Parkinson's Disease & Cannabis

Key Points

  • Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive Neurological condition.
  • Cells that produce dopamine die off. 
  • Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and as levels fall movement is affected.
  • Symptoms are stiffness, tremors, brain fog, Anxiety and others.
  • Medical Cannabis is anecdotally highly effective for some individuals.
  • Medical Cannabis is now legally available and we can help you access it.

Parkinson’s diagnose?

Looking for information on Cannabis that is upto date and not institutionally biased- you have come to the right place. 

First, let us be clear Cannabis does not work for all Parkinson’s patients, but does for many! Traditional Cannabis was used as a herbal medication long before Parkinson’s disease was first documented in 1817 by James Parkinson.

It was noted in 1899 that cannabis was an effective agent for temporary tremor abatement.

The advances that cannabis delivers were pushed to the sidelines due to the last 100 years of prohibition which stopped much-needed research.

This has changed recently with the changes happening first in Israel where many new Cannabinoids have been discovered and how they affect the Endocannabinoid system. These advances have also led to changes in how the world views Cannabis. Traditional medication is now reclaiming its rightful position as a Medicine recognised in modern pharmacopeias for many different conditions because of the bodies Endocannabinoid system.

Parkinson’s disease is particularly well suited to Cannabis Medications as shown in the results of a recent survey in Germany. Medical Cannabis has become increasingly popular with Parkinson’s sufferers through their medical access program. 54% of Parkinson’s users saw a benefit that increased with regular use to 79% who self-reported frequent use. The reports of those who found benefit found it more effective than the market authorised medication levodopa.

There are many Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant and one that has shown real promise is THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). This particular Cannabinoid helps to dampen dyskinesia. Spanish research in mice showed how effective it can be.
There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence and personal testimony in the UK that shows around 50% of Parkinson’s patients can derive some benefit from some of the myriad of symptoms that Parkinson’s manifests. 

Medical Cannabis is now widely available in many forms for qualifying patients.
There are specific stains that have been shown beneficial for tremors in Parkinson’s
Medical Marijuana Doctors an American website highlights several listing them.

The use of Cannabis for Parkinsons patients was a difficult choice in the past because of its legal status as an illicit drug. The situation has now changed and anyone who has a documented medical condition and tied market authorised medications can get legal access to certified products the choice is if you can afford a legal private prescription.

There are a wide range of Cannabis products available and if you choose to go for a prescription you need to discuss these options with your consultant.

Here at AccessKaneh we can help hold your hand through the process and introduce you to the clinic of your choice.