Research study · Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska · 2022
Cannabis in Parkinson’s Disease - the patient’s perspective versus clinical trials: a systematic literature review
Verified on PubMed Systematic review or meta-analysis
A 2022 systematic review in Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska tested cannabis in Parkinson Disease. Only seven randomized trials on cannabinoids for PD were identified. This review confirms that current evidence does not support using cannabis to treat motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, reinforcing that clinicians should continue to rely on established therapies rather than cannabinoid.
In plain language
Study overview
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of cannabinoids in treating Parkinson's Disease. Clinicians should consider larger randomized studies before recommending cannabinoid treatments to patients.
Findings
Only seven randomized trials on cannabinoids for PD were identified. Results did not support the efficacy of cannabinoids for motor symptoms. Insufficient data exists to recommend cannabinoids for PD patients.
The deeper readScientific analysis
Cannabis and cannabinoids are often considered in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The purpose of this paper was to perform a systematic review of the available data on cannabis treatment. We aimed to assess randomised trials as well as surveys among patients. We identified 569 papers on PD and cannabinoid treatment. Of these, there were only seven papers featuring randomised trials on the effects of different cannabinoids on PD. The results of these trials did not support the efficacy of cannabinoids in the treatment of motor signs of PD. Based on the available data, we conclude that there is currently insufficient data to support the administration of cannabinoids to PD patients. Larger, randomised studies of cannabis use in PD should be conducted.
The paper
Citation
Figura M, Koziorowski D, Sławek J Cannabis in Parkinson’s Disease — the patient’s perspective versus clinical trials: a systematic literature review. Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska (2022). PubMed 34985112 · DOI
Limitations the authors noted
Small sample sizes across available clinical studies. Differing schedules of administration and dosing regimens. Lack of dose standardization, particularly with smoked/vaporized cannabis. Inherent bias in patient surveys and open-label trials due to high patient expectations.
In practice
Why this matters
This review confirms that current evidence does not support using cannabis to treat motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, reinforcing that clinicians should continue to rely on established therapies rather than cannabinoid treatments until larger studies provide clearer data.
Browse related research
Condition: Parkinson's disease Topic: parkinson's disease
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Reviewed by Dr. Caplan on October 10, 2026.
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