Using CBD oil for Parkinson’s disease

Research suggests that CBD may help reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and offer neuroprotective properties. The potential benefits of CBD for the brain and nervous system have gained a lot of attention in recent years, especially in people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Research to date is relatively new and limited, but some studies have shown promise for people with this disease. Let’s take a look at how CBD can help with the symptoms of this progressive neurological disorder;

CBD for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

CBD has not been used for a long time in people with Parkinson’s disease, and research into the benefits of this cannabinoid only began decades ago. So research is limited and the studies that have been done are often very small. Scientists and doctors need to make a greater effort to confirm any benefits. However, some studies suggest that CBD may have some positive effects, especially when it comes to non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Pain

A small study conducted on a group of 22 people with Parkinson’s disease (link to study) found that cannabis use helped reduce pain. However, this study was conducted with medical marijuana, which contains both CBD and THC;

The study, which was conducted in animals (link to study) showed that CBD alone can reduce pain and inflammation, two factors that can regularly affect people with Parkinson’s disease.

Tremors;

Some of the most common treatments for Parkinson’s disease can cause tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements. This study (link to study) suggests that CBD may be able to alleviate these muscle movements.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a possible complication of Parkinson’s disease. It can involve hallucinations, delirium or delusions, and is more common in people in the later stages of the disease. Up to half of people with Parkinson’s experience this complication. While medications are available to treat these psychoses, some people believe that CBD could help;

One small study from 2009 (link to study) of patients with Parkinson’s disease and psychotic symptoms found that CBD reduced the severity of symptoms. Also, no negative effects have been detected.

Sleep

Sleep disturbances and lack of quality sleep are experienced by many people with Parkinson’s disease. They also often experience vivid dreams, nightmares or movements during sleep.

The study found (link to studies) that both cannabis and CBD itself can help with sleep disorders.

Quality of life

Because of the many potential benefits of CBD for people with Parkinson’s disease, researchers have suggested that using this compound may help improve quality of life;

One study found (link to study) that people who had Parkinson’s disease and had no psychiatric symptoms or conditions experienced an improved quality of life when taking CBD. This study was also conducted in a very small group of people, so more research is needed to thoroughly support its findings.

Use in medicine

So far, there is no officially approved treatment for Parkinson’s disease using CBD. However, studies to investigate the effect of CBD on the disease are ongoing and may yield interesting results;

CBD as prevention of Parkinson’s disease

Scientists have found that CBD may help prevent Parkinson’s disease, but currently research is only being done on animals. Current research shows that CBD cannot cure Parkinson’s disease, it can only work as a prevention and to alleviate certain conditions;

It should be remembered that by the time an individual begins to show signs of Parkinson’s disease, roughly 60% of the dopamine-sensing neurons in the brain have already been destroyed. Most clinical trials use CBD only after diagnosis. It is difficult to know who will and will not develop Parkinson’s disease. There are few preventive strategies and it is difficult to know who might benefit;

Ways to use CBD for Parkinson’s disease

If you’re new to CBD, you may be wondering how best to use it if you suffer from Parkinson’s disease. CBD is available in the following forms:

• Oils and Tinctures – As liquids, these forms of CBD can be swallowed or absorbed sublingually (under the tongue). This can be a good option if you have difficulty swallowing pills or chewing in gelatinous form.
• Creams – It may take some time for the effects of the CBD in the cream to take effect, but it can be useful in treating pain or joint stiffness.
• Capsules and pills – If you take CBD in a capsule or pill, you may experience a delay in the effects, but this form may be ideal for people with tremors that prevent them from taking the liquid properly.
• Foods with CBD – they are a popular choice for CBD use. However, the dosage here is very imprecise.
• Vaping – CBBD oil can be vaporized and inhaled. If you use this option, the effect is quick. Vaping, however, can damage lung tissue or worsen symptoms such as a cough or sore throat.

Possible risks

Side effects are rare, usually in the form of lack of appetite, diarrhoea or fatigue. Always check with your doctor before use, it is possible that CBD will interact with certain medications;

CBD holds some promise for people with Parkinson’s disease. The cannabinoid can not only relieve the symptoms of the degenerative disease itself, but also alleviate the side effects of the most common treatments;

However, it is important to note that the studies are in their early stages, many studies are ongoing, and we will only learn more about the effects of CBD on Parkinson’s disease in the future;