In light of the ITV documentary Jeremy Paxman: Putting up With Parkinson’s, Cannaray CBD looks at the benefits of CBD when it comes to this debilitating disease that currently affects one in 37 people in the UK.

As seen in the documentary, a major study from Kings College London looks at the impact of CBD on psychosis, a key symptom in Parkinson’s patients, with research into CBD’s ability to alleviate disturbing dreams and psychosis.

According to Parkinson’s UK, 50 to 60% of Parkinson’s patients have hallucinations, and after the CBD trial, patients have reported having a peaceful sleep, with initial results being incredibly promising.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Symptoms generally develop slowly over the years; however, the progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. People with PD may experience:

• Tremor, mainly at rest and described as pill rolling tremor in hands; other forms of tremor are possible.
• Slowness and paucity of movement (called bradykinesia and hypokinesia).
• Limb stiffness (rigidity).
• Gait and balance problems (postural instability).

In addition to movement-related (motor) symptoms, Parkinson’s symptoms may be unrelated to movement (non-motor). People with PD are often more impacted by their non-motor symptoms than motor symptoms. Examples of non-motor symptoms include depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, sleep disorders, loss of sense of smell, and various cognitive impairments.

What’s CBD?

CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike another component, THC, CBD is non-addictive and doesn’t cause intoxication. CBD – which is short for cannabidiol – is one of many chemical compounds of the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD can be taken as a food supplement via a CBD oil, capsule, or CBD gummy or applied to the skin as a CBD cream or balm.

How can cannabidiol affect Parkinson’s symptoms?

Current treatments for psychosis about Parkinson’s disease work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which can make other symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremors, worse. What’s exciting about cannabidiol is that it seems to act in a different way without causing any other side effects. However, the clinical trial will determine how accurate this is for people with Parkinson’s.

CBD is also found to help treat other disease symptoms such as depression, anxiety, pain and various sleep disorders. Research shows that CBD in your bedtime routine can help support your sleeping cycle and enhance your sleep.

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in maintaining certain body functions, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and regulating circadian rhythms. Regarding how they may affect sleep, some research indicates that the cannabinoid CBD may interact with specific receptors, potentially affecting the sleep/wake cycle.

CBD may also decrease anxiety and pain, which can interfere with restful sleep. While most over-the-counter remedies, such as herbal therapies, can only offer mild effects, CBD for sale has shown to be extremely effective in fighting anxiety. Studies show that CBD oil may help treat anxiety and alleviate depression by altering serotonin levels in the brain.

Dr Balu, founder of the Emotional Wellness Clinic and Scientific Advisor at Cannaray comments: ‘Taking CBD is a great natural supplement that has proven effects on lowering anxiety and stress levels. CBD is a natural ingredient that is being increasingly used and recommended to help calm symptoms of anxiety.’

‘Emotional Wellness and Mental Health conditions are influenced by multiple factors and it is important to consider a holistic approach when dealing with the mind and Brain Health. CBD may be a very useful addition to the long list of things one can do for their Mental Wealth.’

Dr Daniella Tonucci, a resident pain expert at Cannaray, comments: ‘The evidence of benefit is good, moderate or weak for different medical conditions. While cannabinoids are not a cure and may require long-term use, their side effects are minimal and in combination with other treatment modalities, they have the potential to improve quality of life. They may help reduce multiple symptoms in chronic complex disease.’