LIVING with PARKINSON’S DISEASE, TREATING with MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Written By Markita Wilburn, PharmD
Marijuana is effective for symptom management because of its natural ability to work simultaneously on biological functions. It plays a significant role in acting on receptors in our central nervous system and on cells within our immune system. These interactions create a state of balance between the brain and the rest of the body, meaning how we think, see, hear, speak, feel, and move can all be positively influenced by marijuana.
EXACTLY HOW DOES MMJ HELP TREAT PD?
Well, simply and practically speaking, by managing the individual causes.
Let’s start with Dopamine.
Dopamine is essential for controlling body movement, emotional responses, and our ability to feel pleasure or pain. Production of dopamine is impaired in Parkinson’s and nonexistent with disease progression. Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, stimulate dopamine release and influence brain cells to produce more. While THC stimulates the brain’s reward system, it also relieves pain and influences the parasympathetic system to help muscles calm and mind feel at ease. CBD relieves worry and helps improve mood and relax the body without stimulation.
Okay, what about the inflammation and nerve damage?
Parkinson’s occurs when nerve cells are damaged — and both THC and CBD have proven neuroprotective properties. Consumption of these cannabinoids may help to manage worsening symptoms or the progression of the disease. CBD, which has significant anti-inflammatory properties, may also be beneficial in managing PD, as inflammation has been linked to neurodegeneration from its triggered immune-mediated inflammatory response.
MMJ + PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Living with Parkinson’s can crucially impact overall well-being. Symptoms can often go unnoticed since PD is thought of as a disease that only involves spastic movements. Some PD consumers have reported benefits for pain, tremors, and slow and involuntary movements after marijuana consumption. Patients feeling agitation or fatigue may also find medical marijuana alleviates many of the symptoms that present with anxiety, such as muscle rigidity, constipation, depression, and trouble sleeping.
Though conclusive scientific research is lacking to confirm these findings, many have also found cannabinoids to protect brain cells from damage caused by disease progression. Medical marijuana does not have to be the primary treatment option for PD but could serve as positively essential support.
MMJ TREATMENT PREPARATION
Various formulations of MMJ are available as an alternative treatment option. In Pennsylvania, there are four ways to consume or use MMJ — inhaling it, placing it under the tongue, swallowing a capsule, or topically with a cream, salve, lotion, or transdermal patch.
Maitri Medicinals welcomes those interested in ways MMJ may be of service to visit our website. You or a loved one may schedule time with a Pharmacist to understand your options, or once certified for MMJ use, visit your local Maitri location for an in-person Pharmacist consultation.
REFERENCES
The Parkinson’s Foundation. “Living with Parkinson’s.” Parkinson’s Foundation, 2024.
The Parkinson’s Foundation. “Treatment: Medical Marijuana.” Parkinson’s Foundation, 2024.
The Parkinson’s Foundation. “Parkinson’s Foundation Consensus Statement on the Use of Medical Cannabis for Parkinson’s Disease.” Published by the Parkinson’s Foundation May 2020.
American Parkinson’s Disease Association. “The Role of Inflammation in Parkinson’s Disease.” American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 2024.
American Parkinson’s Disease Association. “Use of Cannabidiol (CBD) for PD Symptoms.” American Parkinson’s Disease Association, February 9, 2021.
Lee, Martin A. “How CBD Works: Learn how CBD works with your body’s endocannabinoid system.” Project CBD, 2024.