Abstract Details

Title Prevalence, Benefits, and Adverse Effects of Cannabis Use in Parkinson’s Patients

Topic Movement Disorders

Presentation(s) P3 - Poster Session 3 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 10-029

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine perceived benefits and adverse effects of cannabis use in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, and to gauge patient interest in medical cannabis.

Background

The endocannabinoid system could be an integral regulator of motor function, evidenced by the high concentration of Cannabinoid Receptor type 1 (CB1R) throughout the basal ganglia and cerebellum, indicating a potential therapeutic target for several movement disorders. Extensive basic science research shows promising results, but there are few studies with human subjects.

Design/Methods

An anonymous survey was distributed to PD patients in clinic.

Results

Of 302 surveys, 5 were duplicates, 163 were completed (54.7%), and 134 were declined (45.0%). Of 140 patients who had not used cannabis for PD, 93 (66.4%) were interested in trying it, but only 16 (18.0%) discussed it with a physician. 13 patients used cannabis for PD. There was improvement in tremor (54.5%), rigidity (36.4%), bradykinesia (36.4%), instability (27.3%), gait (36.4%), depression (27.3%), anxiety (27.3%), sleep (54.5%), pain (36.4%), sialorrhea (18.9%), dyskinesia (27.3%), and nausea (36.4%). 4 people reported side effects including worsening anxiety (9.1%), hallucinations (9.1%), forgetfulness (18.9%), cough (18.9%), and weight gain (9.1%). Oil users noted improvement in all symptoms, most significantly in bradykinesia (60%), instability (60%), and gait (60%). Smokers/vapers saw most improvement in tremor (50%) and sleep (66.7%). Edibles showed limited benefit and all respondents reported side effects, including worsening anxiety (33.3%), forgetfulness (33.3%), cough (33.3%), and hallucinations (33.3%).

Conclusions

Most participants are interested in trying cannabis for PD. Oil users report benefit for all PD symptoms with few side effects, while smokers/vapers see greatest benefit in tremor and non-motor PD symptoms. More clinical trials are needed to assess objective effects of cannabis, but physicians should be aware of potential benefits and side effects in order to discuss medical cannabis with PD patients.

Authors/Disclosures
Amelia Carwin, MD (SCL Health) PRESENTER	Dr. Carwin has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Acadia. Dr. Carwin has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Kyowa Kirin.
Hubert H. Fernandez, MD, FAAN (Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic)	Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Abbvie. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Amneal. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Intrance. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Abbvie. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier. Dr. Fernandez has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Fernandez has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Steering Committee/Advisory Committee Member with Parkinson Study Group.

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