According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Parkinson’s disease is the second most frequent adult-onset neurodegenerative condition in the US. This condition is associated with both motor and non-motor symptoms, making it a severe disorder. If you have Parkinson’s disease, few treatment choices are available. Levodopa, a dopamine replacement, can only treat the symptoms of the disease, but it doesn’t stop its development and has its own adverse effects, including dyskinesia.
Considering that medical marijuana is now legal in 33 states and the District of Columbia, it is clear that there is a lot of interest in its medicinal potential. Medical professionals are looking at the potential of marijuana, often known as cannabis, as a supportive additive to treatment plans for a wide range of ailments and disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD).
So, could medical marijuana potentially be supportive of Parkinson’s disease?
Medical Marijuana for Parkinson’s Disease
In recent years, there has been tremendous development in the field of medical cannabis. Although there is still a long way to go in terms of research, the current results show promise, especially for people suffering from PD.
Although there is currently no treatment or cure for Parkinson’s disease, an article on Parkinson.org explores some of the recent studies potentially demonstrating that medicinal marijuana can help alleviate symptoms. However, overall there must be further studies conducted despite the growing popularity. Here’s what they had to say about the use of medical marijuana, “Physicians reported that 80% of their people with PD have used cannabis.”
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1. Pain Relief
Patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease could possibly find support from the use of medical marijuana in terms of their ability to experience less discomfort.
Cannabinoids are the active elements in marijuana. It is believed that the anti-inflammatory and pain-signaling effects of medical marijuana may potentially help individuals who have Parkinson’s disease (PD).
2. Improved Mood
THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, may help support mood and anxiety, both of which are prevalent symptoms of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD).
3. Quality Sleep
Medical cannabis could potentially provide aid with improving sleep quality in patients with Parkinson’s disease. PD causes tremors, muscle rigidity, and difficulty with balance and coordination. PD can also cause sleep problems, including insomnia, nighttime awakenings, and restless sleep. Medical marijuana contains muscle-relaxing and palliative effects that has the potental to provide support with suppressing muscle tremors and rigidity.
4. Ease In Movement
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and marijuana includes compounds that have effects similar to dopamine. One of the primary contributors to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is a lack of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that regulates muscular movement. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may see increased comfort in their movement when they use medicinal marijuana.
In A Nutshell
Dealing with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may be difficult and upsetting. Although there are medicines available to assist you in coping with the symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about the idea of using medical marijuana as a supporter of your treatment plan. Consult with your doctor about all of your choices, including medical marijuana, before taking any medicine to control your symptoms. Your doctor will be able to determine whether or not marijuana is an acceptable option for your particular illness.
Are you interested in medical marijuana for your condition? Transformative Health can help you get more information. Please fill out the form below to contact our team and get the help you deserve.