Parkinson’s and medical cannabis study kicks off

Australian medicinal cannabis company Zelira Therapeutics is working with America’s Parkinson’s Foundation to gather insights from people with PD about their understanding of and use of medical cannabis and hemp-derived therapies.

Zelira is assisting in the development of a survey to understand the current use and perceived benefits of medical cannabis among people with PD.

The results will be reviewed, and will possibly pave the way for a future clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis use by people with PD.

Zelira will also incorporate survey insights to inform future development of clinically validated medical cannabis and hemp-derived CBD medicines for people with Parkinson’s disease.

It will also provide guidance to people with Parkinson’s regarding various cannabinoid-based and hemp-derived CBD treatment alternatives.

John Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, said: “Many people with Parkinson’s disease are seeking help with their symptoms by trying various forms of medical cannabis.

“The volume and frequency of questions Parkinson’s Foundation receive from people with Parkinson’s regarding the safety and impact of medical cannabis and CBD has led us to examine this public health issue more fully, and to seek collaborations with leaders in the field from academia, government, advocacy groups and industry to provide the most accurate information possible.

“Zelira Therapeutics, a leader in disease-specific medical cannabis therapeutics, has committed to helping people with Parkinson’s understand the role that medical cannabis might play in managing their daily symptoms.”

Tom Borger, chief business officer at Zelira, said: “The challenge for people with Parkinson’s is clear, as there is a lack of definitive studies informing clinicians and patients with Parkinson’s about the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis.

“One of the objectives of the survey and this collaboration is to provide guidance to people with Parkinson about the need for clinically validated medical marijuana and hemp-derived CBD medicines that might address their symptoms.”