Parkinson’s disease can permanently affect the nervous system. It can lead to stiffness and slowed cognition over time. When left untreated, it can lead to detrimental symptoms like difficulties in movement, speech difficulties, tremors, and posture changes.
Researchers are currently studying new therapies that can help in the treatment of PD symptoms and overall quality of life. Marijuana can be one effective alternative treatment.
Researchers have conducted numerous studies on marijuana and its active components. Although these studies are still in progress, the research on cannabis is promising for people with PD. It can relieve the symptoms of PD.
Potential benefits
Marijuana can help PD by improving symptoms like pain, tremors, sleep, mood, and movement.
While cannabis can have a few side effects, its preferable than common pharmaceutical pills. Some traditional medications for Parkinson’s disease can lead to constipation, diarrhea, hallucinations, insomnia, nausea, and sleepiness.
Research
Scientific studies on marijuana’s effects on health are promising due to the legalization of medical marijuana in different states. According to a 2014 research involving 22 participants with PD, there was an improvement in sleep, tremors, and pain when these patients smoked marijuana.
A 2010 study on cannabinoids showed that cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties. Cannabinoids are active compounds in marijuana, which may help relieve symptoms in many diseases.
Researchers are currently conducting more studies on the potential effects of marijuana for PD. There is still a need for broader studies on cannabis for PD.
Potential risks
Although cannabis offers benefits for people with Parkinson’s, there are also some risk factors involved. The psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant called THC can lead to impaired thinking, movement difficulties, hallucinations, memory problems, and mood changes.
Medical marijuana as treatment for PD
Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main cannabinoids that are used for treating the symptoms of PD.
CBD offers several medicinal properties but lacks the compound that makes people “high.” CBD can potentially decrease inflammation and reduce pain without making you high. CBD can effectively treat numerous chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease. Cannabidiol also has few side effects than traditional medications.
CBD is accessible in different forms including oils, edibles, teas, extracts, waxes, and pills
Some states have legalized the sale of CBD in dispensaries, which means that Individuals can easily buy CBD without prescription or medical marijuana license. States that have legalized medical marijuana allow people over the age of 18 to buy CBD.
Medical marijuana and CBD laws in the US vary by state. Those living in medical marijuana states will need to ask a doctor to fill out forms for an application to obtain a medical marijuana card. This card can be used in several dispensaries to purchase marijuana for a designated medical condition.
Not all states and countries have legalized medical marijuana, so its recommended to read the laws of your state or country before using CBD. If it isn’t legal in your country or state, it may become legal in the future.
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