Cannabis Helps Limit Effects of Parkinson’s Disease

Much about Parkinson’s Disease remains unclear. Nobody knows the true cause of the disease and scientists are still searching for a cure. What  we do know is that Parkinson’s is a degenerative condition that depletes dopamine centers within the brain. Recent research has shown positive results when utilizing cannabis for Parkinson’s Disease treatment.

What Are Parkinson’s Effect On The Human Body?

The loss of dopamine causes these common symptoms: body tremors, muscle spasms, loss of balance, insomnia, memory loss and dementia. What is most frightening about Parkinson’s Disease is the fact that it is progressive. What may start out as the occasional finger twitch can lead to the inability to freely move certain muscles. These symptoms of Parkinson’s makes  it extremely difficult to accomplish daily tasks.

The root causes of Parkinson’s Disease are unknown and current medications only dull its symptoms.Over time, many patients build up a tolerance to these treatments , which cause their symptoms to eventually return. Some Parkinson’s patients are now finding relief through medical cannabis treatments.

Science Behind Using Cannabis For Parkinson’s Disease

Recent scientific research into how Parkinson’s affects our neurological structure has uncovered how the disease attacks the dopamine centers within the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia helps control muscle mobility and is one of the key regions in the brain that Parkinson’s attacks. The basal ganglia has a surprisingly high amount of endocannabinoid receptors that consist mostly of CB1 receptors; the receptors where endogenous THC is activated when it reaches the brain.

Cannabis’ ability to be a neuroprotector has been discussed and researched for decades. A study conducted nearly twenty years ago researched whether or not cannabis had neuroprotective qualities. Researchers injected rats with a neurotoxic chemical that typically severely decays the brain. When given cannabis extracts, the rat’s brains were protected from the chemical. The groundbreaking study proved that cannabis has inherent neuroprotective qualities.

Cannabis Is A Reliable Neuroprotectant

A reliable neuroprotectant that could treat Parkinson’s would be very welcome. While the research proving cannabis is a reliable neuroprotectant is promising, it is scarce. There is not enough cannabis research to prove definitively that cannabis can effectively treat Parkinson’s disease, but the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming.

According to multiple firsthand accounts, patients can find relief by using medical cannabis. In states where medical marijuana is legal, those with Parkinson’s have began exploring alternate treatments with medical cannabis. As more states continue to legalize marijuana use, more patients will have the ability to discover the medicinal qualities of cannabis for Parkinson’s disease.