Can cannabis help with Parkinson’s? This is what science has to say

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It can cause symptoms such as cognitive impairment, tremors, muscle stiffness, or coordination problems. However, although there is strong online support for the use of cannabis to treat these symptoms, which is backed up by a large number of anecdotal experiences, science actually tells us a different story.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a loss of neurons in a region of the brain responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls many bodily functions, including memory, movement, motivation, mood, and attention. Currently, there is no effective cure for this disease, but there are several pharmacological treatments that can help relieve its symptoms, especially those related to motor control.

Cannabis contains several chemical compounds, including THC and CBD. These cannabinoids have been thoroughly researched for their potential therapeutic effects. THC could potentially help in the treatment of the pain, muscle stiffness, and tremors caused by Parkinson’s, but it could also produce unwanted side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, and coordination problems.

On the other hand, CBD has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. This is important because inflammation may be responsible for causing damage to the brain neurons that produce dopamine. If marijuana could slow down some of the neural damage to the brain, then it’s possible that it could also delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Scientific evidence is limited

Nevertheless, there is very little evidence to date that cannabinoids could be used to effectively treat Parkinson’s disease. This is not to say that cannabis has no benefits for Parkinson’s patients, but rather that this statement may be related to the standards of the research that has been conducted so far.

For example, most studies have been conducted by means of self-assessment surveys, observational studies, and small short-term trials which are random and placebo-controlled. Not only are these types of trials biased, but they’re also very limited due to their duration, very small number of participants, and the lack of data on the consistency and quality of the cannabis products used.

Additionally, marijuana can interact with other medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease, which may increase the risk of side effects or even reduce the effectiveness of the treatment itself.

Conclusion

Although the results of some of these studies have been positive, it is likely that the effects of medical marijuana are not yet fully understood. The use of cannabis for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is a relatively new area of research. Therefore, more solid scientific evidence is still needed, and especially more clinical trials in humans to confirm its long-term effectiveness. Only then will we be able to determine exactly what the benefits may be, and whether the negative risks outweigh the positive aspects.