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Does Weed Help With Parkinson’s

What Is Parkinson’s Disease

77-Year-Old Coloradan With Parkinson’s Does An About Face On Marijuana

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder. In the early stages, Parkinson’s may only present mild symptoms for some time. The disease affects body movements. A first signal might be only a tremor in one hand. Body tremors can be a symptom that worsens over time, accompanied by stiffness and slowing of body movements. Sometimes, early signs of Parkinson’s disease will only be noticeable on one side of the body. This side of the body may always be worse, even after the disease begins to affect the entire body.

Other early signs of Parkinson’s disease can be little or no expression on the face. No arm swinging movements while walking might become noticeable. A person’s speech may become slow, soft, or slurred. These symptoms usually intensify over time and can turn a person’s daily life upside down. Eating, writing, walking, talking, and other simple daily activities can be affected.

How To Administer Cbd For Parkinsons Disease

If youre about to use CBD for the first time, you may be wondering how to take it the right way to maximize the benefits for Parkinsons disease.

You can buy CBD in various forms, including:

  • CBD oil . CBD can be swallowed or absorbed sublingually . This is a good option if you dont like to take capsules and want to precisely measure out your dose. The calming effects of CBD usually take hold around 15-30 minutes after ingestion and may last for up to 6 hours.
  • Capsules. This form of CBD is a good option if youre looking for a premeasured dose of CBD in your supplement. You just take as many capsules as recommended by your physician. The downside of taking CBD capsules is their delayed onset and lower bioavailability since they have to pass through the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream.
  • Edibles.CBD-infused is becoming more popular these days. Gummies are by far the most common option. They work in a similar manner to capsules. They usually kick in after 40120 minutes and last for up to 10 hours. Edibles are a discreet way to deliver a dose of CBD.
  • Topicals. Products like lotions and creams may be effective for localized problems because they deliver the CBD to the cannabinoid receptors located in the deeper layer of the skin. From there, CBD can produce its soothing effects on the body, reducing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Cbd As A Treatment For Parkinsons

CBD hasnt been used in people with Parkinsons disease long-term, and research into the benefits of this cannabinoid only began a few decades ago.

That means research is limited, and often, the studies that have been done are very small. Scientists and doctors need to conduct larger-scale efforts to confirm any benefits.

However, some studies suggest CBD may have some positive effects, especially when it comes to nonmotor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

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Clinical Trials And Research With Cbd And Thc

So far, studies have been minimal and no trial has definitively found that it works to improve the disease.

There are lot of combinations out there of THC and CBD, but not a single one has been fully tested for any symptom of Parkinsons, says Gilbert.

As medical marijuana has become more accepted, however, the research tide may be turning.

In fiscal year 2017, the National Institutes of Health supported 330 projects totaling almost $140 million on cannabinoid research. Within this investment, 70 projects examined therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, and 26 projects focused on CBD.

The Parkinsons Foundation lists a handful of investigations that have evaluated the effects of cannabinoids on the disorder. In a study published in March 2015 in the journal Movement Disorders, scientists analyzed the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders but didnt find any conclusive proof that marijuana helped. That investigation summarized several other studies on the topic.

The Role Of Cannabinoid Receptors

Pin on CBD and Cannabis for Parkinson

Our bodies naturally make cannabinoids that control various processes, such as mood, sleep and appetite, by binding to cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body. We have two main types of cannabinoid receptor, which are like switches outside cells that trigger a biological reaction within a cell once the receptor is activated: CB1 receptors are located in the brain and respond to THC which results in the highs associated with cannabis use CB2 receptors are found mainly on cells relating to the immune system and on brain cells believed to be responsible for pain relief.

There are concentrations of cannabinoid receptors in the basal ganglia area of the brain, where dopamine-producing neurons are located and which is known to be involved in the movement symptoms of Parkinsons. Researchers have therefore speculated that a substance such as cannabis, which binds with cannabinoid receptors in an area of the brain so closely involved in Parkinsons, may positively affect the symptoms of the condition. Extensive research into this is underway.

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How Is Parkinson’s Disease Treated

Even though Parkinson’s disease has no cure as of yet, some medications can significantly improve symptoms, especially in the early stages. Some doctors may suggest surgery that can help regulate some regions of the brain and improve symptoms.

In recent years, there have been significant changes in treatments for Parkinson’s disease, according to Web MD. New drugs have been developed, and doctors better understand how to maximize older treatments. These developments make a big difference in the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients.

One of the most common drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease is Levodopa . This drug works by helping to control symptoms of the disease like stiff and rigid body parts, and slow body movements. Another medication used to treat Parkinson’s is Sinemet, which is a combination of two drugs: Levodopa and Carbidopa. Another add-on medication to treat the disease is Safinamide. When patients taking Levodopa and Carbidopa have symptoms that were previously controlled, Safinamide can help prolong the time that patients suffer no symptoms.

What Products Are People Using

The most common cannabis-derived product people with Parkinson’s used was CBD oil. People interested in using a cannabis-derived product in the future said this is what they’d consider using.

If the side effects are less than traditional Parkinson’s drugs, then I would want to try cannabis. Person with Parkinson’s who has never used a cannabis-derived product

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What Are The Side Effects

Respondents who had used cannabis-derived products in the past said they didn’t experience side effects, and that the products didn’t interact with their Parkinson’s medication. This was backed up by professionals.

However, people who hadn’t used them said they were worried about potential side effects and interactions with Parkinson’s medication.

It works better for me than conventional drugs. Person with Parkinson’s currently using a cannabis-derived product

Research On Medical Marijuana In The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis And Parkinsons Disease

Ask the MD: Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Disease

In spite of the vast anecdotal, lab, and clinical evidence surrounding the efficacy of medical marijuana for treatment of Parkinsons and multiple neurological disorders, considerable controversy still exists.

However, some reputable medical journals have published the following reports:

  • Researchers from Londons Institute of Neurology reported: In addition to symptom management, cannabis may also slow down the neurodegenerative processes that ultimately lead to chronic disability in multiple sclerosis and probably other neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Dr. Andras Bilkey-Gorzo reported in a 2012 research review: At first sight, it is striking that cannabinoid, substances known to impair cognitive functions, could be beneficial in neurodegenerative cognitive disorders. However, cannabinoid receptor activation could reduce oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, suppress neuroinflammatory processes, and thus alleviate the symptoms of neurodegenerative motor and cognitive diseases.

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How To Get Medical Marijuana Card For Parkinson’s

In most states with medical marijuana programs, patients suffering from Parkinsons will first need to contact a state-certified medical marijuana doctor. An appointment can be set up by phone to determine if the patient has a qualifying condition. This will be followed up by an in-person evaluation or online telemedicine consultation.

Parkinsons patients in states where marijuana is legal for all adults are highly advised to discuss treating Parkinsons Disease with Marijuana with their doctor.

Cannabis May Be Antidyskinetic

Dyskinesia is a common symptom of Parkinsons disease. The term refers to involuntary movementsof the muscles. Symptoms may manifest as uncontrolled twitching orshaking, progressing to extremely slow movement.

In Parkinsons patients treated for prolonged periodswith Levodopa , a specific form known as Levodopa-induced dyskinesia can occur. This form cancause chorea , dystonia , ballism, myoclonus,or a combination of any of these.

The cannabinoid receptors of the central nervoussystem are densely clustered in an area of thesubstantia nigra known as the pars reticula, an area that isfundamentally involved with dopamine signaling to the striatum of the basalganglia. The basal ganglia region is primarily responsible for the regulationof voluntary motor activity. Cannabinoid receptors are also present in high numbers in the basalganglia themselves. Thus, the natural transmission ofendocannabinoids is thought to play a role in these fundamental and relatedprocesses.

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Side Effects Of Parkinson’s Disease Medications

As with many medications used to treat diseases, there are often side effects. Common side-effects of Levodopa are vomiting, nausea, and irregular heartbeat rhythms. Sinemet it can raise the odds for some long-term problems like involuntary movements. With Safinamide, the side effects can include falling asleep and staying asleep, falls, nausea, and uncontrollable involuntary movements.

What Does The Fda Say About Using Cbd Oil For Parkinsons

Parkinson

CBD oil hasnt been approved by the FDA as a treatment for Parkinsons disease. In fact, there are no FDA-approved cannabis treatments for this condition as of today. However, the FDA did acknowledge a CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, to treat two types of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Researchers from the University of Colorado are using Epidiolex to analyze its benefits on people with Parkinsons-triggered tremor. The study is currently in its second stage.

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Other Treatments For Parkinsons

The primary goals in treating PD are to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment may also prevent disease progression.

If taking marijuana isnt feasible, there are other options available. Numerous types and combinations of conventional medications may also be used. Examples include:

  • amantadine , which is used in early stages

Final Thoughts On Using Cbd Oil For Parkinsons

There is no cure for Parkinsons disease. Once diagnosed, patients can only slow its progression.

However, there are ways to manage its pesky symptoms. One of them is using CBD oil. If youre planning to try it out, remember to make an appointment with your doctor first. This is to make sure that you dont experience any side effects of potential drug interactions. In addition, your doctor can also give you professional advice on finding the right dose.

Although more research is needed to confirm the benefits of CBD oil for Parkinsons disease, the best product that may support official treatment is Royal CBD oil. Made from organic hemp and using supercritical CO2, this product is pure, safe, and available in a wide range of potencies to suit different CBD needs.

Do you know anyone who takes CBD oil to cope with the symptoms of Parkinsons disease? Does it help? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Is Cbd Prescribed For Parkinsons Disease

Whether CBD is prescribed to Parkinsons patients is determined by the medical professionals assessment and patients needs. Results are still mixed on whether CBD alone has consistent positive effects for Parkinsons disease, yet so far researcher believe it may help reduce anxiety, tremor and brain inflammation that promotes worsening of the disease.

Other ways medicinal cannabis treatments help Parkinsons patients

Medical cannabis treatments like CBD or products combining THC and CBD have been shown to relieve insomnia, anxiety and depressive symptoms in human and animal trials. Anxiety can appear with Parkinsons disease as a result of the disease itself, or due to the physical and mental hardship of experiencing a chronic and incurable condition.

Nausea and appetite are two other major concerns for Parkinsons patients where medical cannabis may provide benefit. By reducing nausea and promoting appetite the negative impact of the disease on quality of life and other fundamental body functions can be reduced.

Lastly, prescribed medical cannabis treatments are becoming increasingly used to treat chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues like muscle rigidity and arthritis.

What Is Parkinsons Disease

Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Part 3 of 3

The symptoms of Parkinsons are characterized as movement disorders, and these symptoms are rooted in neurology. Similar conditions include cerebral palsy and Tourette syndrome.

Its believed that there are around one million adults in the U.S. with Parkinsons and along with tremors and slowed movement, other symptoms may include a face that lacks expression.

When Parkinsons begins appearing in older patients, they often dont seek treatment because they believe its just part of the aging process.

Parkinsons disease is thought to be linked to low dopamine levels in a certain area of the brain. In people with this condition the dopamine cells have died or are dying, and when this happens, its hard for people to control their body movements and do certain things. As people progress in the disease, their dopamine levels follow the same trajectory and symptoms become more pronounced.

This disease isnt a direct cause of death in people who have it, but it isnt curable currently, and it does get worse over time.

Some of the celebrities with Parkinsons include Janet Reno, Michael J. Fox, and Muhammed Ali.

Because its incurable, there is a lot of attention on looking for ways to treat at least some of the symptoms of the disease, which is why marijuana and Parkinsons has become a hot topic of discussion and research.

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Risks And Benefits For People With Pd

There are risks and benefits associated with the use of cannabis for people with PD. Benefits include a possible improvement in anxiety, pain management, sleep dysfunction, weight loss and nausea. Potential adverse effects include: impaired cognition , dizziness, blurred vision, mood and behavioral changes, loss of balance and hallucinations. Chronic use of marijuana can increase risk of mood disorders and lung cancer.

How Does Medical Marijuana Help With Parkinsons Disease

In addition to taking medications if your doctor recommends it, eating healthy foods, and getting enough exercise, medical marijuana can reduce pain and other unpleasant symptoms associated with Parkinsons disease.

Texas THC Doctor is part of the Texas Compassionate Use Program for medical marijuana. The highly trained medical team is registered through the Texas Compassionate Use Registry, allowing them to legally prescribe medical cannabis and CBD to patients with Parkinsons who qualify.

Your Texas THC Doctor provider works with you to determine which type of cannabinoids are the right match for your personalized needs. They tailor each treatment and monitor your progress along the way.

If you have Parkinsons disease, desire symptom relief, and would like to find out if medical cannabis is right for you, complete the intake form online now to see if you qualify for medical marijuana. You can then make a telehealth appointment online or over the phone with Texas THC Doctor.

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Expert Advice About Medical Marijuana For Parkinsons

According to a report from Parkinson.org, you should follow these tips if youre trying cannabis for Parkinsons :

  • Never substitute medical marijuana for your PD medications and always work with your doctor as there may be potential drug interactions.
  • Understand that cannabis remains unregulated and the effects can vary by strain. Try to stay consistent when you find one you like and buy from the same source.
  • You may also want to experiment with patches or cannabis-infused creams for relief of localized pain on your body.

Medical marijuana in Florida has been legalized for debilitating medical conditions and Parkinsons disease is included.

What Does Sleep Have To Do With Parkinsons

Does CBD Help with Parkinsonâs Disease?

While the primary symptoms of Parkinsons involve movement, they cause a lot of related issues. Some of them include constipation, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety and weight changes another symptom is sleep problems.

Researchers havent pinpointed an exact cause of Parkinsons patients sleep problems. A likely explanation is that the muscle tension, pain and tics disrupt the sleep cycle.

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More Research Is Needed

The safety, tolerability, and side effects of medical marijuana require further study. Meaningful benefits have not been substantiated across study populations. As researchers gain a more complete understanding of how the endocannabinoid system works, results may yield more information on the efficacy of using marijuana to ease the symptoms of Parkinsons disease.

How Medical Cannabis Can Help Parkinsons Patients With Sleep Issues

Every Parkinsons patient has a unique experience since the disease causes so many different symptoms with varying degrees of severity. So, besides the standard Parkinsons medicines, doctors must medicate based on the patients symptoms.

However, managing so many medications can be incredibly difficult, especially if you take medications that cause dangerous side effects, like dyskinesia. Some medicine, like pain relievers, can damage certain organs or have the potential for addiction.

Thats where medical marijuana comes in. While it still has its own set of negative side effects, cannabis can serve multiple purposes when used correctly by a patient who reacts well to it.

Most importantly, MMJ can treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Before marijuana was made federally illegal, doctors used cannabis to help insomnia patients get a good nights rest. Today, many MMJ-legal states consider sleep disorders as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.

Also, marijuana can relieve the underlying causes of a patients sleep problems. MMJ serves as a safer alternative to painkillers. It also has the potential to help with spasticity, or painful muscle tension.

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