Parkinson’s disease is typically associated with both tremor and bradykinesia (slowness of motion). This open-label observational study set out to determine the effect of cannabis (marijuana) on both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Twenty-two patients attending a motor disorder clinic in 2011-2012 were evaluated at a baseline and again 30 minutes following smoking marijuana.
The Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale showed significant improvement on the motor score after smoking marijuana, and analysis of specific motor symptoms revealed significant improvement after treatment in tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
No significant adverse effects of marijuana were observed and patients additionally reported an improvement in sleep and pain scores.
