.png)
Parkinson's disease, which usually affects people over the age of 50, is a condition where parts of the brain become progressively damaged, making every day tasks feel harder and harder. As you can imagine, this can have a huge impact on day-to-day life.
Symptoms can include:
- Involuntary shaking body (tremor)
- Slow movement
- Stiff muscles
- Depression and anxiety
- Balance problems
- Loss of sense of smell
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
Unfortunately there’s no cure for Parkinson’s. But symptoms can be relieved with a variety of treatments, including physiotherapy, brain surgery and medication, to ease the strain on quality of life.
Medical cannabis is one alternative option that can be prescribed for Parkinson’s. Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
More and more research is being done around this as an alternative treatment option, however, we’re far from done. Lots more research is needed. Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for Parkinson’s.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with Parkinson’s Symptoms?
The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 100 cannabinoids which are active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these compounds that you’ve probably heard of. If you haven’t, you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
These cannabinoids along with other active compounds like terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, can work together to potentially produce better effects. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect. And these effects may include easing tremors, anxiety, stiffness, and sleep issues, especially in patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. For someone with Parkinson’s disease, these natural alternatives for Parkinson’s symptoms may be life changing. We’ll dive into some scientific studies below, but first let’s explore how medical cannabis works in the body.
How Cannabis Works in Parkinson’s Patients
Medical cannabis works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body. And that’s why medical cannabis can potentially have positive effects for so many different conditions, including potentially modulating dopamine, reducing inflammation, and easing motor and non-motor symptoms - which is great for someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Common Parkinson’s Symptoms Medical Cannabis May Help With
Whilst we’re still pushing for more research on Parkinson’s disease cannabis treatment, early studies have found it may help ease the following symptoms for some people:
We’ll go into a bit more detail on this below, adding some scientific studies to back these findings on Parkinson’s tremors and cannabis and more.
THC vs CBD: What Works Best for Parkinson’s?
A number of studies have shown there may be some potential benefits of THC and CBD for Parkinson’s UK. However, a lot more research is needed, particularly bigger studies of a higher quality.
- This small study found that using medical cannabis containing both CBD and THC helped reduce pain. This was conducted on 22 people with Parkinson’s. We’ve got lots more information on medical cannabis and pain here.
- This older, smaller study suggested that CBD may be able to help reduce tremors.
- People with Parkinson’s often don’t sleep well - sometimes they don’t sleep, they sometimes have vivid dreams and nightmares, and sometimes even move a lot when they sleep. And restless sleep makes functioning during the day even harder. Studies have found that medical cannabis containing both THC and CBD, as well as CBD alone could potentially help with sleep.
- This 2019 paper proposes CBD oil may help reduce neurological inflammation. A promising result, right? However, it was tested on a small group and therefore was a small study.
Something to keep in mind: CBD oil purchased over the counter isn’t strictly monitored. That’s why it may be better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, where you can find medication that contains both CBD and THC. It’s monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms.
You can also purchase CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. And because they’re non-prescription products, you can order them without a prescription, but still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
THC vs CBD for Parkinson’s symptoms
The form and strain being consumed and its THC/CBD content can vary in effects from person to person. From personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, to you as an individual, this really can be completely different for everyone. It’s best to speak to your clinician about strain and dosage. They’ll take all of the above into account, as well as your own preferences and opinion.
And remember you may not get it right the first time. Medical cannabis can affect everyone differently. And just because someone you know has a certain experience, doesn't mean the same will happen to you. Also think back to the entourage effect, where the two working together may be better.
What the Research Says About Cannabis and Parkinson’s
More evidence like the above is still emerging. And while some studies show improvement in quality of life, tremors, and sleep, others are ongoing.
So, if you’re asking questions like: does THC help with Parkinson’s, or does CBD help with Parkinson’s? We unfortunately can’t give a clear answer. Yes, there is some evidence to suggest it’s possible, but as we said above a lot more is needed. It’s why one of our missions at Alternaleaf is to push medical cannabis into the mainstream, to make more people aware of this potentially incredible plant.
Is Medical Cannabis Safe for Parkinson’s Patients?
Every medication comes with potential risks, and medical cannabis is no different. But possible side effects are rare, and can vary depending on THC and CBD content. Likewise, personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition could also play a role. Some possible side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis, as your prescriber will be able to advise on dosage to avoid impairment while still achieving symptom relief.
In rare cases, and usually with strains higher in THC, you may have difficulty sleeping, feel anxiety and suffer from panic episodes. But don’t worry too much, your doctor will explain all this in detail, ahead of prescribing any medication. And if you are experiencing any side effects, speak to them. It may be a simple case of altering THC or CBD dosage for Parkinson’s symptoms.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you are prescribed other medication, for example Parkinson’s disease medication, it’s best to speak to your Doctor or clinician before consuming any medical cannabis.
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription for Parkinson’s
If you’re wondering how to get cannabis for Parkinson’s legally, you’ll need to see if you’re eligible for medical cannabis through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. You’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition, as well as evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for the condition. Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify.
You can also find out if you’re eligible - and get started - by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
We’ll decide if you’re likely to qualify for treatment or not based on the information you tell us. And if you are likely to qualify, you can book an initial assessment with one of our pharmacists.
We’ve got lots more detail on the process of becoming an Alternaleaf patient here.
If you do qualify, one of the best parts about being a legal patient - other than being legal - is that you’ll have ongoing tailored care for you and your symptoms from our team of experts.
Best Cannabis Formats for Parkinson’s Relief
When it comes to medical cannabis, the way you consume is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll advise you based on your symptoms and condition, but they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with. Remember, you may not choose the right form at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences. Below we’ve got a brief explanation of different methods of consumption:
- Inhaling: This method of consumption provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain. However, remember that smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD & THC Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.
- Cannabis Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only. There are currently no topical products available for prescription at the time of writing this article.
Summary
We hope this has given you a good overview of medical cannabis and Parkinson’s in the UK. While Parkinson’s disease continues to present significant challenges for those diagnosed, alternative treatments like medical cannabis are offering new hope. However, it’s important to remember that medical cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and more high-quality research is needed to fully understand its long-term benefits and risks. That’s why working with a licensed clinic, like Alternaleaf, is key. Not only will you receive expert, tailored care, but you’ll also have access to monitored and legally prescribed medication designed to support your individual needs.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.