Introduction
Marijuana has been shown to help patients with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms. A recent study found that marijuana can help improve sleep, mood, and motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The study also found that marijuana was well-tolerated by patients and did not cause any serious adverse effects.
Keep reading to learn more about how marijuana can treat Parkinson’s.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often leads to tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with movement and balance. The disease is caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain responsible for motor control.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Traditional treatments include medications such as levodopa, which can be effective in the early stages of the disease but often loses its efficacy over time. Surgery, deep brain stimulation, and other invasive procedures are also options for some patients, but they all come with their own risks and side effects.
How is Medical Marijuana Used to Treat Parkinson’s Disease?
Medical marijuana offers a potential treatment option for Parkinson’s disease by replacing the lost dopaminergic neurons. CBD and THC, the active ingredients in cannabis, have also been shown to be effective in reducing the tremors and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Both scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis offers relief from many of the symptoms commonly encountered by Parkinson’s patients. For some, finding the right dosage is a matter of trial and error, as well as social tolerance for marijuana use.
Side Effects of Medical Marijuana
Some of the side effects associated with medical marijuana include dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, and impaired thinking. It is important to note that everyone’s reaction to marijuana will be different, so it’s crucial to start slowly when using this treatment method.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Prescription
There is no one definitive answer to this question since the answer for you will depend on your state’s cannabis laws. However, in general, you would need to find a doctor who is willing to prescribe medical marijuana for treating Parkinson’s and then follow their specific instructions regarding how to obtain it.
In most cases, you’ll have to visit a licensed medical marijuana doctor, obtain a diagnosis and a recommendation for medical marijuana from them, and then submit an application for a medical marijuana card to your state government.
If you’re approved, you’ll receive an MMJ card which will allow you to purchase medical cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries.
Conclusion
There is still much research to be done on how cannabis can best be used to treat Parkinson’s disease. However, there is growing evidence that medical marijuana could offer an important treatment option for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. If you are considering using medical marijuana to treat your Parkinson’s disease, be sure to discuss it with your doctor to ensure that it is the right treatment option for you.
John DiBella is a medical marijuana advocate, owner of The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, and a writer. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping and sailing.
