Could CBD Help to Ease Parkinson’s Symptoms?
As a Colorado resident, I often wonder about the healing power of plants. We live in a time when the pharmaceutical industry is booming. Pills exist to tame nearly any symptom, but they often can have unwanted side effects. The side effects of plants, however, may be less harsh, or even nonexistent. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a great example of this phenomenon.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant and is commonly sold in oils and foods. Depending on the product, CBD could potentially treat pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and inflammation, among other issues. Additionally, research suggests that CBD potentially could be useful for other conditions, including improving well-being and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD generally has relaxing effects. Users do not feel “stoned” or intoxicated.
Why is CBD controversial?
The use of CBD is legally gray, as marijuana is illegal at the federal level. However, the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized the use of CBD produced via the cultivation of hemp with THC levels below 0.3 percent.
You also can use a medical marijuana card to obtain CBD in some states. Nevertheless, a few states currently forbid the use of CBD. Check to see if CBD is legal in your state here.
Because CBD is unregulated at the federal level, it can be difficult to determine the amount of THC in certain products. Purchasing CBD products from reputable brands that conduct third-party testing is currently the safest option.
What might CBD do for Parkies?
CBD has shown potential in early studies for reducing dyskinetic activity in people with PD and treating motor symptoms in various neurodegenerative conditions.
According to a 2018 review study published by the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, “Cannabidiol is a non-psychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa that presents antipsychotic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.” Data also suggest that CBD could potentially play a protective role in the treatment of certain movement disorders. Results are promising, but further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of CBD.
Our experience
My dad kept hearing about the potential benefits of CBD. He doesn’t like the sensation of getting high, so he investigated products that would yield similar benefits without the possibility of intoxication. Eventually, he purchased two tinctures that he consumed orally for several weeks. He doesn’t believe the tinctures had a substantial impact on his everyday life, but I’m not ready to let him stop hoping.
Of course, it is important to consult your physician before trying CBD or any other treatment.
Has CBD helped you in any way? Please share in the comments below.
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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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Comments
Coy Hall
I tried the cbd oil it help me on my bad days with my stage 3 of parkinson i wish you can fix it where our Medicare or other health insurance will cover this it has helped with my tremors and muscles in my leg not to be so tight
Thomas Kucharski
According to ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/?term=cbd+oil Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-euphoriant component of cannabis. In 2017, the New Zealand Misuse of Drugs Regulations (1977) were amended, allowing doctors to prescribe CBD. Also, there are more than 100 studies that CBD oil really works.
Make sure it’s the third-party lab tested like https://biomdplus.com/biomd-collection/
Donna Nelson
While CBD did help my husband during stages 2 and 3, it has proved costly in stage 4, and useless in stage 5. We abandoned this more than a year ago.
Sabir Chaudhry
I am trying but so far, I am facing increase in restlessness and slow was. When I wake up, it is hard to walk
Let's see.
Jerri Baehl
I have used CBD oil sublingual for 2 1/2 years. I researched the companies to find one that is a full spectrum oil. Also that had been tested by third parties. I have had Parkinson’s for 13 years and the CBD oil is by far the best thing I have found to keep my symptoms t bay. My neurologist is on board with me using it and is also very happy with the outcome for me. I no longer take Sinemet, Azilect, or Amantidine. Those were stopped when the CBD oil worked. This is what it controls for me. Tremor, rigidity, brain clarity, and walking. If I do not take the oil. I have tremors in both legs, both hands, and head. I drag my right foot and my brain clarity is way off. There are still triggers that may exacerbate my symptoms, but I take few more drops of Oil and my symptoms go away. I hope this helps, but like this disease it may work differently for others.
Mary Beth Skylis
Wow, Jerri! Do you mind sharing how you found the particular CBD company that you use?
Danny
Try industrialhempfarms.com. high mgs way cheaper than any other site
Doris
Hi Jerri, I read your review and wondered what product and amount you are using to help with your PD?
Bob
What dosage do you use?
Pamela Alms
Hi Thanks for your post. Can you tell me how much you take at a time and how often you have to take it. I take alot of pills.
Pam
Yong Wong
Can you please give a name or product with the full spectrum?
Thanks
kay
Would you be willing to share where you buy and what product? My dad has Parkinson's and is willing to try, but I don't even know where to start.
Theresa
Young Living is a Brand I would TRUST... Pure and No junky fillers
My Mother is using another Brand but is goin to try Young Living...
Sharon ONeill
Can I please ask the details of the CBD oil you use? I'm desperate to find one that helps a relative. You can send me details on [email protected]
Thank you so much and my best wishes
alz patient
any dispensary ought to know which oil has helped other Parkinson's patients.
Theresa
No, Some ARE’NT as PURE as Others...
I’m using Young Living Brand for my Mother... She tried another brand 500 mg
Now she wants 1000 mg
Sometimes You get what u pay for
Woo Park
Hello Jerry,
Would you be willing to share where you buy and what product? My mom has Parkinson’s and is willing to try
laura
Hi Jerri Baehl
So glad to hear CBD worked for you,Would be amazing if you could let us know what is the dosage and brand of sublingual CBD you are taking,thank you!
Laura
Ambreen
Do you take CBD orally?
And which company's cbd do you use?
Sofia
Hello Jerri,
Does your PD affect your sleep? I have been told that CBD helps with sleep symptoms. I am looking for a reputable company that produces a full spectrum CBD. Do you mind to share the name of the company that you are using? Thank you
Saad Anis
Can you contact me on [email protected]
I am considering if i can give it to my father he is 65 Parkinson's
Problems are he gets disoriented and falls to the ground and has tremors issue.i hope you will contact back
Joel Johnson
I take care of a relative who is 17+ years into Parkinson's and tried CBD oil a few years back, when he had a recurring and acute 'off' period in the middle of his Rytary regimen. We gave him Charlotte's Web 43 mg/svg for a few weeks, at first specifically in response to severe 'off' periods between med dosages, then 2x/day at regular intervals.
Result: Very occasionally it seemed to bring him above the functionality threshold, sometimes it had no apparent effect, but by far the most likely result was to relax him from spasms and loud grunting down to completely relaxed (but not 'on'). Unfortunately, the effect was short-lived: usually about thirty minutes, and it wasn't worth the considerable cost.
More recently, we tried the Charlotte's Web gummies, containing nominally 10 mg/svg. They did nothing but taste good, so there seems to be a threshold level of effectiveness for a given stage of PD.
dennis Bradley
I believe I am in my 3rd year from diagnosis. My main problems are balance,tiredness,leg weakness and,short term memory.I have no pain, sleep well and have reasonable motor skills.I am taking Sinemet(6)and considering CBD to help my with balance? Any similar situations?
Lolita Fashion
Thank you, I've recently been searching forr info
about this topic for a long time and yurs is the best I've
found out so far. But, whast about the bottom
line? Are you sure concerning the source?
Ed
CBD hasn’t been used in people with Parkinson’s disease long-term, and research into the benefits of this cannabinoid only began a few decades ago.
peter
I have found CBD does little for me..but it is expensive..on the other hand..good old pot does great stuff..Budda Kush excellent for sleep..Whitefire excellent for a little pick me up from daytime fatigue..Cali Kush so I can play my guitar all day and its amazing how when I'm doing something else and focusing my PD isn't there..it is of course..but the illness is first and foremost in your brain..and cannabinoids..are all over the place in your brain..there are many studies ..from universities..not pot dealers about this..I might add..for me..quite a few years into PD..marijunia is a wonder drug..maybe its all in my head..but thats where the PD is..so its good
Gina
Very descriptive blog, I loved that a lot.
Will there be a pzrt 2?
cbd gummies
Very interesting.
Nathan Cooper
Hi everyone! My grandpa was diagnosed with Pd recently and he is already carbidopa 25/levodopa 100g 4x a day. It does nothing for him it seems. He is very tired and sore and shakes as well. Can anyone please recommend CBD? And can he use it alongside his meds?? Thank you so much ❤️
Myrna
I've been having challenges with movement very tired leg dragging I was taking
Carbidopa 25 / Levodopa 100mg. 1 pill, 4 x a day. My Doctor then increase my
Carbidopa 50 /Levodopa 200mg I take 1/2 pill 4 x a day. This helped me a lot
I was diagnosed 13 yrs ago , I. am 69 yrs. Another system that I developed through
my Parkinson's is that seating or standing my body move left to right some I realize
that I am doing it until someone notices.
I hope that the above information that shared is helpful .
Daryl Eisenmenger
I have Parkinsons. I hope CDB oil can help reduce some of the symptoms of this disease.
Bob Michael
right, cbd is commonly used to reduce issues of anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep, thanks for your information.
jacob william
Nice article! Cbd has side effect when it have large amount of THC in it but if it have less amount of thc in it then it work as a medicine. Many studies show that it helps people with chronic pain and find relief after using it. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. CBD oil is helpful those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs. cbd oil is vary helpful in many health problem also like body pain, anxiety, depression and many more.
Doris Creech
I have been taking gummy CBD for 30 days.Have had less pain and rested better . My doctor is pleased with the results.
Audi Garcia
Jerri I didn’t see the brand of CBD oil or the dosage. Does anybody else know?k I’ll
Audi Garcia
What brand and dosage are you taking, hard to find good CBD oil
Kathleen Johnston
I was recently diagnosed with PD. I have had essential tremor since my 40’s. After my first bout of COVID, I stopped sleeping much, my tremors increased, moved to include both hands. I was just being treated for the essential tremor with propranolol and then - boom! My hips were involved, balance issues, burning pain in head and shoulder areas and the tremors in my hands became severe. I got some Med 7 cbd oil from my pcp to help with the headaches and as a bonus, my tremors stopped. The headache was gone for about 6 hours and the tremors returned in the morning but were not nearly as violent. I’ll see my neurologist in a few days and let her know. I know she is planning to add medication since she spoke with my pcp. I’m in hopes that I won’t need as much and that she’ll be on board.
Jason Harvey
Great Post! While early research on CBD and Parkinson's symptoms shows promise, more comprehensive clinical studies are needed to establish its effectiveness, optimal dosages, and long-term effects. Patients should approach the use of CBD for Parkinson's symptoms with caution, consulting with healthcare professionals and staying informed about ongoing research developments.