MEDICAL MINUTE

In this column, our readers have the opportunity to ask our staff nurse anything they want to know about using cannabis plant medicine. She will provide quick and concise answers to big questions. In this month’s column, we researched Parkinson’s disease and how those suffering might be able to use cannabis for relief from their symptoms. Due to the abundance of cannabinoid receptors in the brain, the endocannabinoid system might turn out to be a direct delivery system for the relief of some symptoms experienced by patients who have Parkinson’s, according to a study published in Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience in January 2019. 1

Parkinson’s disease affects the body’s movements by attacking the nervous system. The disease begins gradually and progresses over time. Sometimes, it begins with a simple hand tremor, others might experience less expression in the face, or speech might slow or soften. 2 Pharmaceuticals have been the way patients have sought symptomatic relief until now. Thanks to the advancing laws surrounding medical and recreational cannabis, patients have more options than ever.

WHAT ARE THE BEST METHODS OF CONSUMPTION FOR PARKINSON’S PATIENTS?

In states that have medical marijuana or recreational cannabis laws enacted, different products are available at dispensaries. One of the main symptoms caused by the disease is tremors. Some patients have had success with taking cannabis in an oil taken orally. Cannabis oil may contain THC and CBD and is often sold in blunt-tipped syringes or in bottles with a dropper, making self-administration of the cannabis plant medicine easy for the patient.

In a study done by the British Association for Psychopharmacology, patients who received 300 mg of CBD a day showed a significant improvement of symptoms compared to those given a placebo. 4 In another study done by the Movement Disorder Soci- ety, doses as low as 1.5 mg CBD: 2.5 mg THC up to 300 mg of CBD were given daily. 5 Symptom relief was noted in patients with higher doses. Although there are still no set dosing parameters and more research is needed, do not let that get you discouraged.

An open-label study of smoked marijuana decreased tremor and slowness in 22 people with PD. 6 Improvement in patients’ sleep and pain scores were also observed. Some patients may prefer using an oil or tincture, others may feel more comfortable smoking. You may find a combination of delivery methods is what works best for you. Keep a journal and document your journey so if it works, you can duplicate what you did.

● What is the route of administration? ● What time did you consume? ● How much of the product did you consume? (e.g., ½ joint, 3 hits of a bowl, 10 mg CBD edible, 50 mg THC edible) ● What is the effect felt 1-2 hours later? ● How long did the desired effect last?

A qualifying condition is a disease/disorder/symptom that a state has approved for a patient to use medical cannabis. Permission is received from a recommending physician and paperwork is filed with the state registry. According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), there are 17 states in the U.S as of early 2020 that list Parkinson’s disease as an approved diagnosis. 3 In addition to listing Parkinson’s disease, patients may also receive approval for persistent muscle spasms/spasticity. WHAT STATES LIST PARKINSON’S AS A QUALIFYING CONDITION?

Connecticut Florida Georgia Illinois Iowa Louisiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Missouri PARKINSON’S DISEASE New Hampshire New Mexico New York Ohio Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Vermont West Virginia Virgin Islands Arizona California Colorado Delaware Maryland Michigan Minnesota PERSISTENT MUSCLE SPASMS/SPASTICITY

Montana Nevada Oregon Rhode Island Utah Washington

Arkansas (if approved by the Dept. of Health) Kansas Oklahoma Washington D.C Wisconsin TREATING PHYSICIAN DECISION

WHAT ELSE SHOULD PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S KNOW? If you have not yet taken the time to view a video of a Parkinson’s patient using cannabis, then I highly suggest you take the time to do so now. As people often say, “seeing is believing.” One of the best videos available to see how quickly the effects of the cannabis plant medicine take place can be found on YouTube. By typing in “Ride with Larry” in the search bar of YouTube, you will find videos of a former police officer turned cannabis user. His tremors begin to calm within a matter of minutes after using cannabis oil. Researching at home can feel daunting. Some reports can be conflicting. If you want to try cannabis for your symptoms, it is important that you speak with your doctor, and don’t forget to document your journey.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR NURSE JORDAN? Please submit any questions to info@getgramnow.com Your question might be published in an upcoming issue.