Unfortunately, by the time symptoms arrive;
much of the damage has already been done.
As Fox explains: “By the time my pinky
started twitching, 80% of the dopamine cells
were already dead.” Since the exact cause of
Parkinson’s is unknown, the many
treatments available merely control the
symptoms. In many instances, patients can
even develop tolerances to medication. As
time passes, Parkinson’s medications lose
efficacy and symptoms return.
None of this bodes well for PD patients.
Fortunately, cannabis research might have
some great news.
How Can Marijuana Soothe My Parkinson's Symptoms? …It may sound
surprising, but using cannabis to ease tremors been done before. Two centuries ago.
Doctors prescribed cannabis Indica tincture
to Parkinson’s patients in the 19th century.
Long before scientists knew about dopamine
and its effect on motor function, cannabis
tinctures were given to patients to ease
constant trembling.
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is the man who
discovered how THC interacts with
the endocannabinoid system.
Now, over 150 years later, science may just
back up our ancestor’s early findings. The
endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play a
part in the development of PD. The ECS is
the largest cell receptor system in our
bodies.
When we say “largest receptor system”, we
mean it. The ECS helps regulate everything
from our immune system and mobility, to
our appetite and memory. That’s a lot of
ground to cover!
In a 2010 review of Parkinson’s studies,
researchers confirmed that the ECS was
affected as dopamine cells died. Dopamine
is manufactured deep near the centre of the
brain. The study found that the brain cells in
this region are covered with cannabinoid
receptors. Namely, the CB1 receptor.
The CB1 receptor is where cannabis’s
psychoactive THC binds in the brain.
Our bodies also produce natural chemicals
that bind with these receptors. These
chemicals are called endocannabinoids. As
early as 2000, researchers found that levels
of these chemicals skyrocket when the
ability to move muscles is lost.
These findings present strong evidence that
a potential treatment for Parkinson’s might
lay somewhere in the endocannabinoid
system.
This idea is supported by a 2011
study published by Spanish scientists at the
Complutense University of Madrid. The
results were promising: THC may help limit
the progression of the disease.
http://www.thestonerscookbook.com/article/2015/09/17/cannabis-and-parkinsons-disease/