It’s estimated over one million people in the United States have Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative condition affecting movement that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Most often associated with tremors, uncontrollable shaking, balance and coordination issues, and slow movement, Parkinson’s can also take a tremendous toll on one’s mental health, memory, energy levels, and more. For many, Parkinson’s can be traumatic, causing fear, panic, and overwhelm when trying to navigate life with this progressive diagnosis. While traditional treatments can be effective, many people with Parkinson’s are seeking complementary and alternative therapies to naturally manage their symptoms. Interest in cannabis and Parkinson’s specifically has been steadily increasing in recent years as medical and recreational cannabis legalization continues to expand. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at how cannabis might help support Parkinson’s disease, exploring how it works in the body, research to support its potential benefits, ways to use cannabis for Parkinson’s, and more.
Exploring the Connection of Cannabis and Parkinson’s Disease
As the search for effective treatments for Parkinson's continues, cannabis has a potential way to manage symptoms. Not only is Parkinson's a qualifying condition in 16 medical marijuana states, but 36 medical states accept PD-related qualifying conditions, including pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. This growing acceptance doesn’t just reflect increased interest in natural or adjunct therapies, it also reflects growing mainstream interest and societal acceptance of cannabis use. A 2024 study highlights that Parkinson’s patients use cannabis at a higher rate (25-40%) compared to the general population of cannabis users (around 18%). While more research is needed, many individuals are hopeful that cannabis could offer a safer, more effective option for managing both motor and non-motor PD symptoms.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson's is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. While commonly diagnosed around the age of 60, the disease typically starts much earlier, usually around 50. By the time a diagnosis is made, PD has usually progressed to a stage where people experience involuntary shaking (tremors), stiffness in the limbs, reduced movement and reaction time, and issues with balance. While the precise cause of PD isn’t known, there’s evidence to suggest it’s a combination of genetic factors (having a family member with Parkinson’s increases your risk by 10-15%), environmental factors (exposure to toxins, pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, detergents, etc.), drinking well water over time, long-term use of certain medications, and brain tumors. Most cases of PD, however, typically occur from unknown causes. There is research to support that the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine begin to deteriorate and die. Dopamine plays a large role in several functions, including reward and motivation, mood, memory, sleep, and movement. Degradation of the neurotransmitter is thought to ultimately cause the classic symptoms of PD, including tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and issues with balance. Some studies suggest Parkinson’s occurs when there’s a problem using or breaking down a protein known as alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein).
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Tremors - Slowed movement or trouble initiating movement (bradykinesia) - Muscle stiffness that is constant or comes and goes - Difficulty balancing - Poor posture - Very little change in facial expressions Other symptoms that can appear before movement-related symptoms include: - Loss of smell -Trouble sleeping (restless leg syndrome, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) are common) -Depression -Sexual dysfunction -Loss of bladder or bowel control Standard treatment options to manage PD symptoms include medications like Levodopa, which helps replenish dopamine. Physical therapy is also commonly used to help manage issues with mobility. But over time, traditional PD treatments could become less effective and cause side effects, something that’s made many patients with the disease seek out alternative treatments. Some of these include acupuncture, tai chi, meditation, yoga, and various herbs, including cannabis.
Does Cannabis Contain Potential to Support Parkinson's?
Several observational studies show medical cannabis helps with motor symptoms like tremors, bradykinesia, and stiffness, as well as pain and sleep problems. A 2015 survey of Colorado PD patients found cannabis beneficial for alleviating nonmotor symptoms. Recent research published in a 2023 review of clinical studies found cannabinoids safely helped with motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms.
Cannabis, Parkinson’s, and the Endocannabinoid System
Most of the potential benefits of cannabis for PD are suggested to come from its interaction or influence on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). A 2022 study found the ECS may play a significant role in Parkinson's because of its influence on dopamine regulation. There’s research that shows the basal ganglia, a part of the brain responsible for controlling movement, is densely packed with CB1 receptors. Dopamine plays a vital role in basal ganglia function, with low levels of dopamine in the basal ganglia being largely associated with Parkinson’s disease. The influence of the ECS on Parkinson’s disease is largely associated with the influence on CB1 receptors. In PD patients, CB1 receptors in the basal ganglia are typically overexpressed and activated. Activation of CB1 receptors reduces the uptake of GABA which may promote the development of Parkinson’s, leading researchers to suggest that cannabinoid antagonists (cannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors and prevent the activation by endocannabinoids) may slow the progression of PD. Cannabis is also believed to influence PD because of the interaction with CB1 receptors and dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia. For example, there’s research that shows THC, which has a strong binding affinity for CB1 receptors, increases dopamine release and neuron activity in the basal ganglia.
Different Cannabinoids and PD
Various cannabinoids have different effects on the body, meaning they could work in different ways to support PD. A 2016 study examining various cannabis compounds as an alternative approach to Parkinson’s treatments, for example, showed CBD may be effective for treating psychosis and sleep disorders in Parkinson’s patients. THCV, on the other hand, was found to have neuroprotective properties and relieve symptoms of PD in animal models. Cannabinoids are also patented neuroprotectants and antioxidants, with research showing “cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and HIV dementia.”
Ongoing Research on Cannabis and Parkinson’s Disease
While more research on cannabis and Parkinson’s disease is needed, more people are recognizing the potential cannabis contains as an alternative or complementary therapy. One of the leading organizations dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s is the Micheal J. Fox Foundation, with a long history as a strong advocate for exploring the potential of medical cannabis. Fox has been open about his personal experience with Parkinson’s, including the limitations of traditional treatments and how cannabis helped him. Today, the foundation actively funds ongoing research into medical cannabis in efforts to better understand the plant’s potential for PD, an effort that’s helping to push scientific studies and find alternatives to conventional care.
The Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Parkinson’s Disease
Tremors and muscle stiffness
Tremors and muscle stiffness are some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. A 2020 review found that while more research is needed, cannabinoids have shown potential in improving motor symptoms. A 2014 study showed significant improvement in tremors, rigidity, and slow movement, suggesting that cannabis could offer support for managing such symptoms.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep disturbances are common in Parkinson’s patients. There’s a large body of research to suggest that cannabis can improve sleep quality, however, meaning it may help individuals have more restful sleep and improve overall quality of life. The same 2020 review that showed cannabis improved motor skills also reported improved sleep patterns in PD patients who use cannabis. A 2014 study showed CBD helps control REM sleep behavior disorder, which causes individuals to have nightmares and display active behavior while dreaming due to loss of muscle atonia while sleeping. A recent study found taking a combination of THC and CBD helped with sleep improvements in PD patients.
Pain management
Over half of people with Parkinson’s experience pain, which can be localized or widespread and affect different parts of the body. Several types of pain are associated with PD, including shooting pain down the arms or legs, muscle and joint pain, dull, constant stabbing, burning, or bloating pain, neuropathic pain, and abdominal pain. With a large body of research supporting the potential of cannabis for pain management, it may be beneficial for easing ongoing pain many PD patients experience. A 2021 study showed CBD has the potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can cause PD pain. There’s also research to support the potential of THC for relieving several types of pain, which could support the varied pain experiences in PD patients. Studies reveal THC may relieve mild, moderate, and severe pain as well as codeine. One survey on 100 individuals with multiple sclerosis showed almost all participants said cannabis helped relieve limb pain and muscle spasticity. A recent 2023 preliminary study examined a THC/CBD combination for PD pain management on a small sample of participants, finding that both high THC (10:1) and high CBD (10:10 or 1:20) were well-tolerated with results that are “suggestive of a benefit in measures of pain.” Researchers called for further clinical studies to obtain quality evidence for cannabis products used for the management of Parkinson’s pain.
Mood and anxiety relief
Mood issues are another common side effect of Parkinson’s disease, and can be caused by receiving a diagnosis or by changes in the brain triggered by the disease. Many individuals experience anxiety, depression, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed (apathy), and short periods of controllable crying or laughing (a condition known as pseudobulbar affect). Research and anecdotal evidence both suggest that cannabinoids may help improve mood, reduce depression, and ease anxiety in Parkinson’s patients, potentially offering increased mental and emotional calm and well-being. This is especially beneficial for anyone facing the myriad of emotional challenges that can occur with PD.
Are There Risks Using Cannabis for Parkinson’s?
While cannabis tends to be well-tolerated in PD patients, it could pose potential side effects and risks for some individuals. Some of the most common adverse effects users report using cannabis for Parkinson’s are drowsiness and dizziness. While cannabis affects everyone differently, individuals with a low tolerance or sensitivity to THC might find its psychoactive effects increase anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, or cognitive impairment. Side effects of CBD can include diarrhea, reduced appetite, fatigue, and dizziness. Cannabis could also interact with other medications, which is why speaking with a healthcare provider prior to use is recommended.
Different Cannabis Products for Parkinon’s
Depending on individual preference, there are a variety of different cannabis products that may each offer unique support for Parkinson's symptoms. These include: - Flower/Vapes Inhaling cannabis via the lungs, whether smoking or vaping, offers the most rapid onset of effects, making it ideal for quickly reducing tremors and rigidity, boosting mood, or increasing appetite. - Edibles Edibles have a longer onset time (1-2 hours) with longer lasting effects than other cannabis products (up to 8 hours or more), which may provide steady, extended relief for sleep, muscle stiffness, and pain. - Tinctures/Oils There is a wide variety of cannabis tinctures and oils, which typically have an onset of effects about 30 minutes after consumption. While they work faster than smoking or vaping, tremors or difficulty moving the hands can make taking tinctures or oil challenging for some PD patients. - Tablets Cannabis tablets are one of the easiest products to take, with effects that can be felt in as little as 30 minutes. Because they’re easy to use and contain a precise serving size, tablets can be beneficial for PD patients, especially for individuals who don’t prefer smoking cannabis products or want to wait 2-3 hours to feel the effects of edibles. - Topicals Topical cannabis products, including salves, balms, lotions, and creams are often used by individuals with Parkinson’s to provide localized relief for stiffness and joint and muscle pain, which often occurs in the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and knees.
Last Thoughts
Interest in cannabis and Parkinson’s disease is steadily increasing, with ongoing research that shows cannabis products could contain serious promise as an alternative therapy option for managing the symptoms of this progressive neurological condition. Its potential to alleviate tremors, stiffness, and movement issues, combined with the possibility to improve sleep, reduce pain, and ease anxiety, depression, and other mood issues has made cannabis an increasingly popular choice with PD patients. While more research on cannabis and Parkinson’s disease is needed, there’s a growing body of clinical, preclinical, and anecdotal evidence to support its potential. The wide variety of cannabis products available in legal medical and recreational states offers people with Parkinson’s to create an approach to using cannabis that supports their specific needs. As more studies emerge and societal acceptance of cannabis continues to expand, the potential of cannabis to support Parkinson’s patients may likely become widely accepted, offering increased hope to individuals interested in alternatives to conventional treatment.