Cannabis Smoking for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD4.005)

Objective: To assess the clinical effect of cannabis on the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Background Recent years have witnessed a substantial increase in the use of cannabis as a therapeutic agent for various medical conditions. The present study was prompted by several reports of the effect of cannabis on motor symptoms in animal models of Parkinson9s disease. Design/Methods: 17 PD patients (mean age 64.2 years, mean disease duration 7.3 years) currently using cannabis as add on therapy were assessed at the Movement Disorders Clinic. The effect of cannabis on the motor symptoms of the disease was evaluated using the Unified Parkinson9s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) at baseline and 30 minutes after smoking Cannabis. The effect of cannabis on non-motor symptoms of PD and its side effects were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the present pain intensity scale (PPI) ,the Short-Form Mcgill Pain Questionnaire and the Medical Cannabis Survey National Drug and Alcohol Research Center Questionnaire. Results: There was an overall significant improvement in the mean total motor UPDRS score (33.5 ±14.6 before vs. 22.9 ±11.2 after cannabis smoking; P Conclusions: Cannabis holds promise as another treatment option for PD. It can apparently alleviate not only the motor symptoms but also the non-motor symptoms, especially PD-related pain and sleep, thereby improving patient quality of life. Disclosure: Dr. Lotan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Treves has nothing to disclose. Dr. Roditi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Djaldetti has nothing to disclose.