Compare Which CBD Oil Is Best for Parkinson’s Disease for 2022

How CBD May Help With Parkinson’s Disease

There is no conclusive evidence that CBD helps manage Parkinson’s disease or alleviate the symptoms of this disorder.

However, researchers have been interested in CBD’s therapeutic properties as a potential remedy to help with Parkinson’s disease or its symptoms⁽¹⁾.

CBD is purported to have anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic (antianxiety), antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties⁽²⁾. These potential benefits suggest that CBD may help alleviate neuroinflammation, epilepsy, anxiety, oxidative injury, and nausea.

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience trembling hands, arms, legs, or head. Other symptoms include limb and trunk stiffness, slowness of movement, impaired balance leading to falling, depression, and sleep disruptions⁽³⁾.

CBD works by engaging the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and inhibiting the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme⁽⁴⁾. Inhibiting these enzymes may help exert CBD’s neuroprotective properties, which may be beneficial for Parkinson’s disease.

The ECS also contains the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which have regulatory functions within the body.

CB1 receptors are primarily prominent in the brain and spinal cord and provide an effect on pain, appetite regulation, and memory. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are present in the peripheral nervous system and immune system cells and help regulate inflammation⁽⁵⁾.

However, cannabinoids may have a hypokinetic profile by activating the CB1 receptors⁽⁶⁾. This characteristic may be disadvantageous to Parkinson’s disease cases as the compound may worsen rather than reduce motor disability.

Hypokinesia, also called bradykinesia, is a state wherein the body lacks sufficient motor function leading to a limited range of motions.

Studies using experimental parkinsonism models showed that CBD may provide neuroprotective effects by acting through antioxidant mechanisms that do not involve the CB1 and CB2 receptors⁽⁷⁾.

Researchers are focusing on how cannabinoids may provide neuroprotection through the compounds’ antioxidant properties without activating the CB1 receptors.

Uses and Benefits of CBD for Parkinson’s Disease

One of the potential uses for CBD is its purported anti-inflammatory effect on the central nervous system⁽⁸⁾. This effect may be helpful for neuroinflammatory conditions.

Researchers studied the neuroprotective benefits of cannabinoids against 6-hydroxydopamine toxicity⁽⁹⁾.

Results showed that CBD may have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties associated with the compound’s anti-inflammatory potential. The study also suggested that these positive effects may be relevant to Parkinson’s disease.

Studies often use the 6-hydroxydopamine neurotoxin as a Parkinson’s disease model to simulate the disorder⁽¹⁰⁾.

Researchers implicated oxidative stress as part of the mechanisms that cause Parkinson’s disease⁽¹¹⁾. Thus, antioxidant remedies may help overcome oxidative injury due to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s.

One study mentioned that CBD may function as a neuroprotective antioxidant, making it a potential therapeutic agent to help manage oxidative neurological disorders⁽¹²⁾.

Another study showed that CBD may help reduce microglial activation to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease⁽¹³⁾.

Microglia are cells that help maintain neuronal networks, regulate brain development, and manage injury repair⁽¹⁴⁾.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition characterized by atrophy (brain shrinkage) and brain cell death⁽¹⁵⁾.

Researchers may consider the results of this study as a reference to determine whether CBD’s therapeutic potential may slow down the progression of other neurological disorders.

Meanwhile, PD patients or individuals with the disease may also experience anxiety, depression, or fear⁽¹⁶⁾.

One study on individuals with social phobia mentioned that CBD may help reduce anxiety⁽¹⁷⁾. This finding suggests that CBD may potentially manage anxious behavior caused by Parkinson’s disease.

Research on CBD’s putative therapeutic benefits on Parkinson’s disease or its symptoms is limited despite clinical developments. To give the results more credibility, scientists must consider conducting further randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials with more human subjects.

How to Administer CBD Oil for Parkinson’s Disease

Here are the various delivery routes to choose from when administering CBD oil products to help with Parkinson’s disease or its symptoms:

• Sublingual administration: CBD products delivered through this method include tinctures and oromucosal sprays.

CBD tincture formulation usually includes a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil, for diluting the CBD concentrate.

Sublingual administration delivers CBD oil under the tongue. This method allows the compound to enter the bloodstream through the blood vessels under your tongue and bypass the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

CBD tincture bottles typically include a calibrated dropper for accurate dosing, preventing you from taking too much or too little CBD oil than what you need.

• Ingestion: Products using this delivery method include capsules, pills, and edibles, such as gummies, cookies, and chews.

Oral CBD products are administered through the mouth to let the drug pass through the GI tract before getting absorbed into the bloodstream.

• Inhalation: Products such as vape pens or smokes deliver CBD oil into the body through inhalation. This method has a relatively fast onset time lasting from seconds to minutes, which may be suitable for relieving nausea or acute pain⁽¹⁸⁾.

However, the FDA advises users that vaping is unsafe, especially for young people, pregnant women, and adult non-smokers⁽¹⁹⁾.

• Topical application: CBD oil products applied directly to your skin include balms, lotions, creams, ointments, and salves.

The topical application of CBD provides localized relief⁽²⁰⁾.

Regarding dosage, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not endorsed any standard CBD dosage guide applicable for Parkinson’s disease.

Factors affecting your dosage include diet, exercise, stress levels, genetics, and overall medical condition⁽²¹⁾.

However, one dosing strategy for taking CBD is to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage⁽²²⁾.

For example, you may consider starting with a 10mg dose of CBD per day⁽²³⁾.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Parkinson’s Disease?

Researchers have not conducted conclusive clinical trials determining CBD’s onset times for Parkinson’s disease.

However, general estimates for the time that CBD takes to become effective typically may depend on the delivery routes, as shown below⁽²⁴⁾:

• Ingestion: 30 to 90 minutes
• Sublingual method: 15 to 30 minutes
• Inhalation: 2 to 15 minutes
• Topical application: 15 to 30 minutes

How Long Will CBD Help With Parkinson’s Disease?

There is no conclusive scientific data on how long CBD’s effects will last for Parkinson’s disease.

However, different administration methods may cause the duration of effects to vary, such as the following⁽²⁵⁾:

• Ingestion: six to eight hours
• Sublingual administration: two to four hours
• Inhalation: two to four hours
• Topical application: two to four hours

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers have not conducted extensive studies on CBD’s adverse effects on individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

However, CBD may induce minor side effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue⁽²⁶⁾.

Other reported side effects of CBD are tiredness and changes in body weight⁽²⁷⁾.

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Parkinson’s Disease

When looking for the best CBD oil from online stores or dispensaries to help with Parkinson’s disease or its symptoms, factors like extraction methods, product categories, lab test results, and personal preferences may influence your decisions.

Extraction Methods

Manufacturers use various extraction methods, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), ethanol, and hydrocarbon when deriving CBD and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. 

• CO2 extraction: Carbon dioxide is a non-combustible and odorless gas that the FDA rated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use⁽²⁸⁾.

This method is a popular extraction process used by medium- and large-scale manufacturers because carbon dioxide is a natural chemical substance that does not leave residues⁽²⁹⁾.

• Ethanol extraction: Ethyl alcohol or ethanol is a solvent used for CBD extraction purported to be more efficient than CO2 while being safer than hydrocarbons such as butane⁽³⁰⁾.

For centuries, many cultures have utilized ethanol extraction for deriving medicinal compounds from the cannabis plant⁽³¹⁾.

• Hydrocarbon extraction: Some manufacturers use hydrocarbons, such as butane, for CBD extraction due to their affordability⁽³²⁾.

Although hydrocarbons have a modest price, they are flammable and neurotoxic. If not fully removed from the CBD extract, these chemicals may cause a health and safety hazard.

Product Category

After extracting the cannabis extract, manufacturers process it into CBD oil products and categorize it as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.

• Full-spectrum CBD oil: This CBD form contains all essential cannabis compounds and cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, and flavonoids.

THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that induces a “high” associated with marijuana usage⁽³³⁾.

Meanwhile, terpenes are plant compounds that give cannabis plants a distinct scent and are used as essential oil constituents⁽³⁴⁾.

On the other hand, flavonoids are substances purported to have antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits⁽³⁵⁾.

• Broad-spectrum CBD oil: This product type contains most compounds and cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD oil. However, broad-spectrum CBD oil does not contain THC.
• CBD isolates: These products are made of pure CBD only. CBD isolates are THC-free and do not contain any other cannabinoids or compounds.

If you prefer to experience the full benefits of all the cannabinoids and compounds, consider full-spectrum CBD oil products. However, if you have an aversion to THC or its psychoactive effects, choose broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolates.

Laboratory Testing

CBD companies usually send samples of CBD oil items to third-party laboratories to examine and verify the consistency and safety of their products.

These third-party labs document the test results on a certificate of analysis (COA). This document contains detailed information about the product, including the total amount of CBD, THC, and other compounds.

COAs also show whether the THC concentration in a CBD product is less than 0.3%. Cannabis-based products whose THC level falls within this limit are not considered controlled substances under U.S. federal law⁽³⁶⁾.

Third-party labs also check the products for contaminants and include the findings in the COA. These contaminants include pesticides, heavy metals, or solvents that can become a health hazard to consumers.

For these reasons, compare the COA results to the CBD product’s label to verify whether the information provided is accurate. Reputable CBD brands get their products analyzed regularly and post updated COAs on their websites.

Legality of CBD

United States federal law states that CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC concentration are considered illegal⁽³⁷⁾.

The 2018 Farm Bill established a framework for regulating U.S. hemp production⁽³⁸⁾. The law also removed hemp from the definition of “marijuana” under the Controlled Substances Act⁽³⁹⁾.

CBD and medical marijuana laws are implemented with varying restriction levels across all U.S. states. As of February 2022, states like Colorado, California, New York, Arizona, and Nevada have regulated medical cannabis programs⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Thus, you must review your state’s laws before using CBD products to determine if such products are legal in your area.

What the FDA Says About CBD

The FDA warns suppliers and consumers that marketing or labeling CBD products as food additives or dietary supplements is prohibited⁽⁴¹⁾.

Additionally, the federal agency approved Epidiolex in 2018 as a pure CBD prescription medication for treating seizures due to epilepsy⁽⁴²⁾. This approval makes Epidiolex the first and only FDA-approved CBD product.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder associated with walking and balance difficulties, shaking, and coordination problems.

Over time, this neurodegenerative disease can cause non-motor symptoms or behavioral and mental changes, such as depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, and memory issues⁽⁴³⁾.

Causes

The disease occurs when the basal ganglia’s nerve cells (neurons) die or become impaired. The basal ganglia are structures within the brain that control movement.

The death or impairment of these brain cells causes lower dopamine production, resulting in movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease. Scientists have not discovered the cause of death of these dopamine-producing cells.

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease also lose the nerve endings producing norepinephrine. This chemical messenger is part of the sympathetic nervous system, controlling blood pressure and heart rate.

Thus, norepinephrine loss may be associated with blood pressure irregularity, fatigue, food digestion reduction, and blood pressure drop when standing up⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Parkinson’s disease may cause shaking or tremors in the hands, bradykinesia, rigidity in the limbs, and problems with walking⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include the following⁽⁴⁶⁾:

• Speaking, chewing, and swallowing difficulties
• Constipation
• Urinary problems
• Sleep disruptions
• Skin problems

Diagnosis

There are no reliable testing methods to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. However, a neurologist or doctor specializing in nervous system conditions can analyze this condition based on your symptoms, medical history, or physical exam results⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Your doctor can recommend a dopamine transporter scan (DaTscan) to support any suspicion of the disease. However, experts still consider neurological exams and symptoms more reliable in making the correct diagnosis⁽⁴⁸⁾.

Additionally, your doctor can request other tests to rule out other conditions causing the symptoms. These tests include blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or brain ultrasound.

However, these imaging tests do not help detect Parkinson’s disease⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, medications may help manage tremors and movement disorders or serve as dopamine substitutes⁽⁵⁰⁾. These medications include the following:

• Carbidopa-levodopa: Doctors can give this medication to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This drug may also treat Parkinson’s-like symptoms caused by nervous system injury due to monoxide or manganese poisoning⁽⁵¹⁾.

Levodopa is a central nervous system (CNS) agent that works in the brain and converts into dopamine.

Carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents levodopa from breaking down before reaching the brain. Carbidopa helps lower levodopa dosage and minimize the risk of vomiting or nausea⁽⁵²⁾.

One side effect of levodopa, especially when taking this medication at higher doses, is dyskinesia or involuntary movements. Your doctor can lessen the dosage to manage or minimize this side effect.

You may take carbidopa-levodopa in tablet, capsule, or liquid suspension form. The regular oral capsules are typically taken three or four times daily, while the extended-release tablet is taken two to four times a day⁽⁵³⁾.

However, you still need to follow the doctor’s prescription and take carbidopa-levodopa as directed. Additionally, do not administer or take more or less of the medicine than the doctor prescribed.

For example, you should take the extended-release tablets or capsules one or two hours before meals and swallow the medicine whole instead of chewing or crushing them⁽⁵⁴⁾.

• Dopamine agonists: These medications mimic the effects of dopamine. These drugs are not as effective as levodopa. However, dopamine agonists last longer and may be used with levodopa⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Examples of dopamine agonists are ropinirole (Requip), rotigotine (Neupro), and pramipexole (Mirapex).

Dopamine agonists have similar side effects as carbidopa-levodopa and may cause sleepiness, hallucinations, and compulsive behaviors like eating, gambling, and hypersexuality⁽⁵⁶⁾.

Hallucinations are symptoms of psychosis that cause false perceptions, such as seeing, hearing, or feeling something that is not present⁽⁵⁷⁾.

• MAO B inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) brain enzymes and help prevent dopamine breakdown.

Side effects include nausea, headaches, and insomnia. Adding MAO B inhibitors to carbidopa-levodopa may cause hallucinations.

• Amantadine: Doctors can prescribe amantadine for the short-term relief of early-stage Parkinson’s disease.

For controlling involuntary movements, you may administer amantadine with carbidopa-levodopa for late-stage Parkinson’s disease.

Amantadine’s side effects include ankle-swelling, purple mottling or skin marbling, or psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations.

• Anticholinergics: These medications may help control tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease⁽⁵⁸⁾. These drugs include benztropine or trihexyphenidyl.

Anticholinergics may cause side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, confusion, and impaired memory.

Another solution is deep brain stimulation (DBS), involving implanting electrodes surgically in the brain⁽⁵⁹⁾. These electrodes are connected to a generator implanted in the chest and send electrical signals to the brain to help reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Doctors usually recommend DBS for Parkinson’s disease patients or individuals with advanced Parkinson’s disease. The doctor will adjust the settings of the device based on the severity of your condition.

However, DBS may cause strokes, infections, or brain hemorrhage. Additionally, although this method may be beneficial for Parkinson’s symptoms, it cannot prevent the disease progression.

Alternative methods to help manage Parkinson’s disease or its symptoms include lifestyle changes or home remedies such as exercising, eating healthy food, avoiding situations that increase fall risk, and consulting an occupational therapist⁽⁶⁰⁾.