Cannabis for Parkinson’s: The Journey to a New Therapy
Weed and health
There is a great deal of controversy and a lot of compassion surrounding the study of cannabis for Parkinson’s disease — and this journey is from a forbidden substance to a possible new therapy. For decades, the pharmaceutical industry has controlled the conversation about neurodegenerative diseases, however there are now many studies and patients who are finding value in using cannabis for treating their disease. Can the same plant that brings relaxation to your body and opens your mind bring you comfort and ease tremors associated with Parkinson’s?
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder due to the gradual loss of dopamine producing nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine functions as a chemical messenger that facilitates movement, mood and coordination.Common symptoms include:
Tremors (shaking of the hands or arms)
Stiffness and rigidity of muscles
Bradykinesia (slow movement)
Difficulty maintaining posture and/or balance
Disruptions in sleep and mood
Levodopa is considered the gold standard of treatments for Parkinson’s, however these medications will eventually lose efficacy – which leads to the exploration of other treatment options including the use of medical cannabis.
Parkinson’s and the Body’s Endocannabinoid System
Cannabis works through interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors that facilitate the regulation of pain, movement, emotions and sleep.For individuals suffering from Parkinson’s, the ECS serves as a protective mechanism balancing dopamine levels and inhibiting inflammatory responses in brain cells.
Component
Function
Potential Benefit for Parkinson’s
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Compound with psychoactive properties
Reduces tremors and muscle stiffness
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-psychoactive
Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic
Terpenes (Myrcene, Limonene)
Compounds with aromatic properties
Improves mood, promotes relaxation and improves sleep
THC may affect the way the body regulates movement, whereas CBD can have an anxiolytic effect, improve sleep and protect neurons from further damage.
Delivery Methods for Cannabis-Based Therapies
The effective treatment of Parkinson’s with cannabis can depend greatly on how the cannabis is delivered and the amount taken. A patient needs to find a balance between relief and tolerance of psychoactivity.
Method
Description
Onset
Duration
Useful for
Oils / Tinctures
Under the tongue as drops
15–45 min
4–6 hrs
Accurate dose, quiet use
Vaporized Cannabis
Inhale as vapor
1–5 min
2–3 hrs
Quick relief for tremors
Edibles (Gummies, Brownies)
Forms that are digested
45–90 min
6–8 hrs
Evening relaxation, prolonged effect
Topicals (Balms, Creams)
Apply to skin
Local effect
1–3 hrs
Localized effect
Relieve muscle stiffness/joint pain
Important note: Before trying cannabis-based therapies, please consult with a neurologist or a licensed medical professional. There can be adverse interactions between cannabis-based therapies and prescription medications.
How Cannabis Relieves Parkinson’s Symptoms
Reduces Tremors and Muscle Spasms. Studies indicate that THC can help alleviate involuntary muscular spasms by regulating motor signal transmission in the brain.
Improves Sleep and Relaxes. Cannabis strains rich in CBD provide patients with a sense of deep relaxation and reduce agitation at night, thus helping them battle insomnia and fatigue.
Provides Relief from Anxiety and Depression. Approximately 50% of all Parkinson’s patients report experiencing mood disorders. Anxiolytic effects of CBD can help stabilize patients’ emotional states.
Anti-inflammatory & Protective Effects on Neurons. Chronic inflammation damages neurons. Cannabinoids such as CBD may potentially reduce the rate of this process and act as a form of protection for the neurons.
Scientific Consensus: What Does the Data Say So Far?
While there are thousands of positive accounts from patients regarding cannabis for Parkinson’s, there is caution from scientists regarding the research. This is a summary of some key studies.
Study
Year
Finds
University of São Paulo
2014
CBD improved quality of life and reduced psychotic symptoms in Parkinson’s patients.
Tel Aviv Medical Center
2017
A combination of THC/CBD reduced tremor severity and improved sleep in Parkinson’s patients.
Frontiers in Neurology
2019
Long term use of CBD may protect the brain from neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
More large scale randomized trials are needed — however, early data indicates that cannabis can be used as an additional therapy, not replace, traditional therapy.
Best Cannabis Strains for Parkinson’s
There are several strains that are ideal for symptom management.
Strain
Type
THC:CBD Ratio
Effect
Harlequin
Sativa-dominant
1:1
Clear head, day time relief
ACDC
Hybrid
1:20
Focused calm, no high
Granddaddy Purple
Indica
18:1
Deep relaxation, improved sleep
Cannatonic
Hybrid
1:2
Uplifted mood, pain control
Human Perspective: Patient Success Stories
Around the world, patients are sharing incredible success stories. Hands that would shake uncontrollably now remain still; restless nights that left them exhausted now give way to restful sleep. However, the heart of cannabis therapy does not come from magic — rather it comes from the balance between the plant and science — between symptom and soul.“For the first time in years, I was able to pick up a cup of tea without worrying about spilling it,”— Michael, age 68, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015.
Challenges and Legal Status of Cannabis for Parkinson’s in the UK
Medical cannabis is legal for prescription in the UK, although access to it is severely limited. In addition, doctors may only prescribe cannabis based products if they have tried all else.In contrast to prescription based medical cannabis, CBD oils that are sold OTC are perfectly legal and accessible to virtually everyone as a mild, non-prescription remedy for general wellness.
The Path Between Promise and Proof
Cannabis for Parkinson’s is not a cure — but it is an example of hope founded upon evidence, compassion, and hundreds of years of plant knowledge. For those searching for relief outside of pills, cannabis may provide a route of treatment that combines modern medicine with the balance of nature.Whether it be an oil, a tincture or a soft edible, the benefits of cannabis to improve quality of life cannot be ignored.
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