How CBD and THC Work for Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

What Causes Parkinson's Disease?

Again, according to the National Institute on Aging, “Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain that controls movement become impaired and/or die.” As these neurons degrade and die, brain and motor function decrease overall. It appears that the brain also loses the ability to produce dopamine.

This interruption in neurological function and hormone production impairs motor function in the body. Dopamine is a hormone largely produced and controlled by the endocrine system. This manifests in the body as:

• Shaking limbs
• Stiff limbs
• Difficulty walking and balancing
• Difficulty talking
• Impaired motor function

How Hemp Products Work

CBD and THC are molecules called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids come from cannabis and grow in both marijuana and hemp plants. These oily-molecules grow in other plants besides cannabis but present in high quantities in hemp products. CBD and THC are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp products, each with their own properties and potential abilities.

When ingested through smoking, vaporizing, oral supplements, or topical salves, CBD and THC enter the body and bloodstream. Once these molecules enter the bloodstream, scientists believe they mimic endocannabinoids naturally found in the body. CBD and THC then bind with endocannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocrine system. Smoking marijuana strains with both THC and CBD is thought to have a synergistic effect (a.k.a., entourage effect) on health.

The endocrine system is a series of glands throughout the body that are responsible for hormones. These glands work to produce, secrete, regulate, and interpret hormonal signals. Hormones such as dopamine control just about every biological function within the body, including appetite, growth, reproduction, organ function, and more.