes that break them down for the body to synthesize. It controls many metabolic functions such as energy storage, nutrient transport, memory, and metabolism. It is through this system of receptors and enzymes that cannabinoids interact with the body to positively affect one’s health.
Cannabinoids
In addition to receptors, cannabis contains cannabinoids that influence the ECS. Some of these include CBD, CBDa, THC, THCa, CBG, and CBN.
Cannabinoids act as agonists that bind to ECS receptors to instigate biological responses and influence important bodily functions that determine how an individual moves, reacts, and feels. As a result, the ECS can alleviate an assortment of Lyme-related symptoms including pain, memory loss, migraines and seizures, among others. As a point of interest, research has concluded an underlying endocannabinoid deficiency (clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD)) may be the root cause of conditions such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
The most controversial cannabinoid is THC, which is still a Schedule 1 substance - drugs that don’t have any medicinal benefits - such as cocaine and heroin. Despite its reputation, THC, in small doses, has research-supported therapeutic applications and may aid ailing individuals with PTSD, cancer, HIV/AIDS, autism, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.
CBD has the largest catalog of research-supported applications and uses to specifically alleviate pain, anxiety, inflammation, infections, arthritis, and reduce irritable bowel symptoms. It also has neuroprotective qualities and can be used as an anticonvulsant. This cannabinoid is not intoxicating and is legal in most states thanks to the Hemp Act of 2018 that legalized all CBD products containing less than 0.03% of THC.
There are three types of CBD—isolate, broad-spectrum, and full spectrum. Isolate only contains CBD and no other compounds. Broad-spectrum doesn’t contain THC but does contain a number of the other elements (bioflavonoids, chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants) found in the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum CBD contains the aforementioned along with trace amounts of THC (less than 0.03%) and is hypothesized to be the most effective form of CBD because THC enhances the medicinal properties of the plant’s other compounds - something known as the “entourage effect.”
CBG, which is derived from CBGa, is a a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It has has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. It is efficient at targeting infections and gastrointestinal issues and can have a stimulating effect that is advantageous for focus and concentration.
Lastly, CBN, which occurs from breakdown of THC, is non-psychoactive. It had sedative properties and is commonly used for sleep disorders or insomnia.
Flavonoids + Terpenes
In addition to the over 140 cannabinoids, cannabis also contains flavonoids and terpenes.
Flavonoids, which are not exclusive to cannabis, are phytonutrients that are responsible for providing the non-green colors we see in plant life. These also contribute to the taste and smell of edible fruits, veggetables, and herbs. Flavonoids offer a range of therapeutic benefits, namely working as a potent antioxidant. Lastly, cannabis contains its own exclusive flavonoids – cannaflavins - which research suggest has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
As for terpenes, they produce the aromatic plant compounds that give cannabis their distinct smell. More importantly, however, research demonstrate their medicinal properties include anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-mutagenic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antidepressant, anticancer, antitumor, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial attributes.
Lyme Symptoms:
As likely surmised, cannabis’ impact on the ECS can play a role in alleviating many tick-borne disease symptoms.
Brain Fog
Lyme disease is a common culprit of brain fog (something I suffered from) due to its tendency to inflame the brain, (whether that’s due to the bacterium or pro-inflammatory cytokines passing the blood brain barrier). “Researchers at Ohio State University found…cannabis to be beneficial for the aging brain by reducing brain inflammation and regenerating dead brain cells.” Additionally, researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine concluded that, by targeting CB2 receptors, low doses of cannabis play a “prominent” role in the reducing the neuro-inflammatory process.
Sleep
Cannabis is also a formidable antidote for insomnia and associated sleep disorders and assists with an overlooked stage of sleep: stage 3 - slow-wave, delta sleep. Quite impressively, one study showed that 70% of people experienced sleep improvement. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that cannabis “stabilizes autonomic output (during sleep), reduces serotonin-induced exacerbation of sleep apnea, and reduces spontaneous disruptions in breathing during sleep.”
PTSD & Depression
Cannabis also improves symptoms of PTSD and depression. Cannabis helps PTSD through “memory extinction” - the process of removing associations between past trauma and stimuli. As for depression, cannabis can incite and diminish depression. For instance, one study at McGill University showed low doses of cannabis combat depression, while high doses increase it. It is theorized that by modulating CB1 receptors in the brain, cells produce more serotonin, and, thereby, alleviate depression.
Stress
Cannabis can also assuage stress. A study at University of Haifa in Israel showed “cannabinoids prevent negative repercussions of acute stress on the brain, particularly in areas associated with learning and memory.”
Anxiety
Cannabis has also proved conducive for anxiety. A study at Vanderbilt University, for example, demonstrated that cannabis affects the amygdala, a part of the brain which regulates our fight-or-flight response. In addition, “MRI scans of those with social anxiety revealed CBD provokes action in the limbic and paralimbic brain areas, which are both linked to anxiety.” The study also indicated CBD’s ability to eliminate negative “self-evaluation.”
Limbic Rage Syndrome
Limbic rage syndrome, or more commonly referred to as “Lyme rage” or “Bartonella rage” in the Lyme community, can also be addressed with cannabis through its influence on dopamine. Those with Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases often have overactive limbic systems. By utilizing cannabis one can decrease sensory input stimulation in the limbic system and the amygdala, thereby limiting unwanted symptomology.
Slater's Experience
As for me, I never really enjoyed cannabis until I learned its initial complexity and potential. I experimented with it occasionally in high school but didn’t like the anxiety inducing effects. However, when I tested positive for Lyme, Bartonella and Babesia, my research concluded cannabis could be beneficial for sleep, pain, and stress.
I will never forget. I was under the care of Dr. Horowitz and we were targeting Babesia. I was prescribed 3 days of a medication called Coartem, a nasty drug that is prescribed for malaria. I felt absolutely horrible on it. Every bone, muscle, and joint in my body felt as though it was being crushed by a trash compactor. I was having a “die off,” or herxheimer reaction, which happens when the bugs release endotoxins (and the body cannot detox fast enough), essentially facilitating a cytokine storm that was inflaming my body.
I decided to test my new CBD-dominant vape pen. I grabbed for it and took a few large puffs. Almost instantaneously, my body became light and all the pain seemed to float away. I wasn’t high with its low THC percentage. Rather, cannabis’ interconnected relationship with my ECS was evoking positive change by reducing pain and serving as potent anti-inflammatory. I was truly amazed.
What does this all mean? Using cannabis can help support the ECS by creating homeostasis so it can properly regulate your brain and body, along with your nervous and immune systems, to relieve stress, get a better night’s sleep, and enrich your cognitive facilities.
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The above material is provided for information purposes only. The material (a) is not nor should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor (b) does it necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of Global Lyme Alliance, Inc. or any of its directors, officers, advisors or volunteers. Advice on the testing, treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.
