Can You Use Cbd Oil As A Prevention For Parkinsons
Studies have suggested that CBD may be able to help prevent Parkinsons disease, but the current data comes only from animal models.
The research also suggests that CBD can do nothing to help treat PD after its onset. Based on this, it may only be useful as a preventive supplement.
However, most clinical trials only use CBD after a person is diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. This is important because about 60 percent of the dopamine-receptive neurons in the brain are already destroyed by the time a person begins showing the symptoms of their condition.
Its also difficult to predict who will develop Parkinsons and who will be more resistant to this disease. There are only a few preventive strategies, and thus far, we dont know if CBD can help everyone.
How Parkinsons Disease Works
When we think of dopamine, we imagine its influence on our happiness. But, it also protects the part of the brain that controls our movement. Parkinsons happens when we have less dopamine, causing our movement ability to decay.
Parkinsons disease causes you to experience tremors, stiff muscles, involuntary movements and instability. Since it progresses gradually, most patients hardly feel its effects at first. The symptoms get more severe over time.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder. In the early stages, Parkinson’s may only present mild symptoms for some time. The disease affects body movements. A first signal might be only a tremor in one hand. Body tremors can be a symptom that worsens over time, accompanied by stiffness and slowing of body movements. Sometimes, early signs of Parkinson’s disease will only be noticeable on one side of the body. This side of the body may always be worse, even after the disease begins to affect the entire body.
Other early signs of Parkinson’s disease can be little or no expression on the face. No arm swinging movements while walking might become noticeable. A person’s speech may become slow, soft, or slurred. These symptoms usually intensify over time and can turn a person’s daily life upside down. Eating, writing, walking, talking, and other simple daily activities can be affected.
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Cannabis May Be Antidyskinetic
Dyskinesia is a common symptom of;Parkinsons disease. The term refers to involuntary movementsof the;muscles. Symptoms may manifest as uncontrolled twitching orshaking, progressing to extremely slow movement.
In Parkinsons patients treated for prolonged periodswith Levodopa , a specific form known as Levodopa-induced dyskinesia can occur. This form cancause chorea , dystonia , ballism, myoclonus,or a combination of any of these.
The cannabinoid receptors of the central nervoussystem are densely clustered in an area of thesubstantia nigra known as the pars reticula, an area that isfundamentally involved with dopamine signaling to the striatum of the basalganglia. The basal ganglia region is primarily responsible for the regulationof voluntary motor activity. Cannabinoid receptors are also present in high numbers in the basalganglia themselves. Thus, the natural transmission ofendocannabinoids is thought to play a role in these fundamental and relatedprocesses.
Cbd As A Treatment For Parkinsons
CBD hasnt been used in people with Parkinsons disease long-term, and research into the benefits of this cannabinoid only began a few decades ago.
That means research is limited, and often, the studies that have been done are very small. Scientists and doctors need to conduct larger-scale efforts to confirm any benefits.
However, some studies suggest CBD may have some positive effects, especially when it comes to nonmotor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
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What Is Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is cannabis that’s prescribed by a physician to treat or provide relief for a medical condition.
There are around 400 chemicals in the cannabis plant, and more than 60 of them are referred to as cannabinoids. The high marijuana users get is primarily due to the most psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.;
Cannabinol, or CBD, is the other cannabinoid, which is used in medical marijuana. CBD does not cause a high when taken alone and, in fact, moderates the psychoactive effects. Research is being done to determine how medical marijuana can help treat or relieve symptoms of various diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.
Attitudes Toward Marijuana Use
Some patients who might find benefits from marijuana may still feel a stigma;surrounding the product, noted an article published in November 2018 in the National Pain Report. It can be difficult to accept the idea that the once-illegal product is now legal and accepted in many states. Some family and friends may still judge users negatively.
Some people are taught you should never do marijuana it hurts people and makes you dopey, says Duarte.
On the other hand, Gilbert believes many users embrace the product as a natural, do-it-yourself remedy. She expects that more scientific study would only improve its respectability.
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How To Get Medical Marijuana Card For Parkinson’s
In most states with medical marijuana programs, patients suffering from Parkinsons will first need to contact a state-certified medical marijuana doctor. An appointment can be set up by phone to determine if the patient has a qualifying condition. This will be followed up by an in-person evaluation or online telemedicine consultation.
Parkinsons patients in states where marijuana is legal for all adults are highly advised to discuss treating Parkinsons Disease with Marijuana;with their doctor.
Does Cannabis Help Parkinson’s Disease
Approximately 60,000 people each year are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the United States. More than 10 million people worldwide are dealing with this horrible disease. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. There are treatments, medications, and even some surgical procedures that may help with symptoms, but the disease is progressive and worsens over time.
It can be difficult for someone to live with Parkinson’s disease, and it can also be hard for friends and family to watch a loved one’s health deteriorate. Actor Michael J. Fox is a notable person living with Parkinson’s disease. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, most people who develop Parkinson’s disease are about 60 years old, but it can occur in people younger than that, as it did with him. It is thought that most people with Parkinson’s disease can live between 10 and 20 years, but this too can vary.
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What Does Sleep Have To Do With Parkinsons
While the primary symptoms of Parkinsons involve movement, they cause a lot of related issues. Some of them include;constipation,;chronic fatigue,;depression,;anxiety;and;weight changes; another symptom is sleep problems.
Researchers havent pinpointed an exact cause of Parkinsons patients sleep problems. A likely explanation is that the muscle tension, pain and tics disrupt the sleep cycle.
What Products Are People Using
The most common cannabis-derived product people with Parkinson’s used was;CBD oil.;People interested in using a cannabis-derived product in the future said this is what they’d consider using.
If the side effects are less than traditional Parkinson’s drugs, then I would want to try cannabis. Person with Parkinson’s who has never used a cannabis-derived product
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How Does Medical Marijuana And Parkinsons Work
So what is your bodys endocannabinoid system?
Basically, your brain has tons of cannabinoid receptors all over the place. It produces its own cannabinoids but outside sources can also dock in these receptors too.
Heres whats so special about the endocannabinoid system and PD: these receptors are highly concentrated in an area specifically affected by Parkinsons.
Known as the basal ganglia, this powerhouse contains the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata, which are really complicated names for saying its a cannabinoid receptor-packed house.
This area is home to the most densely packed cannabinoid receptors youll find anywhere else in your body.
So wouldnt it be great if you could find a drug to specifically work in this area and hopefully influence these receptors to counteract the symptoms of PD?
Cue medical marijuana.
See, there are over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis.
The two main cannabinoids are:
- THC, known more formally as tetrahydrocannabinol. This is responsible for the high you feel with marijuana.
- CBD, or cannabidiol, which lacks all the psychoactive effects of THC yet has been studied extensively for its therapeutic use in diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimers, and more .
When the American Academy of Neurology conducted an overview of 34 studies on medical marijuana for neurological disorders, they learned spasticity, central pain syndromes, and bladder dysfunction seemed to be improved after marijuana use .
Cannabis Has Antidepressant Qualities
Up to 50% of individuals afflicted by Parkinsons disease exhibitsymptoms of;depression, which can negatively affect disease progression in various ways. It isthought that there is a genetic contribution to the likelihood of Parkinsons-afflictedindividuals suffering depression. Polymorphisms of the CNR1 genewhich encodesfor the expression of the CB1-receptorsmay have a fundamental role to play.
A study published in;Nature;in2005 indicated that individuals with a particular polymorphism consistingof;two long-chain alleles in the CNR1 gene;were less likely to develop depression as asymptom of Parkinsons disease. It was also noted thatdepression was more likely in patients with akinetic Parkinsons than in those with tremoric or mixed-type Parkinsons.
Furthermore, various studies have indicated that depression is often accompanied by changes in levels of endogenous levels of cannabinoids such as;anandamide and 2-AG in the prefrontal cortex, an area heavily involved in mood-regulation and decision-making.
While more research must be done to ascertain the precise relationship between Parkinsons disease, CNR1 expression and depression, there is definite therapeutic potential in manipulation of the;endocannabinoid system;to reduce symptoms of depression in Parkinsons-afflicted individuals.
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What Are The Benefits
Marijuana improved both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons in several studies.
Relief was reported in pain reduction, improved sleep, and some psychological components.4 No major adverse effects were reported.
Other clinical trials reported no change in motor skills, but some reported fluctuations in drug-induced involuntary muscle movement.
Expert Advice About Medical Marijuana For Parkinsons
According to a report from Parkinson.org, you should follow these tips if youre trying cannabis for Parkinsons :
- Never substitute medical marijuana for your PD medications and always work with your doctor as there may be potential drug interactions.
- Understand that cannabis remains unregulated and the effects can vary by strain. Try to stay consistent when you find one you like and buy from the same source.
- You may also want to experiment with patches or cannabis-infused creams for relief of localized pain on your body.
Medical marijuana in Florida;has been legalized for debilitating medical conditions and Parkinsons disease is included.
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Best Marijuana Strains For Treating Parkinsons Disease
Medical marijuana strains for Parkinsons disease can be tailored to individual needs, in terms of lifestyle and the types of symptoms the patient is experiencing. specific cannabis strains contain varying ratios of THC to CBD.
For example, if a patient doesnt want the intoxication that comes with a high-THC strain, a high-CBD strain may be the answer.;;
If an individual prefers pure CBD strains, dried flower and CBD oils can be purchased over the counter online almost anywhere in the U.S.
Another important consideration is the delivery method. Cannabis products come in a wide menu of options including dried flower for smoking or cooking, vape oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals, patches, and more.;
These medical marijuana strains have been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of Parkinsons disease:
-
GG4
-
Amnesia Haze
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Blue Cookies
Patients should talk to a knowledgeable budtender about the more effective strains on their menu for their needs.;
In summary, many Parkinsons disease patients are finding that medical marijuana and CBD products safely provide them with relief from their pain, spasticity, seizures, and other serious side effects. There exists a wide variety of strains, product formulas, and delivery methods. A unique medical marijuana treatment can be formulated for each individuals needs.;
Treatment options should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.;
Parkinson’s Disease And Medical Marijuana Programs
Studies are still being conducted to discover just how beneficial cannabis may or may not be for Parkinson’s patients. According to MichaelJFox.org, pre-clinical work and several studies funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation show that cannabinoids may protect brain cells through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.
Michael J. Fox is an incredibly big star, but his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 1991 at the age of 29 changed his life forever. He did not formally announce he had Parkinson’s until 1998. It was then that he committed himself to campaign for an increase in Parkinson’s research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation was created in 2000. It has raised more than 650 million for PD research. The actor has been a strong supporter of cannabis access so that more studies can be conducted.
Currently, 35 states have medical marijuana programs. However, at this time, only 13 of those states have Parkinson’s disease listed as a qualifying condition for cannabis use. Those states include Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New York.
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Can Marijuana Be The Answer For Pain
April 20, 2018 — Like many of her friends, Alexandra Callner, now 58, experimented with recreational when she was younger.
“I had tried it, and hated it, in my 20s,” Callner says. “When I was around pot smokers, I thought, ‘Ugh, losers.’ ”
But, that was before her knee arthritis became so bad, it robbed her sleep, night after night. She took two over-the-counter pain pills a day, but the pain would wake her up at night. And the drugs were hard on her stomach.
“It was making me kind of nauseous,” she says of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Plus, she needed to stay active to manage her dog boarding service in Pasadena, CA.
Then came another solution. “A neighbor said, ‘Try this,’ ” Callner says. It was a joint.
Callner got a medical marijuana card, and then she tried it. âI slept through the night.”
That was a year ago, and it’s now her nightly ritual. “Every night, I get into bed, read about an hour, take one or two puffs, and then I am off to sleep,” she says. “The pain is much lighter.â
About 50 million Americans like Callner live with chronic or severe pain. Patients and doctors are seeking treatments besides the potent prescription painkillers like opioids and the nonprescription medicines that Callner found tough to tolerate.
So could marijuana be the next pain reliever of choice?
How Medical Cannabis Can Help Parkinsons Patients With Sleep Issues
Every Parkinsons patient has a unique experience since the disease causes so many different symptoms with varying degrees of severity. So, besides the standard Parkinsons medicines, doctors must medicate based on the patients symptoms.
However, managing so many medications can be incredibly difficult, especially if you take medications that cause dangerous side effects, like;dyskinesia. Some medicine, like pain relievers, can damage certain organs or have the potential for addiction.
Thats where medical marijuana comes in. While it still has its own set of negative side effects, cannabis can serve multiple purposes when used correctly by a patient who reacts well to it.
Most importantly, MMJ can treat;insomnia and other sleep disorders. Before marijuana was made federally illegal, doctors used cannabis to help insomnia patients get a good nights rest. Today, many;MMJ-legal states;consider sleep disorders as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.
Also, marijuana can relieve the underlying causes of a patients sleep problems. MMJ serves as;a safer alternative to painkillers. It also has the potential to help with;spasticity, or painful muscle tension.
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The Role Of Cannabinoid Receptors
Our bodies naturally make cannabinoids that control various processes, such as mood, sleep and appetite, by binding to cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body. We have two main types of cannabinoid receptor, which are like switches outside cells that trigger a biological reaction within a cell once the receptor is activated: CB1 receptors are located in the brain and respond to THC which results in the highs associated with cannabis use; CB2 receptors are found mainly on cells relating to the immune system and on brain cells believed to be responsible for pain relief.
There are concentrations of cannabinoid receptors in the basal ganglia area of the brain, where dopamine-producing neurons are located and which is known to be involved in the movement symptoms of Parkinsons. Researchers have therefore speculated that a substance such as cannabis, which binds with cannabinoid receptors in an area of the brain so closely involved in Parkinsons, may positively affect the symptoms of the condition. Extensive research into this is underway.
Finding Expert Advice For Parkinsons Treatment
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to medical marijuana and brain disorders is finding expert advice. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction.
The YouTube channel The Sacred Plant does an excellent job of explaining how marijuana improves quality of life for those with Parkinsons and other medical conditions, as well as how to treat health conditions safely and naturally with marijuana.
Another resource for Sarasota-area residents is Dr. Daniel P. Stein at Neurology of Cannabis. Dr. Stein holds more than 25 years of practice experience, and his background in neurology makes him uniquely qualified to work with patients with Parkinsons disease.
Dr. Stein works closely with patients to learn about their unique symptoms, needs, and current prescription regimen. His friendly staff will empower patients with all the information they need to join the medical marijuana registry, and his simple pricing model makes visits affordable.
You deserve the highest quality of life possible. Contact Neurology of Cannabis today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Daniel P. Stein.
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