Parkinson’s Disease Marijuana Research Studies

In 2014, Clinical Neuropharmacology reported that marijuana improves Parkinson’s motor symptoms including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms such as pain and sleep disorders. Follow-up studies appear to support these results, with a 2015 survey finding:

“Cannabis was rated as the most effective therapy for sleep and mood improvement amongst all complementary and alternative medications.”

Traditional Parkinson’s disease medications have unpleasant side effects, including uncontrolled involuntary movements (dyskinesia). Medical marijuana offers a different approach to treatment. Recent research suggests that the endocannabinoid system is significantly involved in Parkinson’s disease. It appears that the cannabinoid compounds in marijuana bind to dopamine receptors to reduce the effects of lessening dopamine in the brain.

Before purchasing marijuana from a Florida medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) – or dispensary – patients must first qualify for a medical marijuana certification; CannaMD provides qualified patients with the state-required recommendation to complete this process.

According to Florida state law, patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease may qualify for medical marijuana treatment.

Patients can see if they qualify for free by completing a brief form or calling 1 (855) 420-9170.

For additional information on Parkinson’s disease, please see CannaMD‘s Parkinson’s Disease Patient Resource Page.

CannaMD welcomes the opportunity to connect with fellow physicians and facilitate medical cannabis care.

For additional information, including how to refer Parkinson’s disease patients and request complementary referral cards, please visit CannaMD‘s Physician Resource Page.

While the list below is not exhaustive, we hope you will enjoy the following primary source articles reviewing Parkinson’s disease and marijuana research:

• Cannabis (medical marijuana) treatment for motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease: an open-label observational study
• Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol is protective through PPARy dependent mitochondrial biogenesis in a cell culture model of Parkinson’s disease 
• Effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease: An exploratory double-blind trial
• Marijuana compounds: A nonconventional approach to Parkinson’s disease therapy
• Self-reported efficacy of cannabis and other complementary medicine modalities by Parkinson’s disease patients in Colorado
• The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of pharmacotherapy