But in recent years, more states have authorized the use of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use.
Learn more about the benefits and considerations that come with usingmarijuana as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Medical marijuanais cannabis that’s prescribed by a physician to treat or provide relief for a medical condition.
Cannabinol, or CBD, is the other cannabinoid, which is used in medical marijuana.
How Does Medical Marijuana Affect the Body?
Marijuana affects the body throughneurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the nervous system.
Various factors can stimulate neurotransmitter activity, initiating a set of physiological responses.
Theendocannabinoid system (ECS)is one of the most important neurotransmitter systems in the body.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is not fully understood.
While everyone has an ECS, medical cannabis’s direct interactions with it may affect individuals differently.
Hemp is a plant that contains 0.3% or less THC.
Cannabis plants contain more than 0.3% THC.
The two most affected by cannabis are:
THC strongly activates CB1 receptors, triggering a feeling of euphoria.
CBD activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors, although less strongly than THC.
For this reason, CBD has been used to treat pain, anxiety, and seizures.
Check with your physician before taking a medical marijuana product.
How to Use Cannabis for Parkinsons
There are many ways to use medical marijuana.
Forms of medical marijuana include:
Dosage
There is no universal marijuana or CBD dosage.
Studies are being done to determine how patients respond to the effects of marijuana differently.
Legality
Medical marijuana is legal in 36 states and four territories as of May 2021.
There are some restrictions regarding THC content in many states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every state has its own rules and regulations for getting a medical marijuana card.
Speak with your physician if you are considering medical cannabis for tremor relief.
Many companies produce CBD oil, and there are no studies available that favor one brand over another.
If you are taking CBD oil, it is essential that you follow your physician’s prescription.
CBD oil is most commonly taken as a sublingual drop (under the tongue).
CBD oil is an alternative for patients who dont like taking medication in a pill form.
The THC in medical marijuana stimulates neurons that signal the release of dopamine neurotransmitters at higher levels than usual.
Atakan Z.Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals.Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology.
2012;2(6):241-254. doi:10.1177/2045125312457586
Alcohol and Drug Foundation.Cannabinoids.
Lu H-C, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biological Psychiatry.
2016;2016:e1279042.
2019;11(6).
doi:10.7759/cureus.4813
National Conference of State Legislatures.State medical marijuana laws.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.
