TY - JOUR A2 - Aasly, Jan AU - Babayeva, Mariana AU - Assefa, Haregewein AU - Basu, Paramita AU - Chumki, Sanjeda AU - Loewy, Zvi PY - 2016 DA - 2016/12/05 TI - Marijuana Compounds: A Nonconventional Approach to Parkinson’s Disease Therapy SP - 1279042 VL - 2016 AB - Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is the second most common neurological illness in United States. Neurologically, it is characterized by the selective degeneration of a unique population of cells, the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. The current treatment is symptomatic and mainly involves replacement of dopamine deficiency. This therapy improves only motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and is associated with a number of adverse effects including dyskinesia. Therefore, there is unmet need for more comprehensive approach in the management of PD. Cannabis and related compounds have created significant research interest as a promising therapy in neurodegenerative and movement disorders. In this review we examine the potential benefits of medical marijuana and related compounds in the treatment of both motor and nonmotor symptoms as well as in slowing the progression of the disease. The potential for cannabis to enhance the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients is explored. SN - 2090-8083 UR - https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1279042 DO - 10.1155/2016/1279042 JF - Parkinson’s Disease PB - Hindawi Publishing Corporation KW - ER -