Does CBD Help Parkinson’s Disease?

The more that we learn about CBD, the better we’re able to start answering questions like “does CBD help Parkinson’s disease?” and other queries related to the benefits of CBD for chronic and progressive neurological illnesses. And, while science doesn’t quite have the answers for us yet, early research shows that there may be reason for hope when it comes to CBD oil benefits for Parkinson’s, particularly in terms of improving the quality of life for those who are afflicted.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, meaning it gradually degrades the nervous system—including the brain. Nerve cell damage leads to a loss of dopamine production, in turn resulting in common symptoms of Parkinson’s such as tremors, loss of balance, and other motor disruptions. Chronic pain, depression, and anxiety are often associated as well.

Unfortunately, we do not yet have a cure for Parkinson’s disease. But researchers have been examining CBD oil benefits for tremors, as well as for other Parkinson’s-related symptoms, and early studies indicate that there may be promise for CBD’s ability to provide therapeutic benefits to Parkinson’s patients. Here’s a bit about what we know.

The Basics of CBD Oil for Parkinson’s

CBD oil is not a cure or approved treatment for PD, but the more we learn about the potential benefits of CBD oil for Parkinson’s, the more it becomes clear that there may be value in further research.

In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers pointed out that CBD may have possible effects in improving quality of life measures for patients with Parkinson’s, provided they had no psychiatric comorbidities. And, a 2020 study published in the same journal found that a 300 mg dose of CBD was successful in decreasing anxiety in PD patients, as well as decreasing the amplitude of tremors in certain situations. However, we do not suggest starting at a dosing rate that high as many users have reported success at much lower levels. If you have any questions about proper dosages, please contact us anytime.

One disadvantage in researching the topic is that there’s still a lot we don’t understand about Parkinson’s itself — including what causes it in the first place. While a 2018 review suggests that CBD may actually play a preventative role for PD, we still have a lot to learn about why and how. (And interestingly, the topic isn’t a new one. As far back as 1886 researchers were looking at the role of the cannabis plant in preventing and slowing down the progression of tremors.)

It’s important to note the difference between the preventive and therapeutic effects that CBD might have. These are essentially two separate lines of study, with both addressing unique gaps in our knowledge of PD and how it functions. Learning more about preventive effects is beneficial for slowing down rates of the disease in the first place, especially among high-risk patients. Meanwhile, the ability of CBD to provide therapeutic benefits for those with PD could be a game changer in doctors’ ability to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.

Make CBD Part Of Your Wellness Routine

We still have so much to discover about the potential benefits of CBD for PD, including which CBD oil is best for Parkinson’s disease. And while we may have more questions than answers right now, it’s clear that there is real promise in the ability of CBD to provide preventive and therapeutic benefits for PD and other neurodegenerative illnesses.

Of course, you don’t need to have a specific reason for wanting to seek out the benefits of CBD. At My Health Etc., we remain committed to helping everyone learn more about how CBD can improve their quality of life, with a selection of high-quality CBD oils and other products designed for safety and efficacy. Get started by learning more about CBD, and please contact us if you have any questions.