Cannabis Oil for Parkinson’s Disease in the United Kingdom
Parkinson’s disease is an incurable and progressive disorder of the central nervous system that severely impacts motor function, including movement, and also includes cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and significant impact upon the individual’s quality of life. There are over 150,000 people living in the U.K. who have Parkinson’s, and many have turned to non-pharmacological approaches (such as dietary supplements and alternative therapies) to aid in the management of their symptoms, which include tremor, rigidity, anxiety, and disturbed sleep patterns. With increasing interest regarding the therapeutic potential of cannabis oil for the treatment of Parkinson’s, there has been a growing body of evidence-based scientific research regarding the use of cannabis oil for Parkinson’s in the U.K., particularly with regards to CBD (non-psychoactive) and medical cannabis.
Cannabis oil is NOT a cure for Parkinson’s disease; however, there is considerable interest among Parkinson’s patients in the U.K. regarding its potential benefit for symptom management.
What Is Cannabis Oil?
There are several forms of cannabis oil, and the term “cannabis oil” can be confusing and often misused. Below are examples of three types of cannabis oil:
- CBD Oil (Non-Intoxicating)
CBD (cannabidiol) is legal in the U.K. as long as it is manufactured according to established regulatory standards. CBD oil does NOT produce a euphoric effect and is commonly found on store shelves across the country. Many Parkinson’s patients use CBD oils for:
- Reducing anxiety.
- Improving sleep.
- Relieving muscle tension.
Although research is in the infancy stage, preliminary studies indicate that CBD may possess neuroprotective and calming effects.
- Medical Cannabis Oil (THC + CBD)
In the U.K., medical cannabis can be prescribed privately by doctors for certain conditions — including some neurological disorders — if the patient has tried other treatments without success.
These oils may contain both THC and CBD. THC may be helpful with:
- Muscle stiffness.
- Sleep disruptions.
- Restlessness.
However, THC produces a psychoactive effect and therefore should only be used under strict medical supervision.
- Unregulated Oils
Unregulated oils should be avoided at all costs because the amount of cannabinoids they contain is unpredictable, and they do not meet the safety regulations of the U.K.
Current Scientific Research on Cannabis and Parkinson’s Disease
Research into cannabis and Parkinson’s disease is ongoing; however, there are several areas where current findings appear promising:
- Sleep and Restlessness. A common problem faced by many patients with Parkinson’s is sleep disorders. A number of patients have reported improved relaxation during the night after using cannabis-based medicines.
- Anxiety and Mood. As a result of its calming properties, CBD may contribute to the emotional well-being of patients with Parkinson’s, potentially leading to an indirect improvement in quality of life.
- Tremors and Motor Symptoms. Findings have been inconsistent. For example, some patients have reported a reduction in the severity of their tremors after using specific cannabis oils, while others have experienced little to no improvement. Therefore, additional large-scale trials are required to further investigate this area.
Role of Cannabis Oil Within the U.K.’s Health Care System
In the U.K.:
- CBD oil is available without a prescription.
- Medical cannabis oil requires a private prescription.
Medical cannabis oil is currently not available through the National Health Service (NHS) unless approved in extremely exceptional circumstances.
All treatment decisions regarding cannabis oil are case-by-case, and only made by professionals who have received training in the use of cannabis-based medicine.
Patient should consult with a health care professional regarding potential benefits and/or risks associated with the use of cannabis oil.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Due to its potential for side effects (such as dizziness/fatigue), interaction with other Parkinson’s medications, confusion/anxiety caused by high-THC oils, variable responses among individuals, and the fact that Parkinson’s affects the brain, patients should receive specialized guidance from a health care professional before attempting to incorporate cannabis oil into their treatment plan.
Cannabis oil — whether CBD-based or prescribed as a medical cannabis oil — holds the potential for improving certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, primarily sleep disturbances, anxiety, and muscular discomfort. Although research is ongoing, many patients with Parkinson’s disease in the U.K. have discovered that cannabis oil provides an alternate therapy to complement their traditional treatment plan(s). To ensure safe access to cannabis oil, patients should seek out legal alternatives under the direction of a licensed physician.
Discover more about cannabis with Preston cannabis club blog.