What Causes Parkinson’s Disease
Again, according to the National Institute on Aging, Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain that controls movement become impaired and/or die. As these neurons degrade and die, brain and motor function decrease overall. It appears that the brain also loses the ability to produce dopamine.
This interruption in neurological function and hormone production impairs motor function in the body. Dopamine is a hormone largely produced and controlled by the endocrine system. This manifests in the body as:
An Active Response To Parkinsons Diagnosis
Both Dennis Mullen, 71, of Westminster, and Mel Preusser, 78, of Denver, take an active role in managing their Parkinsons disease. They exercise regularly, watch their diets and educate themselves about their condition through reading, classes and support groups.
Mullen ran his own FedEx Ground business until his 2010 diagnosis forced him to retire because the job required extensive walking. Since then hes battled tremors, stiffness and muscle freezing that occasionally stymie him during routine activities like trips to the pantry.
He admits that his initial diagnosis of Parkinsons disease left him depressed. But his wife and kids helped him shed those feelings.
I said I wont let this get me down, Mullen said. Im a fighter.
He said he works to stay abreast of the latest information about Parkinsons disease.
I take a bunch of different ideas and try them, he said. You have to grasp the things that are out there and try to keep up to date on what is working and not working for people.
Initially, he used the LVST BIG physical therapy program, riding a stationary two-seat bicycle with his sons, and the LSVT LOUD approach for speech therapy to mitigate his symptoms.
His vigilance alerted him to articles about CBD being used to treat seizures in kids and later its possible help for people with Parkinsons disease. That led him to Leeheys study.
Lifter From Blue Ridge Selects
This uplifting strains effects can help elevate spirits and combat the depression that often comes with Parkinsons disease.
This strain was cultivated by 4-Letter Farm with the utmost care and conditions, to create a strain with a level of CBD thats high but suitable for beginners.
As for terpenes, this strain is dominant in beta myrcene, which is chiefly responsible for the sedative effect that hemp flower is capable of providing.
While there is not quite enough beta myrcene in this strain of hemp flower to knock the user out, its certainly enough to provide a soothing, unwinding effect on the muscles.
This strain is also high in beta caryophyllene, which is most frequently researched for it reputed pain killing properties.
For instance, this 2013 study showed that beta caryophyllene can treat chronic pain associated with arthritis by targeting central and peripheral neuropathic pain, as well as inflammation-mediated chronic pain.
This strain creates medium to large nugs, which tend to come in an evergreen tree while presenting leaves in a vivid shade of lime green. The pistils in this strain are golden-brown, which strike a lovely contrast reminiscent of candy apple.
The aroma of these buds is somewhere between herbal and peppery, with subtle notes of mintiness. The effects of this hemp flower leaves the user feeling relaxed and chill, while promoting an upbeat outlook.
Also Check: Parkinson’s Disease Is Most Closely Associated With Quizlet
Using Cbd To Treat Parkinsons Disease Symptoms
The benefits and research around CBD are still emerging
With the legalization of medical marijuana, many states are approving the use of it in a non-traditional way to treat the symptoms of certain conditions, including Parkinsons disease. Marijuana has two major components to ittetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol . Both may help with nausea and muscle pain or spasms, but unlike THC, CBD doesnt give you the high feeling marijuana is most commonly known for. This makes it an enticing, natural way for many to help treat their Parkinsons disease symptoms. Whats more, is that because CBD is a natural compound from the Cannabis sativa plant, using it may also leave you side effect-free, unlike many prescription medications.
What Happens When Cbd And Thc Are Consumed Together
Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol are like two peas in a pod, quite literally. They seem to balance each other out in ways that often bring out and enhance the benefits of both compounds. For example, THC has been associated with unwanted side effects like anxiety and emotional and reward processing impairments.
Some studies have found that CBD can reduce these intense feelings of anxiety and emotional and reward processing impairments. In a study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of THC and CBD extracts in relieving pain in patients with advanced cancer, it was found that extracts with both compounds were far better at providing relief than strong opioids .
Don’t Miss: Music Therapy For Parkinson’s
What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a neurological disorder associated with walking and balance difficulties, shaking, and coordination problems.
Over time, this neurodegenerative disease can cause non-motor symptoms or behavioral and mental changes, such as depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, and memory issues.
Key Takeaways On The Differences Between Thc
THC-O is the new psychoactive cannabinoid on the block. Although it was discovered in the 1940s, there wasnt much noise around it until the recent boom on hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids.
The potency of THC-O is measured three times as high as that of delta-9 THC, so its wise to exercise caution if thats your first contact with this compound.
Although THC-O has similar health benefits to other THCs, its strength increases the likelihood of side effects like paranoia, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and a racing heart.
The THC-O market remains largely unregulated. If you want to buy it safely, opt for reputable manufacturers who provide relevant lab reports for potency and purity, and a high level of transparency.
Also Check: Parkinson’s Disease And Death
Effects Of Cannabis In Parkinsons Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta
Article type: Systematic Review
Authors: Urbi, Berzenna b | Corbett, Joelc | Hughes, Iana | Owusu, Maame Ammaa | Thorning, Saraha | Broadley, Simon A.b c | Sabet, Armanb c | Heshmat, Samanb d *
Affiliations: Office for Research Governance and Development, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD, Australia | School of Medicine, Griffith University, QLD, Australia | Department of Neurology, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD, Australia | UQCCR, Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, QLD Australia
Correspondence: Correspondence to: Dr. Saman Heshmat, Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Blvd., Southport, QLD 4215, Australia. E-mail: .
Keywords: Cannabis, Parkinsons disease, efficacy of cannabis, tremor, UPDRS
DOI: 10.3233/JPD-212923
Journal: Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 495-508, 2022
Why Is Cbd Controversial
The use of CBD is legally gray, as marijuana is illegal at the federal level. However, the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized the use of CBD produced via the cultivation of hemp with THC levels below 0.3 percent.
You also can use a medical marijuana card to obtain CBD in some states. Nevertheless, a few states currently forbid the use of CBD. Check to see if CBD is legal in your state here.
Because CBD is unregulated at the federal level, it can be difficult to determine the amount of THC in certain products. Purchasing CBD products from reputable brands that conduct third-party testing is currently the safest option.
You May Like: Tao Patch For Parkinson’s
How Can Cbd Help With Parkinsons Disease
There is no definite cure forParkinsons disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. However, CBD may help manage the symptoms of such a condition by alleviating neuroinflammation, anxiety, oxidative injury, nausea, and epilepsy.
Researchers need to conduct more extensive studies to determine whether these benefits of CBD have the potential to reduce symptoms associated with Parkinsons disease.
Legal Status Of Cbd In The Us
The key to understanding the legality of CBD is to know which plant it was sourced from. The difference is between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD. As previously mentioned, CBD is derived from both marijuana plants and hemp plants. Marijuana plants can contain as much as 30% THC, while hemp plants do not contain more than 0.3% THC. The percentage of THC in hemp plants is so low that one cant get high. In 2018, the U.S. legalized CBD through the Farm Bill. That gave a national legal standard with guidelines dictating that CBD containing less than 0.3% THC and produced from hemp is legal. Because of differences between state and federal laws, each state has its requirements on legality.
The table below breaks down the different requirements by state for CDBs legality.
| The Legality of CBD by State |
| Conditions of Legality |
Read Also: Nursing Interventions For Parkinson’s Disease
Will Cbd Interact With Any Current Medication I May Be Taking For Parkinsons Disease
Researchers have not conclusively determined whether CBD has adverse drug interactions with Parkinsons disease medications.
However, CBD may have an adverse effect on the cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for metabolizing or processing various medications. One effect of this interaction is the increased risk of side effects or toxicity related to the medicine.
Study Probes Whether Cbd Helps For Parkinsons Disease Symptoms
In November 2012, Colorado got plenty of buzz as the first state in the nation to pass an amendment legalizing marijuana. The retail sale of recreational marijuana followed in January 2014. Shops peddling the drug soon sprouted across the landscape from street corners to strip malls.
But if marijuana is now a fixture of everyday life in Colorado, questions about it continue. One of the most intriguing is the potential cannabis has to treat a host of ailments, including inflammatory bowel disorder, chronic pain, sleep loss, epilepsy and Parkinsons disease. With legalization, researchers finally had an opportunity to lead controlled clinical trials to test the anecdotal evidence patients have offered of marijuanas medical benefits.
There have been many obstacles, however, as Dr. Maureen Leehey, a neurologist at the UCHealth Neurosciences Center and Professor of Neurology with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, can attest. Her experience illustrates the difficulties of conducting evidence-based research into the medical effectiveness of marijuana. Despite its popularity, the drug still must clear significant regulatory hurdles before research yields any solid answers about its benefits to patients.
Also Check: What Are The Medicines For Parkinson’s
Introduction: Cbd As An Alternative To Pharmaceuticals
Natural alternatives to traditional medicine is becoming more and more accessible for people suffering the effects of Parkinsons disease. Studies show that cannabidiol, also known as CBD, may relieve tremors and other symptoms of Parkinsons. CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants but is free of the high effect of THC in marijuana. And while traditional medications may become less effective over time, CBD users are finding long-lasting benefits, with many giving up their pharmaceuticals for good.
CBD is also gaining momentum as a treatment for Alzheimers disease, epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain. Studies are ongoing, but data indicates CBD has more potential positive effects than we knew.
Did You Know?
What Evidence Is Available For The Use Of Cbd For Pd
The FDA is aware that patients are frustrated that our understanding of how best to use CBD remains minimal because of the lack of clinical trials. In 2015, the FDA changed some of their regulations to make it easier to study CBD in clinical trials.
There have been a few studies of CBD for various symptoms of PD which have generally involved a small number of patients. Many have been open-label trials, in which the doctor and patient are both aware that the patient is receiving treatment and there is no control group that received a placebo.
- In one, an open label study of CBD was conducted on six patients with psychosis. Psychotic symptoms decreased.
- In a second trial, an open-label study of CBD was conducted on four patients with REM behavior sleep disorder. Symptoms decreased.
- A third trial was conducted on 21 patients with PD and was double blinded, meaning neither patient nor doctor knew who received treatment and who received a placebo. Motor scores did not improve, but quality of life scores did.
Additionally, three more recent trials of CBD for PD were conducted.
Recommended Reading: Tardive Dyskinesia Vs Parkinson’s Disease
Best Cbd Oil For Treating Parkinsons
Which CBD oil is best for Parkinsons disease depends on several factors. The only way you can make sure that you buy a high-quality CBD product is to shop smart.
- Read the label. Check how much CBD and THC the product contains.
- Check for third-party testing. Companies with independent evaluation facilities that test their products usually provide higher quality.
- Check online reviews to make an informed and educated decision.
- Check the sourcing location. Knowing where the product comes from and how the plant is grown is essential. Namely, some states require growers to adhere to stricter quality assurance regulations regarding the use of pesticides or chemicals.
- Check the oil type. Full or broad-spectrum CBD oil will probably be better than an isolate.
- Choose where you buy CBD. The best place to find CBD oil is from licensed dispensaries.
Parkinsons Foundation Centers Of Excellence And Medicinal Marijuana
The Parkinsons Foundation, in partnership with Northwestern University researchers, studied attitudes about cannabis at 40 Centers of Excellence members of our Global Care Network. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide data on the practices, beliefs and attitudes of expert PD physicians concerning cannabis use.
The results were interesting: most experts said they knew what cannabis did but disagreed on the details. While there is no general agreement on what the benefits might be for people with PD, the survey confirmed that cannabis is a popular subject within Parkinsons Foundation centers, as 95 percent of neurologists reported people have asked them to prescribe it.
These cannabis study results also included:
- Only 23% of physicians had any formal education on the subject of cannabis , thus 93% of physicians want cannabis taught in medical school.
- Physicians reported that 80% of their people with PD have used cannabis.
- Only 10% of physicians have recommended the use of cannabis to people with PD.
- In terms of memory: 75% of physicians felt that cannabis would have negative effects on short-term memory and 55% felt that cannabis could have negative effects on long-term memory.
- Only 11% of physicians have recommended use of cannabis in the last year.
You May Like: Can You Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
Our Position On The Use Of Medical Marijuana And Medicinal Cannabis In Parkinsons
There are many endorsements of cannabinoids for Parkinsons symptoms in the social media. However, the science tells a different story.
Statement of Position
Further research into the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of symptoms in Parkinsons disease is necessary before Fight Parkinsons will advocate its use for people with Parkinsons disease.
Medicinal Use of Cannabis
The two main active ingredients used for medical care are tetrahydrocannabinoids or THC and cannabidiol or CBD. Both are referred to as cannabinoids. THC is the part that produces the high favoured by recreational users of cannabis and may have benefits in reducing nausea. CBD produces no highand may be used to treat pain inflammatory conditions and seizures. Generally, the use of either form of medicinal cannabis is for symptom relief and is not a cure.
The Evidence Base for Medicinal Cannabis
Many people with a range of serious conditions such as cancer have reported symptom benefits from cannabis or medical marijuana. A review of current scientific research suggested there was reasonable evidence that cannabinoids can help symptoms of chronic pain and spasticity including that experienced in Multiple Sclerosis. In other conditions, such as in nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, weight gain in HIV infection, sleep disorders, and Tourette syndrome use of cannabinoids remains unproven.
Changing Legal Framework
Prescribing of Medicinal Cannabis
References
Terpenes For Parkinsons Disease
Terpenes are compounds found in plant matter, and are known for giving herbs an aromatic quality.
Perhaps more importantly, though, terpenes can provide several therapeutic effects, especially against inflammation. Studies have shown that terpenes can work against chronic pain, Alzheimers disease, and Parkinsons disease.
Its still generally unknown how terpenes perform their functions in the human body, but some express behaviors similar to that of cannabinoids.
Plus, terpenes make up a big component in the entourage effect, and they provide your hemp flower with flavor, so you should always make sure that your hemp strain contains at least .8% terpenes.
Don’t Miss: When Is Parkinson’s Diagnosed
I Was Prescribed Levodopa
The medication most people with Parkinsons end up taking at some point is levodopa, which is the gold standard for treating Parkinsons. It was developed in the late 60s. It is sometimes used for diagnostic purposes.
I was prescribed levodopa and was told that if it provided relief from my initial symptoms, that there was a good chance I had PD. Otherwise, there was a good chance that I didnt have PD but, possibly something worse.
I remember thinking while I want relief from my symptoms, I dont want a diagnosis of PD. Unfortunately, I couldnt have it both ways. If I found relief there was an excellent chance that I had PD .