Cannabis use in Parkinson’s disease—A nationwide online survey study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of use, attitudes toward, and experiences with cannabis and cannabis-related products among people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) living in Norway.

Methods: Between February and August 2021, PwP and their caregivers were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey study on cannabis use. N= 530 PwP completed the 24-item survey collecting data on the participants’ history of cannabis use, perceived benefits and adverse effects of cannabis use, and expectations toward health care professionals. N= 108 caregivers completed a brief survey detailing their experience with cannabis use.

Results: A total of 59 (11.3%) of PwP reported previous or current use of cannabis, compared to 7 (6.6%) of caregivers. Cannabis use was associated with increased dis-ease duration, but not age or gender. Improvement in motor function (69.5%), sleep (52.5%), and pain (37.3%) was the most frequently perceived benefits of cannabis use, with benefits more frequently reported by current than previous users. While half (50.8%) of cannabis users had sought advice from a health care professional regard-ing cannabis use, only 55 (19.9%) of non-users with an interest in cannabis use had discussed the topic with health care professionals. Principal barriers for discussing cannabis use with health care professionals are discussed.

Conclusions: One in 20 PwP reports cannabis use, and non-users report widespread interest in cannabis. The use of cannabis is often not reported and unknown for health care professionals, arguing for a vigilant approach to non- prescribed cannabis use in clinical follow-up of PwP.

KEYWORDS

cannabidiol, cannabis, delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol, Parkinson’s disease