Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disorder with a progressive course characterized by the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the brain that impact both motor and non-motor functions, such as sleep and cognitive performance [1]. While peer-reviewed studies remain limited, substantial anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may help alleviate some symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

In some patients, PD can instigate psychological depression, feelings of anxiety, and even episodes of psychosis. The trouble with Parkinson’s is that, while the minutiae of the disease have long been understood, the utility of pharmacological treatments for it remains limited. And currently, available treatments may induce significant adverse reactions in some PD patients, underscoring the need for better options with fewer side effects.

For those unfamiliar with cannabidiol, it is a phytocannabinoid that doesn’t produce the cognitive effects that many associates with tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Early preclinical trials suggest that the phytocannabinoid compound might have a therapeutic effect that alleviates the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders [2].

The Parkinson’s Foundation still urges caution over the use of medical cannabis and CBD for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, reminding patients of the potential negative side effects and the need for more clinical trials. As of now, the FDA has only approved CBD-based drugs for the treatment of rare seizure disorders associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients ages 1 year and older [3].

This recent approval by the FDA has sparked significant interest in CBD as a prospectively safe treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Below, we take a look at the potential benefits and risks of CBD oil before suggesting a few products that may help alleviate symptoms of this incurable disorder.

How Might CBD Treat Parkinson’s Disease?

Very limited research indicates that CBD may benefit patients suffering from PD. Most studies are small, of questionable quality, and entail the use of animals as opposed to humans. Nonetheless, product consistency has posed its fair share of hurdles concerning CBD’s FDA approval status for treatments of diseases like Parkinson’s.

Interestingly, some of the earliest research on CBD for PD symptoms started back in the 1980s. One study from 1986 suggests that when given 100-600 mg/day of CBD, dystonia—a symptom of PD—improved by 20-50% in patients [4]. However, the study also noted that anything about 300 mg/day caused increased terror in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Another study from 2009 looked into CBD as a treatment for psychosis [5]. In an open-label pilot study, six patients with a PD diagnosis were given CBD for 4 weeks (one dose averaging around 150 mg/day). With CBD treatment, psychotic symptoms saw a significant improvement.

A 2019 study yielded some evidence that CBD oil and other consumables may reduce neurological inflammation, thus relieving some symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease [6]. Epidiolex, an FDA-approved drug for the rare but debilitating seizures described above, was given the green light at the federal level after 10 of 13 participants experienced measurable improvements in their PTSD symptoms. Due to side effects, the remaining three left the study, and the impact on their condition was inconclusive. The results here are promising, however, particularly since patients suffering from seizures associated with the Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes had few other treatment options.

Using CBD For Parkinson’s Disease

Since no comprehensive or conclusive studies for treating Parkinson’s with CBD exist, and it’s not an FDA-approved prescription drug, there are no standard medical guidelines for administering the compound. One study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry suggests that a daily dose of 150 to 400 milligrams daily may be an acceptable dose for patients seeking relief [7].

CBD isn’t without side effects, which are covered in more detail below. It is, therefore, crucial that any prospective usage plan begins with a low dosage of the compound. After verifying no negative side effects or any other potential poor drug interactions with a licensed medical professional, you can gradually increase your intake to optimize the positive benefits, as long as it doesn’t exceed the recommended dosage.

Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects To CBD?

Just like most other over-the-counter products, CBD oil, and other consumable products are categorized as health supplements. The FDA, therefore, does not rigorously test and analyze CBD in the same way it would a prescription pharmaceutical. While CBD is considered safe, on the whole, there are a few side effects to be aware of, the most serious of which are associated with over-consumption [8].

Users who consume too much CBD risk liver injury caused by the compound itself and other active ingredients in products derived from hemp plants. Poor interactions with other drugs and allergies are an issue for some, while others report drowsiness that can make driving and operating heavy machinery hazardous. At the time of this writing, little is known about the effects of the long-term use of CBD, and it can affect everyone differently. However, clinical trials are ongoing, and most medical researchers concur that the outlook remains promising.

Is Parkinson’s Treatable?

Parkinson’s is treatable. But the disease is still classified as a progressive degenerative disorder, devoid of a known cure. In other words, even with regular treatment, PD symptoms usually get worse over time. Moreover, existing treatments for Parkinson’s are tenuous at best and may include unpleasant side effects in some patients, which has led many to explore alternative options in CBD.

The FDA acknowledges patient frustration with the lack of understanding of how effective CBD is in treating Parkinson’s disease. In 2015, the federal organization modified its existing regulations to streamline CBD clinical trials. Yet withal, the studies remain scarce, with most categorized as small, open-label trials that lack a specific control group and rely upon individual doctor/patient observations and reports.

Ready To Try Using CBD?

Many patients suffering from PD and a multitude of other conditions are already consuming CBD as a supplement to help manage their symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it’s important to check with your neurologist before consuming CBD. Understanding the potentially poor side effects and any negative interactions with other medications is vital.

If you are searching for high-quality, rigorously tested CBD edibles, tinctures, and creams, explore the full range of Sugar Bottom Hemp products on our digital storefront now. We have something for everyone, including your beloved pets.

Bibliography

1. Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease

2. Crippa, J.A.S., Hallak, J.E.C., Zuardi, A.W. et al. Is cannabidiol the ideal drug to treat non-motor Parkinson’s disease symptoms?. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 269, 121–133 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-019-00982-6

3. Office of the Commissioner. (2021, January 22). FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD). U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd

4. Consroe, P., Sandyk, R., & Snider, S. R. (1986). Open label evaluation of cannabidiol in dystonic movement disorders. International Journal of Neuroscience, 30(4), 277–282. https://doi.org/10.3109/00207458608985678

5. Zuardi, A., Crippa, J., Hallak, J., Pinto, J., Chagas, M., Rodrigues, G., Dursun, S., & Tumas, V. (2008). Cannabidiol for the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 23(8), 979–983. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881108096519

6. Junior, N.C.F., dos- Santos-Pereira, M., Guimarães, F.S. et al. Cannabidiol and Cannabinoid Compounds as Potential Strategies for Treating Parkinson’s Disease and L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia. Neurotox Res 37, 12–29 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-019-00109-8

7. Rieder, C. R. (2020). Cannabidiol in Parkinson’s disease. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 42(2), 126–127. https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0810

8. Office of the Commissioner. (2020, March 5). What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis