Treating Parkinson’s Disease With Medical Marijuana in Mississippi

Researchers have found that the endocannabinoid system activities of people with a variety of movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, are altered. Researchers are interested in the ability of plant-based cannabinoids to bind basal ganglia (and other) receptors to potentially influence the course of, or alleviate the symptoms of, the condition because cannabinoid receptors are found in particularly high numbers in parts of the brain that control movement.

Cannabinoids have been the subject of much research, with a focus on cannabidiol (CBD) due to its properties that have been found to mimic those of naturally occurring endocannabinoids and hence activate endocannabinoid receptors. Cannabis’ anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiemetic, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and neuroprotective effects are due to its interaction with endocannabinoid receptors as well as other non-endocannabinoid receptors.

Research suggests that the benefits of CBD can be amplified by combining it with other cannabinoids contained in cannabis, such as THC. The entourage effect refers to the enhancement of the effects of these other, less well-known cannabinoids.

Modulating cannabinoid signaling may help with pain alleviation, according to preliminary studies. The motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are difficult to treat, but patient surveys and anecdotal evidence suggest that cannabis may help. Talking to your Mississippi medical cannabis doctor before taking cannabis or hemp-derived products is important because of the potential for negative interactions with other drugs.