CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant that is gaining attention for its potential health benefits. Unlike THC, another well-known compound from cannabis, CBD doesn’t cause a ‘high,’ making it a popular choice for those seeking non-psychoactive treatments. In the UK, CBD oil is legally available as a food supplement, typically derived from food-grade hemp with minimal THC content. The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that adults should not exceed 10mg of CBD per day, but research suggests that much higher doses—up to 1500 mg per day—can be safe and effective for treating certain conditions.
Recent studies are exploring CBD oil’s potential in managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms. One study reported that 79% of Parkinson’s patients felt symptom relief after using cannabis, which contained both CBD and THC. Another study showed a 56% improvement in mood and sleep for patients using cannabis. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before starting CBD, as it can interact with other medications and may cause side effects, such as elevated liver enzymes2.
While CBD oil shows promise in managing Parkinson’s symptoms, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Currently, in the UK, cannabis-based treatments are typically reserved for severe epilepsy, cancer treatment side effects, or multiple sclerosis, but there is growing interest in its potential for Parkinson’s, particularly in reducing psychosis and improving quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- CBD oil offers a non-psychoactive treatment option derived from cannabis plants.
- In the UK, CBD oil is legal as a food supplement with very low THC levels.
- Studies show promising results in using CBD and THC to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Consulting healthcare professionals is essential before starting CBD therapy.
- Ongoing research is crucial to determine the optimal dosage and efficacy of CBD for Parkinson’s.
Understanding CBD and Its Differences from Cannabis
While both CBD and cannabis come from the same plant, they are quite different. CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC, making it legal and non-psychoactive. Cannabis, on the other hand, has higher levels of THC and is illegal in the UK for recreational use.
CBD is classified as a food supplement in the UK, where adults are advised not to exceed a daily intake of 10 milligram4.Despite its widespread use, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for most conditions. The FDA has only approved CBD for treating a rare form of childhood epilepsy.3.
While CBD oil is readily available as a supplement, cannabis-based medicines are strictly regulated and can only be prescribed for specific conditions like multiple sclerosis, not Parkinson’s disease. However, researchers are increasingly studying how CBD might alleviate symptoms like hallucinations in Parkinson’s patients.
Research and Evidence: CBD Oil for Parkinson’s Disease
Emerging research suggests that CBD could play a role in treating Parkinson’s disease, particularly in managing psychosis-related symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, which affect about 75% of patients with the condition6. Despite the interest, only about 59% of Parkinson’s patients who have not used cannabis products are open to trying them for symptom relief7.
Clinical trials are exploring the effectiveness of CBD in Parkinson’s treatment, focusing on optimal dosing and its impact on symptoms. Early findings suggest that CBD might offer a different therapeutic approach compared to traditional treatments, potentially with fewer side effects6.
Patients using CBD/THC combinations reported a 45% improvement in symptoms like tremors and muscle stiffness6. However, they also experienced side effects such as drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Despite these challenges, cannabinoid therapy shows promise in enhancing the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients, with some studies noting significant improvements in mood and sleep6.
Interestingly, while many patients are interested in cannabis-based treatments, only 10% of doctors currently recommend it for Parkinson’s, even though 95% of neurologists at Parkinson’s Centres are open to prescribing it. This growing interest indicates a potential shift towards integrating cannabinoid therapy into Parkinson’s treatment plans7.
How CBD Oil May Alleviate Parkinson’s Symptoms
CBD oil is gaining attention for its potential role in managing Parkinson’s disease. Unlike other treatments, CBD doesn’t work by blocking dopamine receptors but offers a unique approach to alleviating symptoms8-9.
Research shows that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could help protect against the neurodegeneration seen in Parkinson’s disease. Clinical trials have demonstrated CBD’s potential benefits, such as reducing pain in Parkinson’s patients. Additionally, CBD may help manage psychosis in approximately half of Parkinson’s patients and could improve overall quality of life for those without psychiatric issues8.
There is growing interest in how CBD interacts with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in Parkinson’s disease. By the time symptoms appear, about 60% of dopamine neurons are lost8. CBD’s neuroprotective effects might help stabilise dopamine levels, though more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and safety8.
CBD oil is generally well-tolerated, with side effects such as fatigue or mild gastrointestinal issues. It can be administered in various ways, including sublingual drops or topical applications, each offering distinct benefits. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD for Parkinson’s to ensure it’s appropriate and to monitor for potential interactions with other medications9.
Practical Considerations When Using CBD Oil for Parkinson’s
When considering CBD oil for Parkinson’s, several practical factors should be kept in mind. Understanding the correct dosage, ensuring product quality, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals are crucial steps.
In the UK, CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal. However, the quality of CBD products can vary widely. Since the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD, there’s no guarantee that what’s on the label matches what’s in the bottle. This is particularly important for Parkinson’s patients, who might experience increased fatigue or nausea if the CBD they consume is inconsistent10.
Selecting high-quality CBD is vital. Fatigue is a common symptom in Parkinson’s patients, and inconsistent CBD products could exacerbate this issue. Therefore, maintaining a regular dosage of quality CBD is crucial to avoid adverse effects.
Discussing CBD use with healthcare providers is also essential, particularly regarding how it might interact with other medications. Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, and researchers are continually exploring new treatment options, including the potential role of the endocannabinoid system in managing symptoms. Given the promising results in treating neurological disorders, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional when incorporating CBD into a treatment plan10.
Although regulations have eased since 2015, facilitating more CBD trials, there is still limited data supporting many health claims. Sticking to reputable sources and expert advice is essential for safely managing Parkinson’s symptoms with CBD.
Personal Stories and Anecdotal Evidence
Personal stories often highlight the potential benefits of CBD for Parkinson’s patients. For example, Charles, who has lived with Parkinson’s since 2009, began experiencing hallucinations in 2015. After starting CBD, these symptoms subsided, offering him significant relief.
Dr. Maureen Leehey from the CU School of Medicine found that CBD helped Parkinson’s patients with irritability, sleep disturbances, and motor issues. However, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these anecdotal reports11.
While CBD’s effects on Parkinson’s disease are still being explored, early evidence from animal studies suggests that it interacts with brain receptors in beneficial ways. Although large-scale clinical trials are lacking, many patients report improvements in various symptoms, including sleep and mood.
In one study, 79% of Parkinson’s patients reported feeling better after using cannabis, including CBD. However, some research has indicated that CBD could raise liver enzymes in certain individuals, highlighting the need for careful monitoring13.
These personal accounts suggest that CBD might offer meaningful relief for Parkinson’s patients, but doctors generally seek more robust evidence before recommending it as a standard treatment.
Conclusion
CBD oil is increasingly recognised for its potential in managing Parkinson’s disease. Early studies indicate that it may be a valuable treatment option, particularly for reducing psychotic symptoms and improving sleep quality.
A significant portion of Parkinson’s patients—59%—are open to trying cannabis products, with CBD oil being the most popular choice. However, more research is needed to confirm its full benefits and safety. It’s also important to consult healthcare professionals, as most patients prefer to receive guidance from experts14.
As the legal landscape and availability of cannabis products evolve, there is a growing acceptance of CBD as a therapeutic option. Researchers and clinicians are awaiting stronger evidence, but staying informed about legal and quality considerations is crucial for those considering CBD oil for managing Parkinson’s disease15.
If you’ve tried CBD oil in the UK, why not leave your thoughts by writing CBD oil reviews at CBD Ratings? Your feedback helps guide others!
Source Links
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/CBD-Oil-and-Parkinsons-Disease.aspx
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-oil-for-parkinsons
- https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/cannabidiol-and-parkinsons-disease/
- https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/your-magazine/spotlight/cbd-and-parkinsons
- https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/cannabis-and-parkinsons-your-views
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10446505/
- https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/medical-marijuana
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parkinsons-disease/cbd-oil-for-parkinsons
- https://www.evopure.co.uk/cbd-oil-for-parkinsons-disease/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5165161/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10262148/
- https://www.michaeljfox.org/sites/default/files/media/document/Medical_Marijuana_03.04.22.pdf
- https://www.hempstrol.com/cbd-blog-india/treat-parkinsons-disease-with-cbd-oil
- https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-07/Cannabis and Parkinson’s final report – July 2019.pdf
- https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/next-phase-cannabidiol-cbd-trial-parkinsons-non-motor-symptoms-needs-participants-uk
