Published survey data from the medical journal Parkinson’s Disease suggests that people with the condition have experienced quality of life improvements after consuming cannabis.
French investigators surveyed 1,136 patients, with a median age of 68 years, and reported that 60% of them said they saw improvements after using cannabis. The respondents explained that their pain, rigidity and sleep quality improved. About 40% of cannabis consumers said their tremor frequency was also reduced, a trend similarly noted by those using CBD products.
While medical cannabis use is not permitted in France, people have legal access to CBD products.
“An enhanced communication with health care providers and facilitated access to safe products are needed in France so that people with PD (Parkinson’s disease) can maximize the benefits of cannabinoids when clinically appropriate,” said the study’s authors.
Health care professionals are unprepared for cannabis counseling
A review of published studies from the “Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids” medical journal found that most U.S. health care professionals claim to be unprepared to discuss therapeutic cannabis uses with patients.
Investigators from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine analyzed 41 studies that disclosed cannabis opinions from medical practitioners. Their investigations concluded that the respondents felt inadequately prepared to counsel patients concerning cannabis.
“U.S. physicians and medical trainees perceived significant knowledge barriers to recommending MC (medical cannabis) and counseling patients on its therapeutic use,” said researchers. “Students, residents and fellows remain minimally prepared on this topic, both on the pharmacological principles and the ability to provide guidance to patients who have questions.
“Physicians expressed the need for postgraduate education on MC in different formats, including CME (webinars and conference presentations), along with clearer state clinical practice guidelines. Effectively training current and future healthcare professionals on MC is a necessary step toward improving patient care and reducing potential stigma associated with medical versus recreational cannabinoid use.”
Age-related cognitive decline among mice is mitigated with CBD
Preclinical data published in the medical journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience indicate that mice receiving daily CBD administration saw improved memory and reduced age-related cognitive decline.
Canadian researchers assessed CBD effects on memory impairment and brain inflammation among older mice. For seven months, the animals received CBD daily.
“The findings of this study indicate that CBD reduces inflammatory response in the brain and improves cognitive decline associated with aging,” said the study’s authors.
“Importantly, evidence was also observed suggesting that long-term CBD treatments do not have negative impacts on these same functions and brain regions, nor do they cause negative side effects in aged mice subjects. It is possible that the effects of CBD treatment can be enhanced if an extract with THC and terpenoids is used.”
According to published data from the Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy journal, memory improvements in Alzheimer’s disease preclinical models were also attributed to CBD treatment.
