You must have probably heard all sorts of rumors about cannabis and its effects on the body.

Some people say it's a miracle plant that can cure everything from cancer to insomnia, while others claim it's a dangerous drug that will ruin your life.

But what does research say about cannabis and its potential use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

First, lets hear what Sarah Grafelman and Dr Michelle Sexton have to say about how cannabis has helped in treating Parkinson's disease 👇👇👇

video by Invigorate Physical Therapy and Wellness

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and balance, and there is currently no cure.
There is some evidence to suggest that cannabis may help to slow the progression of PD, but more research is needed.

At this point, it's still up for debate whether or not cannabis is an effective treatment for PD. But it's definitely worth considering, especially if relief from symptoms isn't forthcoming

Moving on👇👇

An Overview

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder that affects approximately 1 million people in the United States. It is characterized by shaking, rigidity, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are a number of treatments that can help reduce symptoms. Some people with PD report that cannabis helps relieve symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and tremors. But does the research support this?

Research on Cannabis for Parkinson's Treatment

What does the research say? So far, the research is mixed.

Image by cytis from Pixabay

On the one hand, some early studies suggest that cannabis may help to improve symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia(this is basically slow movement). On the other hand, other studies suggest that cannabis may actually make PD symptoms worse.

The bottom line is that we still need more research to know whether cannabis is helpful or harmful for people with PD. If you are considering using cannabis for PD treatment, you should talk to your doctor first.

Benefits of Cannabis for Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

As I mentioned before, Cannabis is sometimes called a miracle drug. And while that may be a bit of an exaggeration, it's definitely true that it has some amazing benefits – especially for those living with Parkinson's disease.

Marijuana has been shown to help with tremors, pain, and sleep problems. It can also improve mood and ease anxiety. In other words, it can help with many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

So if you're living with Parkinson's disease, don't be afraid to give cannabis a try. You may find that it makes a world of difference in your quality of life.

Potential Side Effects

Image by Julia Teichmann from Pixabay

There is literally nothing classified as a drug that doesn't have a side effect.

As much as you decide to try cannabis as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Some of the side effects associated with cannabis use include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and anxiety. In more severe cases, the use of cannabis can even cause psychotic episodes in some people.
It should also be noted that excessive use of marijuana can lead to an increased risk for addiction and other mental health issues.

No matter how tempting it may be to try marijuana as a cure-all for Parkinson’s symptoms, it never hurts to err on the side of caution and speak with a certified health professional before using it in any capacity. After all, you don’t want to get stuck with too much fun and not enough business!

Guidelines for Safe Use of Cannabis for Parkinson's Disease

Before using cannabis for Parkinson's disease, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind for your safety. First, always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment regimen. This is especially important if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications as cannabis may interact with these.

Second, it's also important to start out with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find relief from your symptoms. Finally, keep your nausea medication handy – cannabis can make some people feel sick to their stomachs!

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure the safe and effective use of cannabis for Parkinson's disease management. And while it may not be a magical cure-all, it could certainly make the journey smoother – so keep on!

Takeaways on the Use of Cannabis to Treat Parkinson Disease

So, to sum up all the research – cannabis for Parkinson's Disease seems like a pretty great idea, yeah? Maybe. Current evidence indicates that cannabis and cannabinoids can alleviate some of the bothersome symptoms of PD, but more research is needed to determine if these benefits justify the potential risks.

For the time being, patients considering alternative treatments for their PD-related symptoms should consult with both their primary care provider and specialists familiar with cannabis use. That way, you can weigh the potential benefits and risks specific to your symptoms and circumstances. And as always – don’t forget that smoking isn't necessary; there are plenty of alternative routes of administration such as topical creams, oils, edibles, and vape pens!

Conclusion

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
So there you have it: the current research on cannabis and Parkinson's disease. As you can see, the jury is still out on whether cannabis can be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease. However, it does appear to be safe and well-tolerated, so if you're considering using cannabis for Parkinson's disease, it's worth discussing it with your doctor.

SAYONARA, STAY HEALTHY 🖐

References/Resources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320984

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1831191-overview

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease

https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/index.html

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/parkinsons-disease.html

https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Parkinsons-Disease

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/parkinson-disease