A new study reports that about one in every 10 patients with Parkinson’s Disease uses cannabis to deal with symptoms and reports favorable results.
A recent study entitled “Cannabis in Parkinson’s Disease: The Patients’ View,” was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease in Germany. In terms of medical cannabis inclusivity, the country allows medical cannabis treatment for multiple medical conditions and therefore researchers have the freedom to pursue clinical trials.
Researchers surveyed more than 1,300 patients who are members of the German Parkinson Association, according to NORML. In terms of patient size, it was one of the most ambitious studies ever undertaken in regards to Parkinson’s Disease and cannabis.
About nine percent of people who were surveyed admitted to using cannabis with THC or CBD to help with pain associated with Parkinson’s Disease, and 54 percent of those who said they tried cannabis claimed they experienced relief from symptoms when using it. Some of the most-mentioned symptoms that patients reported relief from conditions such as depression, pain, stiffness and improved sleep. Those who used THC-inclusive cannabis reported even better results. “Our study offers insights into the PD community’s perception of MC [medical cannabis] and shows that cannabis is applied in almost ten percent of patients against motor- and non-motor symptoms,” the study concluded. “Results suggest that MC might be helpful for selected PD patients with insufficient symptom relief despite their usual anti-parkinsonian medication.”
In addition to relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, other trials have reported that cannabis can also help with issues like tremors, mobility and muscle rigidity as well. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are few studies that have found cannabis to be helpful, but more gold-standard studies are necessary to explore the possible benefits to those who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease. “While some results have been positive, the effects of medical marijuana are probably not completely understood, which is why more studies, especially those with more subjects, are needed. Most doctors don’t support study results because these studies do not meet minimum research standards,” the organization states on its cannabis-related informational webpage.
