Managing Parkinson's Disease with Medical Cannabis
Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. It affects nerves that help to co-ordinate muscle movements. As the condition progresses, symptoms often worsen, making it increasingly difficult to carry out everyday activities without help.
What are the symptoms?
Patients with Parkinson’s Disease can experience a wide range of both physical and psychological symptoms. The three main symptoms are:
- Involuntary shaking of parts of the body (known as tremors)
- Slow movement
- Stiff and inflexible muscles
Other symptoms can include:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Problems with balance (which may increase the risk of falls)
- Loss of sense of smell (Anosmia)
- Sleep problems (Insomnia)
- Memory problems
Cause and treatment
Parkinson’s Disease is caused by the loss of nerves cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in dopamine – a chemical which plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. The reduction of dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms ofParkinson’s disease.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, however, there area number of treatment options available to help treat symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible as the condition develops. During the early stages of the disease, treatment may not be necessary as symptoms are usually mild.
Traditional treatment options include:
- Supportive treatments, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Medications
- Brain surgery may be considered in some cases
Medical Cannabis and Parkinson's Disease
Cannabis-based medicines may be useful in helping to alleviate pain and tremors as well as in improving ease of movement, quality of life measures (i.e., sleep, mood). The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis may also help to improve the side effects of some current Parkinson’s Disease medications.
Clinical research into the benefits of cannabis for Parkinson’s Disease is still ongoing and there is currently no definitive proof on the subject. However, there is a high incidence of anecdotal evidence from patients with Parkinson’s Disease who have found medical cannabis to be useful. For example, a survey by Parkinson’s UK found that 26% of patients with the condition having used cannabis to manage pain and discomfort associated with their illness.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
As featured on
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Your go-to blog for medical cannabis facts and updates.
FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Medical cannabis may help manage certain symptoms of Parkinson’s such as muscle stiffness, tremors, sleep issues, and anxiety. At Cantourage Clinic, we assess each patient individually to explore whether cannabis-based treatment could offer symptom relief and improve daily functioning when other treatments fall short.
Is medical cannabis legally prescribed for Parkinson’s in the UK?
Yes. Medical cannabis is legal in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Cantourage Clinic provides regulated, prescription-based access to cannabis medicines for patients who have not responded well to traditional therapies.
Which Parkinson’s symptoms can cannabis-based therapies potentially improve?
Patients may experience improvements in muscle rigidity, tremors, pain, mood disturbances, and sleep. Our clinicians tailor every treatment plan to the individual’s needs, often starting with low-THC or balanced products to support both motor and non-motor symptoms.
What’s the process for starting Parkinson’s treatment with medical cannabis at Cantourage Clinic?
Begin by booking a consultation with our specialist team. We’ll review your medical history, current treatments, and symptoms to determine if you’re eligible. If medical cannabis is appropriate, we’ll create a personalised plan and provide ongoing care and support throughout your treatment journey.