Cannabis and Parkinson’ s Disease
Parkinson’ s Disease( PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a decline in motor function due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Physical manifestations, or“ motor symptoms,” such as tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement, are highly debilitating and often occur alongside challenging non-motor symptoms. Researchers are particularly interested in how cannabinoids affect the basal ganglia, a part of the brain heavily involved in movement control and profoundly affected by Parkinson’ s disease.
The Parkinson’ s Foundation notes that evidence remains inconclusive regarding the treatment of core Parkinson’ s symptoms, such as tremors. Due to the biphasic effect of cannabinoids, there are cases where too much THC or CBD can worsen motor symptoms. However, many patients report benefits for the non-motor symptoms of PD— sleep, anxiety, pain, and overall comfort. More high-quality clinical trials are needed before firm recommendations can be made. According to Dr. Bonnie Goldstein, MD, people living with Parkinson’ s Disease who have access to medical cannabis prefer full-spectrum cannabis for symptom relief.
Which Cannabinoids Appear Most Promising for Neurodegenerative Diseases?
CBD is often considered the starting point for neurodegenerative disorders, with potential benefits such as reduced inflammation, anxiety relief, and improved sleep. Because CBD does not produce psychoactive effects( a“ high”), it is often preferred by older adults and those already experiencing cognitive impairment.
Finding the Right Dosage
A practical strategy frequently used by cannabis clinicians is:
For CBD-Dominant Products
● Begin with 5-10mg of CBD once or twice daily.
● Maintain the dose for three to seven days.
● Increase gradually by 5-10mg as needed.
● Many patients ultimately use between 20 and 50mg of CBD daily, although some require more.
For THC Products
For older adults and individuals with dementia:
● Start with micro-doses— 1 to 2.5mg THC at bedtime.
● Increase only after several days if tolerated.
● Avoid large jumps in dosage; only increase the dose by 1 to 2mg at a time.
● Many patients experience effects in the range of 1 to 5mg THC per dose.
Micro-dase
The goal is always the lowest effective dose, not the highest tolerated dose. Remember to start low and go slow.
Special Considerations for Older Adults
Patients with Alzheimer’ s or Parkinson’ s disease are often more sensitive to medication side effects. For most patients with neurodegenerative disorders, CBD-rich products with very low amounts of THC represent the most conservative starting approach. Those who benefit from THC often do so at surprisingly small doses. Above all, success comes from individualized treatment, careful observation, gradual dose adjustments, and journaling results. As research advances, targeted cannabis medicines will become an increasingly valuable tool for helping patients and caregivers navigate the journey with greater comfort and dignity.
THC, the cannabinoid that works primarily on CB1 receptors, may offer benefits such as appetite stimulation, improved sleep, reduced agitation, and pain relief. However, THC can also cause unwanted psychoactive effects, especially in older adults. For this reason, lower doses are typically preferred, and THC is often paired with CBD.
Cannabichromene( CBC) is another cannabinoid that possesses neurogenic properties, specifically affecting motor neurons. Research on CBC is very new and preclinical, but its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurogenic behavior of this cannabinoid may lead to targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Other promising minor cannabinoids include THCV and CBG, which have been reported to be very effective for pain relief and mental focus.
Sara Figueroa, is the Wellness and Aging Specialist for BeLeaf Medical. She studied Gerontology at Webster University and is the first gerontologist to work in Missouri’ s cannabis industry. Figueroa is also the co-director of The Church on Delmar, a cannabis consumption event space in St. Louis, MO. For inquiries, email Sara Figueroa at wellness @ swadecannabis. com.
Notice: The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience. The content is for general informational purposes only. As always, check with your doctor first.
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