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What Kind Of Medical Marijuana For Parkinson’s Disease

Our Position On The Use Of Medical Marijuana And Medicinal Cannabis In Parkinsons

Parkinson’s Disease and Medical Marijuana

There are many endorsements of cannabinoids for Parkinsons symptoms in the social media. However, the science tells a different story.

Statement of Position

Further research into the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of symptoms in Parkinsons disease is necessary before Parkinsons Victoria will advocate its use for people with Parkinsons disease.

Medicinal Use of Cannabis

The two main active ingredients used for medical care are tetrahydrocannabinoids or THC and cannabidiol or CBD. Both are referred to as cannabinoids. THC is the part that produces the high favoured by recreational users of cannabis and may have benefits in reducing nausea. CBD produces no highand may be used to treat pain inflammatory conditions and seizures.; Generally, the use of either form of medicinal cannabis is for symptom relief and is not a cure.

The Evidence Base for Medicinal Cannabis

Many people with a range of serious conditions such as cancer have reported symptom benefits from cannabis or medical marijuana. A review of current scientific research suggested there was reasonable evidence that cannabinoids can help symptoms of chronic pain and spasticity including that experienced in Multiple Sclerosis. In other conditions, such as in nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, weight gain in HIV infection, sleep disorders, and Tourette syndrome use of cannabinoids remains unproven.

Changing Legal Framework

Prescribing of Medicinal Cannabis

References

Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat Parkinsons Symptoms

Chronic inflammation is a dominant symptom of Parkinsons disease. Medical marijuana is known to modulate the inflammatory response. This in turn slows the progression and even potentially the onset of neurodegeneration.

Oxidative stress is a culpable factor in the destruction of nerve cells and brain neurons. Cannabis contains strong antioxidant properties and is known to be neural-protective.;

Moreover, Parkinsons patients who used medical marijuana report a significant decrease in depression and fatigue.;

Risks And Benefits For People With Pd

There are risks and benefits associated with the use of cannabis for people with PD. Benefits include a possible improvement in anxiety, pain management, sleep dysfunction, weight loss and nausea. Potential adverse effects include: impaired cognition , dizziness, blurred vision, mood and behavioral changes, loss of balance and hallucinations. Chronic use of marijuana can increase risk of mood disorders and lung cancer.

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Medicinal Marijuana And Parkinsons

The;Parkinsons Foundation, in cooperation with Northwestern University researchers, examined marijuana prospects at 40 Centers of Excellence. The first study provides information on expert PD physicians practices, beliefs, and attitudes concerning cannabis use.

The results were impressive: most experts said they knew what marijuana did but disagreed on the details. While there is no broad concession to the benefits for individuals with PD, the survey confirmed that cannabis is a well-known subject within Parkinsons Foundation centers, as 95 percent of neurologists reported patients had asked them to prescribe it.;Cannabis study results also included:

  • Just 23 percent of physicians had any formal instruction on cannabis . Thus 93 percent of physicians need marijuana instruction in a medical institution.
  • Physicians summarized that 80 percent of their PD patients had used cannabis.
  • Just 10 percent of physicians have guided the treatment of marijuana to PD patients.
  • In terms of memory, 75 percent of doctors suggested that cannabis would dramatically alter short-term memory, and 55 percent felt that marijuana could effectively change long-term memory.
  • Just 11 percent of physicians have suggested the use of marijuana in the last year.

Since marijuana gets approval through legislation rather than regulation, there are no labels, dosage recommendations, or timing instructions that physicians can reference.

Preventing Neuron Damage Could Slow Disease Progression

Medical Marijuana and Parkinsons Disease: Is It Safe ...

But the big finding from their review centers around the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of marijuana, which may prevent neuron damage.

The researchers say inflammation can damage neurons that produce dopamine the lack of which contributes to movement problems in Parkinsons. As such, they say preventing neuron damage could slow PD progression.

They note that there is a need for safer drugs to treat PD, adding that cannabis may provide a viable alternative or addition to the current treatment of Parkinsons disease.

However, as with any substance, there are risks to take into account. Recent research has uncovered some downsides to marijuana use, including memory loss, increased osteoporosis risk, and impaired blood vessel function.

Furthermore, a study published in April of this year suggested , so how this could affect PD should be taken into account.

The researchers from this latest study conclude that further studies are needed to provide more data on efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and interactions of cannabinoids.

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How To Administer Cbd Oil For Parkinsons Disease

Commercial CBD oil may come in 30 ml bottles with a 1 ml dropper in it. The 30 ml vial concentration will differ, so if you have a 500-milligram bottle, each 1 ml dropper will contain 50 milligrams in one dropper-full of CBD. The label should have a table of contents indicating the dose per bottle and dropper.;

;For the fastest absorption and effects of CBD, squeeze the oil onto the back of the underside of your tongue for rapid absorption through the blood vessel located directly under the tongue. Most of the CBD bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, and this increases the rate of absorption.

;The fastest absorption method is achieved with the use of vape pens. You may experience effects within minutes of using a vape pen. CBDs effects are noted within minutes of vaping.

How Many People With Parkinson’s Use Cannabis

  • 59% hadn’t used cannabis-derived products before, but would consider using them to control their symptoms.
  • 26%;had;used cannabis-derived products .
  • 16% hadn’t;used cannabis-derived products and aren’t interested in using them in the future.
  • Overwhelmingly, people with Parkinson’s would continue to use, or start using, cannabis-derived products if;robust evidence became available that they’re;safe and effective in treating Parkinson’s symptoms.

I’m on maximum levodopa, I’m too old for surgery and the pain can be severe and unmanageable now. Person with Parkinson’s who is currently using a cannabis-derived product

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Is Medical Marijuana An Option For Me

What’s next for a person with PD who wants to know if medical marijuana is an option? “Marijuana should never be thought of as a replacement for dopaminergic and other approved therapies for PD,” said Dr. Michael S. Okun, the Parkinson’s Foundation National Medical Advisor.

Research is still needed to determine how medical marijuana should be administered and how its long-term use can affect symptoms of PD. To keep patients safe, states that legalize medical marijuana will eventually need to develop training programs for doctors and medical teams that prescribe medical marijuana. Consult your doctor to see if medical marijuana is an option for you.

The Parkinsons Foundation is designed to;help guide the PD community in making informed decisions about using cannabis for Parkinsons. The statement is based on the input from 46 experts who attended the Foundations first-ever medical marijuana convening. Read it now.;

Page reviewed by Dr. Bhavana Patel, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.

Indica Vs Sativa For Parkinsons Disease

Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Part 3 of 3

Cannabis sativa is one of several subspecies of cannabis. Sativa strains are usually recommended for daytime use because of their energizing properties, but they also have strong cerebral effects.

On the other hand, Cannabis indica usually produces sedative effects which makes it favorite among people with sleeping problems.

Indica strains are usually more potent than sativas, making people feel relaxed, sleepy and very hungry. Indica strains are usually recommended for nighttime use, due to higher concentrations of terpenes that cause the high to be felt more in the body than in the head.

But, when it comes to Parkinsons Disease, the first recommendation would be to use indica strains, because of their relaxing and painkilling properties, and since indica is most likely to help with sleep.

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Has The Fda Approved Medical Marijuana

The cannabidiol Epidiolex is legal for treating seizures associated with epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome. The FDA has also approved dronabinol and nabilone to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

Another problem is that the FDA doesnt manage medical marijuana like it does prescription medicines. Although the united states drug administration controls and regulate sales in the states, they usually dont have various resources. That indicates that medical marijuanas strength and components in medical marijuana can vary significantly depending on where you purchase it.;

To get medical marijuana, you require a written reference from a licensed doctor in the united states where it is legal. It would help if you had a disease that qualifies for medical cannabis applications. Each state has its listing of qualifying medical conditions. Once you get a medical card, you can acquire buds from any dispensary.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal In The Usa

US federal law forbids the use of a complete plant or its derivatives for any purpose. High CBD obtained from the hemp plant is legal under federal law to use.

Many states provide THC usage for medical objectives. Federal law governing marijuana replaces the laws of states. Thus people may still be arrested and charged with possession in states where cannabis for medical practice is legal.

You can utilize medical cannabis in US states;where it is legal; they are:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

Below are the states that;legalize recreational use;include:

Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington

The below-mentioned states only allow;restricted;usage of cannabis:

Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Last Thoughts:

Every patient has a unique endocannabinoid system that assists their body process THC and CBD to achieve the medicinal impacts. Choosing the right strain of marijuana is most effective when the patient uses a process of experimentation.

Contents

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Best Strains For Parkinsons Disease

Finding the right strain for your specific needs can be a challenge. We are all unique and certain strains can have different effects on people.

Thats why its super important to be patient and do some research before signing up to an LP or visiting a dispensary.

Here are a few strains to help you start your journey on finding the right one.

Exclusive bonus:; that will show you the exact step-by-step process Dr. Dustin Sulak used to successfully treat more than 18,000 patients with cannabis.

European Journal Of Internal Medicine

Medical Marijuana and Parkinson

Another;study, driven by Agnelli, and published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine in 2018, asserted that marijuana was a safe and effective method of treating symptoms of PD in older patients.;The study stated that marijuana patients experienced a significant decrease in pain. After six months of use, 18% of patients diminished or discontinued opioids as painkillers.

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Parkinsons Disease: What Is It

Parkinsons disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and motor control. Symptoms are gradual and often begin with little more than a slight tremor in one hand .

In more advanced stages of the disease, victims may experience cognitive impairment, difficulty walking, masked facial expressions, and trembling of upper and lower extremities.

Introduction To Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is caused by destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra , an area of the brain involved in regulating movement. Patients with Parkinsons Disease experience tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, balance issues, sleep disturbance, and more. Parkinsons Disease is a debilitating disease with no cure, although there are treatment options available. For patients with PD with difficult-to-control symptoms, or for those who are experiencing severe negative side effects from standard therapy, cannabinoid medicine may provide necessary relief in some instances.

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Medical Marijuana And Legislation By State

Thirty-five;states and Washington, DC have passed legislation allowing the use of marijuana-based products.;

In some states where medical marijuana is legalized, consumers must register to possess and use cannabis. Other states require consumers to acquire a document from a physician stating that the patient has an approved condition. Under federal law doctors cannot prescribe cannabis, but many states authorize them to issue certifications that allow patients to obtain medical marijuana.

PD is listed as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts,;Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and;West Virginia.;

Medical;marijuana;is legal in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia;and Washington,;DC.;

Parkinsons Foundation Centers Of Excellence And Medicinal Marijuana

Experts To Talk Medical Marijuana & Parkinson’s Disease In Denver

The Parkinsons Foundation, in partnership with Northwestern University researchers, studied attitudes about cannabis at 40;Centers of Excellence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide data on the practices, beliefs and attitudes of expert PD physicians concerning cannabis use.;;

The results were interesting: most experts said they knew what cannabis did, but disagreed on the details. While there is no general agreement on what the benefits might be for people with PD, the survey confirmed that cannabis is a popular subject within Parkinsons Foundation centers as 95 percent of neurologists reported patients have asked them to prescribe it.

Cannabis study results also included:

  • Only 23 percent of physicians had any formal education on the subject of cannabis , thus 93 percent of physicians want cannabis taught in medical school.
  • Physicians reported that 80 percent of their patients with PD have used cannabis.
  • Only 10 percent of physicians have recommended the use of cannabis to patients with PD.
  • In terms of memory: 75 percent of physicians felt that cannabis would have negative effects on short-term memory and 55 percent felt that cannabis could have negative;effects on long-term memory
  • Only 11 percent of physicians have recommended use of cannabis in the last year

This graph shows how physicians expect cannabis would improve, worsen, or show no effect to PD-related symptoms given their expertise and observations of patients with PD.

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Is Cbd Prescribed For Parkinsons Disease

Whether CBD is prescribed to Parkinsons patients is determined by the medical professionals assessment and patients needs. Results are still mixed on whether CBD alone has consistent positive effects for Parkinsons disease, yet so far researcher believe it may help reduce anxiety, tremor and brain inflammation that promotes worsening of the disease.

Other ways medicinal cannabis treatments help Parkinsons patients

Medical cannabis treatments like CBD or products combining THC and CBD have been shown to relieve insomnia, anxiety and depressive symptoms in human and animal trials. Anxiety can appear with Parkinsons disease as a result of the disease itself, or due to the physical and mental hardship of experiencing a chronic and incurable condition.

Nausea and appetite are two other major concerns for Parkinsons patients where medical cannabis may provide benefit. By reducing nausea and promoting appetite the negative impact of the disease on quality of life and other fundamental body functions can be reduced.

Lastly, prescribed medical cannabis treatments are becoming increasingly used to treat chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues like muscle rigidity and arthritis.

Best Marijuana Strains For Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder related to age, just after Alzheimers Disease.

Between 7 and 10 million people around the world lives with this disease and;every year about;6,600 Canadians are diagnosed with it.

PD is a degenerative disease and theres still little known about its exact cause.

However, it seems that cannabinoids could be a new, helpful treatment for the disease.

Recent studies have found that:

Cannabis is useful in relieving Parkinsons symptoms because cannabinoids modulate CB receptors and protect dopaminergic neurons .

But thats just the tip of the iceberg. Lets try to get the whole picture.

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How Medical Marijuana Works

Breeders use the whole weed plant to obtain medical marijuana benefits, or they utilize its extracts to manage symptoms for many conditions.

Although the FDA has not permitted marijuana strains for medical use, two medications that comprise cannabinoid chemicals have been as of late approved by the FDA.

How To Get Medical Marijuana Card For Parkinson’s

Medical Value of MMJ: What Kind of Diseases Does It Treat ...

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.

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The Best Chronic Pain Reliever: Indica Sativa Or Hybrid

Numerous essential oils made from Indica strains, Sativa strains, or hybrid strains have the same healing benefits as marijuana buds. Furthermore, some high-CBD flowers have been used from time to time to make some popular tinctures and oils. Both can be beneficial as lotions, topicalcreams, and massageoils.

Moreover, you can also ingest it in teas, coffees, butter, cookies, or tinctures. Sativa and Indica types have been proven equally important over time for manufacturers to produce the best effect and flavor.

Furthermore, some popular essential oils have the additional benefit of being ready to be used as an aromatherapy. The effect, smell, and flavors of numerous oils have the best healing qualities, such as Lemon demulcent giving you the best-uplifted feeling. Purple Kush or similar flavors help with relaxation sleep.

Weve just sprung to rediscover its healing qualities. But to be honest, this has to do with psychoactive properties and how most governments were unwilling to legitimize it.

Hybridized cannabis may treat various medical conditions. Today, cannabis experts perceive marijuana as perhaps the best treatment alternative for pain management, whether they are Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains.

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