Cannabis and Parkinson’s

[Robert P]

I use medical marijuana regularly for a couple of reasons. The biggest is because it seems to greatly calm the frquency and intensity of my REM Sleep Behavior (violent actibg out dreams). Not a cure or 100% relief, but I’d say and 80-90% reduction.

It also helps improve my sleep in that it reduces (not solves) my nighttime urge to pee multiple times at night.

For sleep, I seek products with high CBN content (in addition to moderate THC and high CBD). Lots of products have good mixes of THC and CBD, but significant CBN is harder to find.

I sleep best with a dose of 10mg THC, 10mg CBN, and 100mg CBD in tincture form.

The downside is that one can be a little dizzy when getting up to pee, but the upside is very little temporary grogginess in the morning compared to booze, benedryl or pills. Wouldn’t want to combine it with an evening drink or other sleep drugs…but on the upside, my nightly weed caused me to unintentionally stop drinking altogether. I feel much better.

[Ally]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Robert. I think this will be helpful to other members who are considering exploring the use of cannabis.

[hermey]

I live in a state where it is not legal, but we are surrounded by 3 states that it is legal so we drive 2 hours each way. I take one thc gummy at night to help with my sleep and violent nightmares. I have tried some medications for sleep and nightmares but nothing really worked. One gummy at bedtime has made a world of difference for me!

[Alfred Kramer]

My dad has Parkinson’s, and while he hasn’t tried cannabis yet, I’ve been looking into it as an option for his sleep issues and muscle stiffness. It’s amazing to hear how much it’s helped you with REM sleep behavior and nighttime restlessness. I recently learned about products high in CBN, which seem to be game-changers for sleep. A friend recommended checking out places like 6IX Dispensary for good options, especially since they offer https://6ixdispensary.com/ , making it super convenient to find specific blends. It’s also interesting how it’s helped you quit drinking unintentionally. My dad’s struggled with a nightly beer habit for years, and I wonder if this could shift his routine in a healthier direction too.

[frankenstein]

The evidence is not complete but It is pointing to being detrimental to people living with Parkinsons.

https://www.fightparkinsons.org.au/research/our-position-on-the-use-of-medical-marijuana-and-medicinal-cannabis-in-park/

fightparkinsons.org.au

Our position on the use of Medical Marijuana and Medicinal Cannabis in Parkinson’s :: Fight Parkinson’s – Together we can

There are many endorsements of cannabinoids for Parkinson’s symptoms in the social media. However, the science tells a different story.

[Ally]

Thank you for sharing this. Did you find this information because you were considering using cannabis?

[Vickie]

I sometimes suffer from hot and cold flashes. It is not often, but it is uncomfortable. Sometimes the cold flashes change to tremors. I have tried marijuana to help me with my parkinson symptoms. The mj has stopped my tremors sometimes, and relaxes my tight muscles and joints. The improvement in these symptoms, however, is not consistent.

[Ally]

I’m glad you were able to find some relief, Vickie. I know you said it’s not consistent, but hopefully it gives you a bit of respite. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

[Mari]

I had never even thought of medical marijuana, but I’d like to try it. Thank you!

This may be unusual, but my worst PD side effect is crazy anxiety (fear of what lies ahead). My young adult son suggested I try a product from a nearby dispenser. He’s experienced using MJ and seems to know a lot about different kinds for different uses. Recently, he brought me a canned 12 oz. beverage with 10mg THC. I never smoked much as a teen, but I really like how this carbonated beverage smooths out my anxiety. I drink it pretty slowly and sometimes forget I’m drinking it until I start thinking and saying silly things. I rarely drink alcohol but know the THC is simple, apparently harmless at this strength, and effective (no next day feeling lousy as I do with alcohol.) I tried sending a case of it to my brother who is an avid MJ user (he likes the drink because it’s light and easy, although kinda pricey) in another state, but it’s illegal there!

So, if you’re looking for a gentle but effective relaxant, I recommend you find a product similar to what I’m describing. What I drink is only distributed in some states.

[Ally]

Thanks for sharing, Mari. I haven’t tried any THC beverages but have heard good things.

[catadams]

To be honest, I don’t know how to react to the use of drugs in treatment either, but I know that it is practiced in many places.