The Therapeutic Potential and Ethical Implications of Medical Cannabis in Parkinson's Disease: Exploring Mitigation of Reliance on Deep Brain Stimulation

Medical cannabis, with its complex array of cannabinoids, has emerged as a potential therapeutic avenue for managing the multifaceted symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This review article synthesizes current evidence regarding the effects of medical cannabis on both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, examining its potential to alleviate these burdens and its ethical implications for use in this vulnerable population. The review further explores the theoretical and preliminary evidence for cannabis's role in potentially mitigating or delaying the need for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or complementing its effects. A dedicated section delves into the interaction of cannabinoids with the endocannabinoid system in the brain and its relevance to PD pathology, motor skills, and functionality. While acknowledging the limitations of current research, this paper highlights the potential of cannabis to modulate the endocannabinoid system and impact PD symptomatology, emphasizing the need for rigorous ethical considerations and further scientific investigation.