Parkinson’s disease is a chronic movement disorder, a progressive nervous system disorder, that mainly affects the elderly. Though most of them receive traditional treatment and therapy, they turn to other forms of treatment, such as medical marijuana.
In Connecticut, cannabis has been known to offer the solution for Parkinson’s disease symptoms. This article examines the use of cannabis for treating patients with Parkinson’s disease and the way to receive a medical marijuana card in Connecticut.
Parkinson’s Disease and Its Symptoms
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily develops due to the death of dopamine-producing neurons of the brain, resulting in a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor manifestations consist of resting tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, though not commanding widespread attention as extrapyramidal syndromes. Other symptoms might be pain, anxiety, depression, sleeping, or cognitive dysfunction.
Current Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease
Previous treatments of Parkinson’s disease are generally concerned with alleviating the signs and symptoms of the illness, but not with its cure. Some drugs, such as levodopa, improve dopamine secretion thereby reducing motor discomfort. However, it has been discovered that these medications can become less effective after some time, giving the patient few options. Fortunately, medical marijuana is available as an option for many patients, especially for those who encounter rather acute or intolerant to medications’ side effects manifestations.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card
Consult a licensed healthcare provider: All patients must have a prescription from a certified healthcare provider online before they can use them. Some of these telemedicine options make this process easier since the patient can make an online consultation.
Submit an Application: After the recommendation, you must submit your own application for enrollment with the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program and provide all the supporting documents required.
Renewal: Connecticut medical marijuana cardholders and ID cards are renewable annually. For the initial consultation, the consulting doctor recommends telemedicine, and there is a $179 charge for that, and yearly renewal costs $149.
Can Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Get Medical Marijuana in Connecticut?
Medical marijuana law in Connecticut allows any person with Parkinson’s disease as a qualifying condition to access medical marijuana. To get cannabis, patients have to register with the state’s medical marijuana card program. It is an outpatient consultation with a certified medical practitioner who will evaluate the readiness of the patient for a cannabis prescription.
Can cannabis be used as a source of treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
With increasing interest in medical marijuana, more data is being discovered regarding its impact on the lives of Parkinson’s patients. While not healing in nature, it can substantially alleviate symptoms for which otherwise no remedy can be found. Parkinson’s Disease patients in Connecticut can now legally receive cannabis-based treatments where the substance is otherwise fully legal.
It also proved convenient to access through telemedicine services.
In Connecticut, patients can talk to certified healthcare providers through virtual consultation to get marijuana recommendations. This telemedicine option easing the application process and allowing patients to start it from the comfort of their homes.
Why Use Cannabinoids in Parkinson’s Disease
Both CBD and THC, which are the primary cannabinoids of medical marijuana which serve as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, have been found to have positive effects on patient’s motor and non-motor symptoms. CBD is a non-psychotic component that has a neuroprotective effect, while THC minimizes problems such as tremors and muscle rigidity. THC and CBD engage with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls movement and disposition.
Get Rid of Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms
Various researchers have established that marijuana used in Parkinson’s disease lowers the incidence of tremors, rigidity, and muscular rigidity. Of these effects, the therapeutic value is most pronounced in people who have failed to respond to initial treatments or surgeries. Furthermore, it can help with pain, as well as anxiety or depression, the same helping the general quality of life of Parkinson’s sufferers.
How does cannabis work in the brain?
CBD and THC — both cannabinoids – interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the brain and impact neurotransmitters’ release. They found that this sort of interaction could have a restorative effect on dopamine production and reduce the extent of motor manifestations. Some of the benefits documented in resonance with patients include enhancement of mood and emotions, better sleeping, and reduced pain resulting from Parkinson’s disease due to the use of cannabis.
Understanding Connecticut Law on Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is well understood and legalized in Connecticut. Those individuals with a valid medical marijuana card can buy the substance from pharmacies recommended by the state. Nevertheless, it should be noted that cultivating marijuana at home is prohibited, so patients can buy no more than 2.5 ounces a month or more in cases if a doctor increases the dose.
Maintaining Safe Usage of Marijuana for Medical Purposes
Although medical marijuana cannot harm Parkinson’s patients in their early stages, the patient should use it under the supervision of a doctor. Cannabis can also worsen or interact with other medications, and the side effects include drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness. These risks can be controlled by consulting the doctor frequently in order to guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis has the potential to improve the lives of Parkinson’s disease sufferers in Connecticut because it helps to alleviate symptoms or provide relief to individuals whose symptoms are not controlled by other medications. Thanks to the flexibility of telemedicine, it has now become very easy to get certified for medical marijuana, apply for it, and get access to state-certified dispensaries. If you or your family member suffers from Parkinson’s disease, talk to a certified healthcare provider about using cannabis for treatment.
For more information on how to get started with medical marijuana in Connecticut, consult a certified provider today and start the process online.
FAQs
Can medical marijuana help with Parkinson’s tremors?
Yes, research has shown that medical marijuana, particularly THC, can help reduce tremors and muscle stiffness in some patients with Parkinson’s disease.
How do I get a medical marijuana card for Parkinson’s disease in Connecticut?
You need a recommendation from a certified healthcare provider, which you can get via telemedicine. After that, you can submit your application to the state’s Medical Marijuana Program.
What is the cost of getting a medical marijuana recommendation in Connecticut?
For new patients, the cost of a recommendation is $179, while yearly renewals are $149 via telemedicine consultations.
Are there any risks or side effects of using medical marijuana for Parkinson’s?
While cannabis can be beneficial, some patients may experience side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, or dizziness. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Can I grow my own marijuana for medical use in Connecticut?
No, growing marijuana at home is illegal in Connecticut. Patients must purchase their cannabis from state-approved dispensaries.
