Cannabis for Parkinson’s disease (PD)

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the brain and nervous system. It results from the breaking down of brain cells that produce dopamine, a brain chemical that helps with movement and coordination. As a result, people who have Parkinson’s may experience:

• Shaking
• Stiffness
• Slow movements
• Sleeping difficulties
• Problems with mood

People who have Parkinson’s are at an increased risk of Lewy body dementia (LBD), a type of dementia caused by clumps of proteins that can form in the brain. Lewy body dementia affects over 1 million people in the U.S.

Parkinson’s mostly affects people over the age of 60, but it can also affect younger people. A recent study by the Parkinson’s Foundation estimates that the disease affects nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. aged 65 or older every year.

Cannabis may help with some Parkinson’s symptoms, such as chronic pain, tremors, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Certain compounds in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), may be particularly helpful.

Research on cannabis for Parkinson’s disease

Researchers are still exploring how cannabis may affect people who have Parkinson’s disease. Early research suggests that it may help with tremors, stiffness, and sleep issues by supporting your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates important functions of the nervous system.

One small study of 22 people with Parkinson’s showed improvements in tremors and rigidity after using cannabis. Another study found that cannabis might help with pain, anxiety, and sleeping difficulties associated with the disease. Researchers have also found that long-term medical cannabis use did not negatively impact patients’ moods or increase psychosis.

Although cannabis has not been shown to directly treat Parkinson’s, research supports its use in helping alleviate common symptoms. Still, more research is needed, including larger studies. It’s also unclear how cannabis may interact with other Parkinson’s treatments.

Using cannabis for Parkinson’s disease

Cannabis may help with certain Parkinson’s symptoms. However, it can also cause some side effects.  It’s important to speak with your doctor before using cannabis for Parkinson’s for more personalized guidance, especially if you’re taking any medications.

Benefits

Cannabis offers a number of potential benefits that can alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms, including:

• Better sleep:Some research shows that cannabis can help with insomnia and other sleep problems.
• Reduced muscle stiffness and tremors: Cannabinoids in cannabis may relax the muscles and reduce tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease.
• Increased dopamine production: THC can help boost dopamine production and improve movement and coordination in people who have Parkinson’s.
• Pain relief: Cannabis can help ease chronic pain and reduce the need for pain medications like opioids.
• Improved mood: Cannabis compounds like CBD and THC may help lower anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson’s.
• Brain protection: CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), and other cannabinoids have been shown in animal studies to help protect brain cells from damage caused by inflammation. But human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
• Relief from delusions and psychosis: Ongoing trials show positive results for CBD in treating delusions and psychosis related to Parkinson’s.

Risks and side effects

As with any medication, cannabis comes with potential risks and side effects.

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and loss of balance: Consuming too much THC can have negative impacts on balance and movement.e effect.
• Interaction with medications: How cannabis interacts Parkinson’s medications is unclear.
• Memory: THC can impact short-term memory, which can be a concern for people who develop dementia.
• Dosing: One study showed that, although CBD helped reduce tremors, it made them worse when consumed in high doses alongside conventional treatments.

Is it legal?

The legal status of cannabis depends on where you live. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can qualify you for medical cannabis in:

• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
• Florida
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Vermont
• West Virginia

In states that don’t list Parkinson’s as a qualifying condition, you may still qualify for medical cannabis through a related condition or symptom, such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, or a sleep disorder.

More about Parkinson’s disease

The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but it’s likely that genetics and environmental factors play a role.

Parksinon’s symptoms can start out as mild and gradually worsen over time. Besides tremors, rigidity, and stiffness, individuals may also struggle with balance, speech, or swallowing. Movement may also slow down (bradykinesia), and individuals may experience a loss of smell (anosmia).

Treatments have advanced over the last few decades, and today, Parkinson’s disease can be managed with little impact on life expectancy. However, Parkinson’s can cause strain on the body and badly affect quality of life, especially as the disease progresses.

Some people are resistant to current treatments, so newer treatments are needed.

Other treatments for Parkinson’s disease

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, several medications and treatments can address symptoms and slow down the disease’s progression.

Traditional therapies

A combination of medications and physical therapy is often used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Sometimes, surgical treatments are recommended.

• Levodopa (L-DOPA, aka Sinemet, Atamet): A common dopamine replacement medication
• Physical therapy: Can improve movement and balance
• Deep brain stimulation: A surgical treatment that uses electrical impulses to reduce symptoms

Natural and alternative therapies

There are several natural and non-invasive interventions that can help improve quality of life.

• Exercise: Regular activity can improve mobility and mood.
• Diet: A healthy diet may reduce the risk of getting Parkinson’s disease.
• Yoga or Tai Chi: These practices may improve balance and reduce stiffness.

Cannabis as part of your Parkinson’s disease treatment plan

Cannabis might be a helpful addition to your Parkinson’s treatment plan, especially if you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or sleep problems. However, you may need to reduce or stop taking other medications, as medical cannabis can interfere with their safety or efficacy.

Talk to your doctor about whether cannabis is right for you, and consider getting a medical cannabis card if it’s legal in your state. Leafwell’s telehealth services offer a fast and convenient way to obtain a medical card online.

Frequently asked questions

There are several FAQs regarding medical marijuana for Parkinson’s disease.

Can cannabis help with Parkinson’s tremors?

Some studies and patient reports suggest that cannabis might reduce tremors, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Is CBD or THC better for Parkinson’s?

It depends on the person and their symptoms. CBD may help with anxiety and sleep, while THC might reduce pain and stiffness. A balanced product with both (such as one containing a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD) could be beneficial.

Is cannabis safe for older adults with Parkinson’s?

Using cannabis for Parkinson’s can be safe, but older adults should start with low doses to avoid side effects like dizziness and loss of balance. Always consult a doctor first.

Can you take CBD with Parkinson’s disease?

CBD may help manage pain, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and insomnia associated with Parkinson’s disease.

What type of weed is good for Parkinson’s?

In general, low-THC, high-CBD products are usually recommended. ACDC and Harlequin are two strains that might help relieve some of your symptoms, like pain, stiffness, and low mood.

Does smoking weed make Parkinson’s worse?

There’s no evidence that consuming any form of cannabis worsens Parkinson’s symptoms. However, cannabis use can temporarily lower blood pressure, and low blood pressure is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease.

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