Parkinson’s Disease and Medicinal Cannabis

Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease that primarily affects the central nervous system. At the cellular level, it is characterized by the destruction of dopamine-producing cells, also known as neurotransmitters ( NT ), leading to a loss of motor skills, including involuntary movements known as dyskinesia , etc.

Dopamine-producing cells are located in the reticulated part of the substantia nigra, which is an area where cannabinoid receptors are grouped together. These CBD receptors are attributed to beneficial medicinal effects, including reducing dyskinesia induced by L – DOPA and lessening body rigidity and involuntary bodily movements.

The anticonvulsant effect being demonstrated by different international trials indicates that in a percentage of people with Parkinson’s disease events are significantly reduced, allowing them to have improvements in motor function and large reductions in dyskinesia.

Effects of CBD on Parkinson’s disease

The improvement of dyskinesia is one of the effects most valued by Parkinson’s disease patients. The results of the studies conducted suggest that cannabinoids may offer some benefit in terms of improved motor functions as well as a neuroprotective effect.

Medicinal Cannabis Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

The traditional treatment for Parkinson’s disease can induce side effects such as dementia, depression and cognitive impairment. However, clinical trials have proven cannabinoids to be an effective a treatment for Parkinson’s disease without causing the harm that derives from traditional medication. With the use of CBD, our patients’ quality of life is continuously improving without any psychiatric effects ^[1]

Scientific evidence indicates that cannabinoids contain therapeutic value in some associated disorders due to the reduction of dyskinesia, which is a form of tremor and dystonia induced by L-DOPA in parkinson’s disease. These cannabinoids aid in the reduction of tics in Tourette’s syndrome and hypokinetic parkinsonian syndromes. ^[2]

Several studies have attributed to cannabidiol a neuronal protective effect by reducing over-excitation of neurons, helping to preserve cognitive abilities and reducing the progression of damage to the nervous system. All these properties make CBD a good neuroprotective agent, without the toxicity rates or danger of overdose associated with the prolonged use of conventional drugs.