Living with Parkinson’s disease can be physically and emotionally demanding. Symptoms often progress over time, and many people reach a point where standard treatments no longer provide adequate relief or cause unwanted side effects.
At Medicann Clinics, our specialist doctors provide expert-led, patient-centred assessments to determine whether medical cannabis for Parkinson’s may be a suitable option alongside existing care. Eligibility is always assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects movement, muscle control, and coordination. It develops as a result of the gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra.
Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays a key role in controlling smooth, coordinated movement. As dopamine levels decrease, communication between the brain and muscles becomes impaired, leading to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s affects a significant number of people in the UK and is more common in individuals over the age of 50, although younger-onset Parkinson’s can also occur.
Symptoms and their severity can vary widely from person to person. For this reason, management and treatment plans need to be highly personalised and tailored to individual needs.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully understood. Research suggests that the condition develops as a result of a combination of factors, including age-related changes in the brain, genetic influences in a small number of cases, environmental factors, and the progressive loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells.
Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatment aims to manage symptoms, maintain independence, and improve quality of life for as long as possible.
Most people with Parkinson’s disease start with standard medical treatments, which are usually prescribed and monitored by a neurologist.
These commonly include:
These treatments help many people, but some may find they become less effective over time or cause side effects like nausea, involuntary movements, or sleep problems. Because of this, researchers are looking into other ways to manage symptoms, though evidence for alternatives is still limited.
In the UK, cannabis for Parkinson’s may be prescribed to help manage certain symptoms of neurological conditions when standard treatments are not sufficiently effective.
Cannabinoid-based medicines do not directly target dopamine. Instead, they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate movement, pain, sleep, and mood.
Some people with Parkinson’s report improvements in symptoms such as:
Medical cannabis does not cure Parkinson’s disease and is not suitable for everyone. Your clinician will review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms before considering whether it may be appropriate.
There is no single “best” treatment for Parkinson’s disease. If prescribed, the format and cannabinoid balance are tailored to each patient.
Commonly prescribed options may include:
Your clinician will discuss the potential benefits and considerations of each option and determine which is most suitable for you.
Clinical research into medical cannabis for Parkinson’s is ongoing. Current evidence suggests that cannabinoids may help some patients manage non-motor symptoms such as pain, sleep disturbance, and anxiety.
Patient-reported outcomes and observational studies indicate that:
However, responses vary, and larger, high-quality clinical trials are still needed. This is why careful monitoring and follow-up are essential parts of the Medicann prescribing pathway.
“ Excellent service. From applying to delivery everything took around 10 days. So far I’ve had next day delivery with no problems.”
Individual experiences vary, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Medical cannabis is usually considered an addition to standard Parkinson’s treatments, not a replacement.
Many patients continue with:
Your Medicann clinician will review your medications, check for potential interactions, and ensure your treatment plan is safe, suitable, and integrated with your overall care.
Yes. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018. Specialist doctors can prescribe it for certain conditions when it is clinically appropriate.
No, medical cannabis does not cure Parkinson’s disease. It may help some people manage certain symptoms, but it is not suitable for everyone.
In many cases, yes. Your Medicann clinician will carefully assess your existing treatments and any potential interactions.
CBD itself is not intoxicating. Some prescribed treatments may have different amounts of THC, and your clinician will explain this to you.
Yes, medical cannabis may also be considered for symptoms linked to other neurological and movement disorders. For a full list of eligible conditions, you can find them here.
Eligibility depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and past treatments. A Medicann clinician will review this with you during your consultation.
If you’re living with Parkinson’s disease and feel your current treatment isn’t meeting all your needs, contact our team to explore whether medical cannabis could be appropriate for you.
