French Parkinson’s Patients Indicate Strong Support for Medical Cannabis and CBD Use

LOS ANGELES- A recent study published in Clinical Parkinsonism & Related Disorders reveals that a significant majority of individuals in France diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are in favor of utilizing medical cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for symptom management. The nationwide online survey, which included 1,136 participants with PD, found that 81.7% expressed support for medical cannabis, while 87.4% were in favor of CBD use.

The study identified several factors contributing to this high level of acceptability, including the presence of anxiety symptoms, greater knowledge of cannabinoids, proactive information-seeking behavior regarding medical cannabis, and a perception of low risk associated with cannabis dependence. However, the research also highlighted persistent misconceptions about cannabinoids, with concerns about dependence serving as a significant barrier to their use. Notably, healthcare providers were infrequently cited as sources of information on medical cannabis, suggesting a potential gap in patient education.

In France, the legal framework surrounding cannabis remains restrictive. Cannabis use is prohibited outside the current limited medical cannabis experimental framework, which does not include Parkinson’s disease as an eligible condition. Conversely, CBD products are legal and readily accessible.

The findings of this study underscore the necessity for accurate education about the benefits and risks of cannabinoids to enhance their acceptability among individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The authors suggest that disseminating precise information could address ongoing misconceptions and potentially inform future discussions on the inclusion of medical cannabinoids in PD treatment options.

This research aligns with a broader trend observed in other countries. For instance, a survey conducted by Parkinson’s UK in 2019 reported that 59% of respondents had not used cannabis-derived products but would consider using them to control their symptoms, indicating a growing interest in alternative therapies among the PD community.

source:  Parkinson’s UK