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“Have any of you tried marijuana to alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms?” asked one member of MyParkinsonsTeam. “I have never smoked in my life, much less marijuana.”
A U.S. survey of people with Parkinson’s disease found that about 1 out of 4 respondents had used cannabis within the past six months. Another survey reported that 73 percent of respondents who had used cannabis described their use as medicinal.
Researchers are still learning about marijuana and its effects on Parkinson’s. Current research doesn’t show conclusive benefits for Parkinson’s symptoms, and marijuana should never be a replacement for prescribed Parkinson’s medications.
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Here’s what to know about cannabis and if THC is beneficial for Parkinson’s.
To better understand how marijuana might affect you, it helps to know some of the common terms you might see on product labels or hear in conversations.
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant. This plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids — chemicals that can interact with proteins found in your cells. There are two main types of cannabinoids:
Technically, the term “cannabis” includes all products that come from the cannabis plant, while marijuana specifically refers to cannabis products that contain THC and are capable of getting you high. You can buy many types of products, including:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one cannabis-derived and three cannabis-related drug products, but they are not approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Because there hasn’t been a lot of research in this area, health experts don’t yet have a good understanding of the possible benefits of THC for Parkinson’s disease.
The Parkinson’s Foundation noted that so far, clinical studies have not found meaningful or conclusive benefits of cannabis for people with Parkinson’s.
A 2024 randomized trial tested an oral cannabis extract containing CBD and low-dose THC in 61 people with Parkinson’s. The study found no significant benefit compared with placebo for motor symptoms, and the authors noted possible worsening in cognition and sleep.
That doesn’t mean no one reports benefits. In a 2022 survey of 1,881 people with Parkinson’s who had used cannabis, respondents reported improvements in sleep, pain, and mood. Higher-THC products were linked with more frequent reports of both improvement and side effects.
Many MyParkinsonsTeam members have found cannabis helpful in managing their symptoms. Here’s what they have to say:
Other MyParkinsonsTeam members have not found any benefits:
These experiences can be important to the people who have them, but they are personal reports and they don’t prove that THC does or doesn’t treat symptoms like tremor, anxiety, or pain.
THC can cause side effects that may be especially concerning for people who already have balance problems, cognitive changes, or hallucinations. You may want to discuss these issues with your doctor before you try marijuana products.
In general, marijuana can lead to several short-term side effects, including:
The 2022 survey found that dry mouth, dizziness, and cognitive changes were common side effects. The 2024 trial reported more side effects in the CBD/THC group than in the placebo group. They included dizziness, fatigue, decreased concentration, confusion, and falls.
Marijuana side effects could also make some Parkinson’s symptoms worse. For example, THC can affect thinking and perception. You may want to avoid THC if you already experience Parkinson’s hallucinations or if you’ve had falls.
Members who use THC-containing products notice side effects. For some, this stops them from using them again, while others don’t find the side effects to be a deal-breaker. Here’s what they say:
Cannabis laws are complicated and can change. The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks state medical cannabis laws so you can understand the status of THC products where you live.
As of April 2026, the Department of Justice had reclassified state-regulated medical cannabis products and FDA-approved marijuana products from schedule 1 to schedule 3, but this doesn’t make cannabis legal across the entire country or allow all interstate sales.
Insurance coverage can also vary, depending on the product and insurance plan. Because no cannabis product is FDA-approved to treat Parkinson’s, costs may be an important question to discuss before use.
It’s also important to understand cannabis use disorder, which can involve craving, withdrawal, loss of control over cannabis use, and continued use despite harm.
Talk to your doctor for help weighing the possible benefits and risks of using cannabis products for Parkinson’s disease.
On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you tried marijuana for Parkinson’s disease? Let others know in the comments below.
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I have used gummies on an irregular basis. I have never used more than one gummy at any given time. In addition, I have never experienced any effect except complete rest. I only chew one, either… read more
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