If you are looking for information on Parkinson’s disease and the use of medical cannabis, look no further. The Michael J Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research just published an extremely comprehensive guide on the subject. Even better, it’s free. For those affected by Parkinson’s disease, this is extremely good news. Due to a lack of definitive research, finding information on cannabis and Parkinson’s can be very hard to do. Thankfully, The Michael J Fox Foundation took matters into their own hands.
The Michael J Fox Foundation
The Michael J Fox Foundation (MJFF) has been advocating for Parkinson’s patients since the day it was created. A promise published on their website perfectly sums up what they do: “The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today”. Essentially, they help to facilitate the development of new treatments by funding, conducting, and advocating for research. Because of overwhelming patient testimony, MJFF supports the use of cannabis. Plus, they also recognize the lack of access to information on the subject.
Why is it hard to find information on using cannabis to treat Parkinson’s disease?
When it comes to treating Parkinson’s disease with cannabis, research has yet to prove solid benefits. Studies and surveys have been done but there is not enough definitive evidence. Because of this, few doctors are willing to go near the topic. When it comes to getting guidance on the subject, patients are usually on their own. For many, this is often enough to stop them from considering cannabis as a treatment option; from approaching doctors to dosing and application, the risks seemed to outweigh any reward potential. Thankfully, The Micheal J Fox Foundation was able to recognize the situation and offer up a potential remedy.
Survey on Cannabis and Parkinson’s
Recognizing the lack of information on the subject, the foundation reached out to its network of patients. They wanted to learn more about individual experiences using cannabis and hosted a survey through Fox Insight. They partnered with the University of Colorado and in total, 1900 people participated. The results of the survey were published back in January but the MJFF wanted to go further; so, they wrote out a guide.
Cannabis and Parkinson’s disease guide – what’s it all about?
If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s disease and is curious about using medical cannabis, this guide will provide you with a great place to start. This short, nine-page guide covers important topics such as:
- Safety and Effect – This subject covers everything from side effects to interactions with medications. Basically, it explains what to expect in terms of sensation.
- Education – A basic understanding of cannabis and the different cannabinoids within the plant.
- Explanation for lack of research – If a lack of cannabis research or legal backing is causing some hesitation, this section is a must-read. In a few short paragraphs, the guide effectively sums up all the bureaucratic nonsense that prevents this treatment from going mainstream.
- How to access it – This section provides an overview of accessing medical cannabis in the US.
- How to talk to your doctor – What to say and how to approach.
Access the guide and other resources
To access ‘Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Disease’, click here. You will be asked to provide your information to the organization but once you do, the guide is free to download.
If you would like more information on the subject, you can register for a free webinar to watch at your convenience. Click here to register.