The postive role of medical cannabis can have with respect to Parkingson's disease

Scientifically it is not crazy to think that cannabis may play some positive role in the alleviation of Parkinson’s disease symptoms.  There are cannabinoid (THC) receptors all over the brain, and these receptors seem to be concentrated in a region important to Parkinson’s disease, commonly referred to as the basal ganglia.  

In fact, the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata, which are structures within the basal ganglia, are some of the most densely packed cannabinoid (THC) receptor areas in the human body.  It is therefore not beyond reason to think that a drug directed at these receptors might positively influence the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  Indeed, many drug companies remain interested in compounds influencing these receptors.

What is the bottom line for information that a person with Parkinson’s disease will need to know if considering medical cannabis.  Cannabis should never be thought of as a replacement for dopaminergic and other approved therapies for Parkinson’s disease.  

 

Second, though most available large studies have not shown a benefit, that does not mean that there will not be a benefit.  Much more research will be needed to understand which patients, which symptoms, and how best to safely administer medical cannabis in Parkinson’s disease, especially over the long-term.  

It may turn out that non-motor features such as depression, anxiety, and pain respond best, but studies are desperately needed to sort this out.  Parkinson’s disease patients living in states where cannabis has been legalized for medical use should be aware of the dangers, particularly the effects on the lungs, the dangers of driving, and accidental overdoses (particularly with food items).  Finally, when the UK government authorises medical cannabis there will be a need to develop training programs for doctors and medical teams prescribing cannabis, so that the Parkinson’s disease patient on medical cannabis can be kept as safe as possible.

http://www.parkinson.org/Patients/Patients---On-The-Blog/August-2014/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Medical-Marijuan