Managing Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: Can Medical Cannabis Improve Mobility?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects about 1.1 million people in the United States. 

Parkinson’s develops when nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired, reducing dopamine production. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps move and control your muscles, so lower levels can affect mobility and balance.

There’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but prescription medication can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Even so, many people with Parkinson’s also use medical cannabis as a complementary treatment. 

At MediCalm-PA, LLC, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, regularly works with patients living with Parkinson’s disease. This blog explores current research on Parkinson’s and cannabis and explains how medical cannabis may support mobility.

An introduction to medical cannabis

Medical cannabis, sometimes called medical marijuana, uses the cannabis plant and other cannabis-derived products to help manage or support certain medical conditions and their symptoms. 

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of naturally occurring compounds, but the two that most people are familiar with are:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC produces the “high” associated with marijuana. Products containing THC are often used to support appetite, pain relief, and sleep.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is another cannabis compound, but it doesn’t cause a high. It’s often used to manage seizures caused by epilepsy, but may also ease pain and offer calming effects that help reduce anxiety.

Medical cannabis comes in various forms, including:

• Flower (the plant itself, which is often smoked or vaporized)
• Tinctures
• Pills and capsules
• Edibles, like gummies and cookies
• Drinks

These products are typically available at licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, and you use them under Dr. Park’s professional supervision.

What research says about medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease

Medical cannabis can’t cure Parkinson’s or slow its progression. However, people with Parkinson’s who use medical cannabis often report symptom relief. 

Research is still in its early stages due to regulatory restrictions and limited large-scale clinical trials in humans. Despite these obstacles, medical cannabis may help address two types of Parkinson’s symptoms:

Motor symptoms

Parkinson’s causes muscle cramps, stiffness, and tremors that often worsen as the disease progresses. Some small observational studies and patient surveys have found that medical cannabis can help relieve these symptoms. However, these benefits can’t be confirmed without conducting official, double-blind clinical trials. 

Non-motor symptoms

Parkinson’s also causes symptoms like sleep disturbances, constipation, and chronic pain. Some people also develop mood disorders, like anxiety and depression. Because medical cannabis is often used to treat these issues, it’s one of the reasons people with Parkinson’s are exploring its potential benefits.

To be clear, research is ongoing and medical cannabis isn’t right for every patient. Like other drugs, it can present side effects, including dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety. That’s why partnering with a licensed professional like Dr. Park is so important. 

How medical cannabis may affect Parkinson’s symptoms

Everyone with Parkinson’s responds to medical cannabis differently. However, many people report positive effects, such as:

• Reduced muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Less severe tremors
• Improved sleep
• Relief from chronic pain
• Decreased symptoms of anxiety

Together, these factors may support mobility and improve confidence, allowing for a better quality of life. 

Find out if medical cannabis is right for you

If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and you want to supplement your current treatment regimen, consider medical cannabis. To learn more about this approach, request a non-certification consultation or medical marijuana certification with Dr. Park.

Contact MediCalm today to set up your phone appointment. You can call 484-440-9494 or use online scheduling.