Top 10 Best Cannabis Strains for Parkinson’s Disease

Numerous researches on marijuana show hope for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Marijuana provides numerous benefits for the sufferers of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Are you in search of the best cannabis strains for Parkinson’s disease? The given ten strains for Parkinson’s in this article could make you feel better in non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s

While selecting the best cannabis strains for Parkinson’s disease, the variety that comes to our mind is the Cannatonic marijuana; visit the official website.

Researchers started to show enthusiasm to study marijuana for Parkinson’s after individuals with PD gave anecdotal reports and posted on the internet about how marijuana decreased their tremors. Some researchers think that marijuana may be neuroprotective— saving neurons from damage caused by PD. Researchers also studied Cannabinoids to treat other symptoms, as dyskinesia (excess development caused by levodopa) and bradykinesia (slowness caused by PD).

Despite many hopeful pre-clinical outcomes, researchers have not discovered any meaningful or conclusive benefits of cannabis for PD patients. Still, people use some strains to manage different symptoms of PD, including depression, anxiety, pain, and even motor skills improvement.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. Patients of PD experience motor and non-motor symptoms. The disease often starts with slightly shaky hands, and as the condition develops, patients have more and more difficulties controlling their movements. Their motor skills become slower and more unbending, and they create walking challenges. Other symptoms include emotional and sensory problems, as well as sleep disorders. Numerous patients will also develop depression and dementia.

Parkinson’s typically affects individuals more than 60, but one may get it before the age of 50, known as young-onset Parkinson’s disease. Men are more prone to have this disease than women. Unfortunately, we still don’t have the foggiest idea about a lot about Parkinson’s. We know so far that the brains of PD patients don’t produce enough dopamine and that the passing of the dopamine-producing brain cells may happen from abnormal clumps of proteins in the neurons.

Parkinson’s is partially hereditary; almost 15% of patients have a first-degree relation. However, some studies have also discovered that ecological factors may cause PD. Head injuries can also cause the disease. There is no definitive fix, but some therapies can help decrease the symptoms and improve patients’ overall quality of life.

Causes of Parkinson’s

Individuals with Parkinson’s don’t produce enough dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it has kicked the bucket. These cells cease to work correctly and get lost after some time. When your dopamine levels fall, the result is abnormal brain activity, which results in Parkinson’s symptoms. Consequently, you may choose the best marijuana strains to get relief in Parkinson’s symptoms, such as tremors and muscle spasms. However, there are several factors to consider:

Age: 96% of PD patients are 50+ years old. It is regular to build up Parkinson’s after 60 years.

Sex: As we referenced above, men are 1.5 times more prone to get Parkinson’s than ladies.

Genetics: There are hereditary mutations that may cause illness. They are uncommon, barring instances where several relatives are influenced by Parkinson’s. Specific quality variations also increase the risk, but each genetic marker carries a small risk without anyone else.

Toxins: Excessive exposure to natural toxins could increase the risk of contracting the condition. Examples include exposure to pesticides and herbicides.

Lewy Bodies: These are clumps of substances discovered in brain cells said to be microscopic PD markers. While researchers haven’t built a concrete connection, they accept a specific association among Lewy bodies and PD. One of the most notable of these ingredients is alpha-synuclein. It resides in all Lewy bodies in a form that cells can’t separate.

The Role of CB1 and CB2 Receptors

Marijuana holds more than 100 neuroactive chemicals that act with two types of cannabinoid receptors, type 1 (CB1) situated in the brain, and type 2 (CB2) located in the brain and peripheral system. When cannabis use is in play, cannabinoids have amazing, indirect effects on these receptors, but researchers are unsure how. Individuals with PD have less CB1 receptors than individuals who do not have PD.

A hike to the CB1 receptor through an agonist, similar to cannabis, can fix tremors and ease dyskinesia. Furthermore, the CB2 receptor is also under examination to determine if it can adjust the disease or provide neuroprotective advantages. However, a unified hypothesis does not exist for either receptor because of conflicting information on the effectiveness of cannabinoids. Marijuana carries two molecules that communicate with cannabinoid receptors — Agonists and Antagonists. Furthermore, an agonist drug attaches to the same receptor as a natural substance and renders the same effect.

A dopamine agonist drug is not dopamine but connects to the dopamine receptor. Moreover, an antagonist is a different receptor as it joins with the receptor but prevents the usual chemical’s effect. Marijuana holds both cannabinoid —agonists and antagonists. Recreational marijuana use is there for its impact on agonists. THC is an essential segment of marijuana. Cannabidiol is the other integral part. THC has prolonged inactivity of onset, and one cannot easily measure it for a therapeutic or medicinal dose. Marijuana studies provide THC and cannabidiol capsules to participants. Moreover, they also use nasal spray and fluid formulation in some cases.

Research on Marijuana

Several circumstances limit the capacity to perform cannabis research and interpret results. Regulations surrounding marijuana may discourage researchers. The federal government lists weed as a Schedule I drug, a category for drugs with no acknowledged medical application and a high potential for abuse. Furthermore, The Michael J. Fox Foundation and others have earlier summoned for reclassification of marijuana, making it more comfortable to conduct further research.

Researchers observe the interpretation results by numerous variables, such as the absence of standardized doses and variable CBD and THC concentrations. Parkinson’s research uses a wide range of formulations (oral cannabinoids and smoked marijuana) and varying quantities. This difference in the formulation and dosage in various studies and persons makes it disputing to control the use of cannabis for medical objectives. Continue reading to explore the best marijuana for Parkinson’s disease symptoms relief.

PD-Related Medicinal Marijuana Trials

The use of cannabinoids is to help manage neurological and non-neurological conditions. The literature on medical marijuana is shifting well. Studies have not approved the use of cannabis for Parkinson’s disease. The clinical examinations of marijuana as a Parkinson’s disease treatment didn’t use the clinical gold standard of double-blind, placebo-controlled preliminary design. Besides, some studies had only five subjects.

While some results have been positive, marijuana’s effects are probably not understood, so more studies, especially those with more subjects, are required. Most physicians don’t recommend research outcomes because these studies do not fulfill minimum research guidelines. Below are several PD-related marijuana studies to assess the use of cannabinoids:

Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience

A study published in Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience in 2019 took a gander at the possible effects of weed on PD. The couple concluded that marijuana attenuates motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. However, the research also showed the boundaries of the available analysis.

Cannabinoids Effect on Movement Disorders

This study on clinical observations and trials of cannabinoid-based therapies suggests a possible benefit to tics and probably no advantage for tremors in dyskinesias or PD motor symptoms. Further pre-clinical and clinical research may characterize better the pharmacological, physiological, and therapeutic effects of this class of drugs in developmental disorders.

European Journal of Internal Medicine

Another study, driven by Agnelli, and published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine in 2018, asserted that marijuana was a safe and effective method of treating symptoms of PD in older patients. The study stated that marijuana patients experienced a significant decrease in pain. After six months of use, 18% of patients diminished or discontinued opioids as painkillers.

Cannabinoids Effect on Levodopa-induced Dyskinesia

The researchers demonstrate that nabilone, the cannabinoid receptor agonist, flawlessly lessens levodopa-induced dyskinesia in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.

Antagonists, Neurokinin B, and Neurotensin

The study assessed three antagonists’ effects on the NK3, neurotensin, and cannabinoid receptors. The research was on the severity of motor symptoms and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Moreover, they administered single-dose levodopa in 24 people with Parkinson’s disease. The study concluded that the drugs were safe but didn’t fix motor disability.

Medicinal Marijuana and Parkinson’s

The Parkinson’s Foundation, in cooperation with Northwestern University researchers, examined marijuana prospects at 40 Centers of Excellence. The first study provides information on expert PD physicians’ practices, beliefs, and attitudes concerning cannabis use.

The results were impressive: most experts said they knew what marijuana did but disagreed on the details. While there is no broad concession to the benefits for individuals with PD, the survey confirmed that cannabis is a well-known subject within Parkinson’s Foundation centers, as 95 percent of neurologists reported patients had asked them to prescribe it. Cannabis study results also included:

• Just 23 percent of physicians had any formal instruction on cannabis (such as a course or talk). Thus 93 percent of physicians need marijuana instruction in a medical institution.
• Physicians summarized that 80 percent of their PD patients had used cannabis.
• Just 10 percent of physicians have guided the treatment of marijuana to PD patients.
• In terms of memory, 75 percent of doctors suggested that cannabis would dramatically alter short-term memory, and 55 percent felt that marijuana could effectively change long-term memory.
• Just 11 percent of physicians have suggested the use of marijuana in the last year.

The research highlighted that doctors would be more well-suited to apply marijuana as a remedy if allowed through regulation instead of legislation. After passing a science-based assessment, all medications will be available, proving their efficacy in a method supervised by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Since marijuana gets approval through legislation rather than regulation, there are no labels, dosage recommendations, or timing instructions that physicians can reference.

Risks and Benefits

There are risks and advantages incorporated with the application of marijuana for individuals with PD. Benefits include possible improvement in anxiety, pain management, sleep dysfunction, weight loss, and nausea.

Besides, potential adverse effects include disabled cognition (impedance in executive function), dizziness, obscured vision, mood changes, behavioral changes, loss of balance, and hallucinations. Chronic use of weed can increase the risk of mood disorders and cellular breakdown in the lungs.

Top 10 Best Cannabis Strains for Parkinson’s Disease

#1 – Power Plant by ILGM

Force Plant is famous for recreational use. Even though it has a higher CBD than the average strain, it is not potent enough to treat shiver. But it still holds more than adequate potency to assist you in dealing with stress. As such, it is also advantageous in battling depression.

This weed also has anti-inflammatory qualities and is ready to alleviate mellow pains, including migraines. As the impact of the Power Plant quiets, you can feel tired or hungry. However, Power Plant is not recommended for daytime use.

#2 – Blackberry Kush by i49

Some Indica strains with high CBD are good for getting help in pain and improving the overall quality of life. And, Blackberry Kush Indica-dominant weed is no different than that. Its parent strains include Blackberry Hybrid and Afghani Indica. This Blackberry has a refreshing citrus taste combined with diesel. It will alleviate depression and stress and will help you with managing your chronic pain.

If getting into activities helps you deal with Parkinson’s more effectively, this one is an excellent variety to try once. Besides, it’s good to know that it can help you reduce fatigue and spasticity that can also keep your brain under control.

#3 – Lavender Haze

Some Indica strains are beneficial to deal with PD symptoms. Still, unlike Sativa, this Indica-dominant cross hybrid is a sedative one, best suggested for the evening time to keep your brain in a peaceful state. Beginners report being very sleepy after using Lavender Haze, while expert users feel different effects and get more comfortable.

It is advantageous for different conditions such as insomnia and depression, including PD. Before using this strain, take care of the dosage to experience comfort and improvement in your degenerative disorder and sleep.

#4 – Johnny’s Tonic

The intensity of Johnny’s Tonic is its high CBD content that makes it a favorite among users. With its generous CBD content, this tonic can be useful to individuals suffering from epilepsy and seizures.

There are many disorders in which this medical cannabis can help battle, including Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a disorder of the nervous system, and countless others. Currently, more researchers are examining the effectiveness of weed for treating people with specific disorders.

#5 – Kobain Kush by Canna Wholesalers

Kobain Kush is a perfect Indica for PD patients since it’s well balanced and doesn’t induce sleepiness. It is instrumental in reducing pain and stress in your nervous system.

Besides, its relaxing effect makes people forget their worries while calming the body and mind. This strain’s essential benefit for PD patients is that it’s excellent for muscle spasms and tremors. This variety is one of the best marijuana for Parkinson’s to enjoy without side effects.

#6 – Cannatonic by ILGM

Cannatonic is a perfectly developed cross with a moderate THC level of up to 15% and a high CBD percentage of nearly 15%. Thus, you’ll not that much high from this strain. It means that Cannatonic carries prolonged benefits that are useful in numerous ways for treatment. It is known for being a favorite variety among people in the medical cannabis community that can ease the disorder of the nervous system to bring improvement.

This high-CBD weed is a cross hybrid of MK Ultra and G13 Haze, providing an effective and relaxing smoke. Cannatonic is a suitable strain to improve PD disorder and eventually effective in severe epilepsy and MS. Treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with Cannatonic might bring improvement when used properly. With the balanced Indica-Sativa mix, it’s a great and recommended strain known to help in different conditions without side effects.

#7 – Harmonia

Harmonia is recommended for daytime use, and this Indica strain does not produce the couch-lock effect or sedation. For Parkinson’s patients who wish to maintain a strategic distance from intense psychoactive effects, Harmonia is a high-CBD variety that contains a moderate level of THC.

This harmonious balance (subsequently the name) stands a decent chance of blocking the protein production associated with PD’s nerve cell damage.

#8 – California Dream by ILGM

These seeds siphon out huge buds with a 70% Indica and 30% Sativa mix up to 24% THC level. California Dream is famous for that skunky, sweet-smelling scent. But that is just at first sniff. When it settles in you, begin to get notes of pine.

If you strive for a therapeutic high that may also relieve mental and physical problems, the California Dream is for you! The California Dream boosts your psychological energy while helping with anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue, arthritis, migraines, headaches, and other pains. Overall, it’s a great and recommended strain for people who know how to carry out the treatment with cannabis.

#9 – Harlequin by ILGM

Harlequin is a descendant of Colombian Gold, Thai, and Swiss landrace Sativa and a Nepali Indica. This crossbreed boasts a high CBD level around 10-15% that is beneficial for healing. It is the thing that makes this variety a favorite among doctors who are looking to prescribe something potent for the battle against chronic pain.

This potent variety is an excellent smoke for mental release, without feeling tired. Harlequin has inherited all its positive effects from its parentage. With a high level of CBD, this weed is an incredible relaxant, with an ability to quiet the mind and allow you to stay focused and on point. Harlequin is reasonably one of the best cannabis strains for Parkinson’s disease symptoms relief.

#10 – Chemdawg by ILGM

It’s an excellent weed that makes itself beneficial in numerous fashions. Patients who suffer from mental imbalances may get a lot of help and alleviation with this strain. Stress is one of the significant reasons to use Chemdawg as it can genuinely ease chronic stress symptoms.

Chemdawg is also suggested for pain management and has been broadly used to treat back pains, muscle spasms, and nerve damage. Besides, it eases physical burdens and helps you relax. Furthermore, it calms the mind and kick-off unpleasant aches in your body.

Final Verdict:

Despite several studies, it has not been confirmed that cannabis can absolutely benefit people with PD. We need more experimentation to ascertain the long-term use of marijuana for PD symptoms. To ensure that the different patients of PD get excellent treatment, it’ll be great if states that legalize marijuana create training programs for physicians and pharmaceutical teams that recommend medical marijuana.

Keep in mind that cannabis does not treat Parkinson’s disease. However, it’s good to know that it could be used to relieve symptoms such as stiffness, pain, and tremors. Always consult your doctor before utilizing suitable and the best cannabis strains for Parkinson’s to understand if medical marijuana is feasible for you.