With neuromodulation offering a novel treatment strategy for PD (ParkinsonsDisease) patients, research has focused on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), as it participates in the physiological neuromodulation of the BG (basal ganglia – The “basal ganglia” refers to a group of subcortical nuclei within the brain responsible primarily for motor control, as well as other roles such as motor learning, executive functions, emotional behaviours) in order to control movement. CBR (Cannabinoid receptors)

have been shown to inhibit neurotransmitter release, while endocannabinoids(eCBs) play a key role in the synaptic regulation of the BG (basal ganglia)…recent research conducted at a molecular level has proposed that CBD is capable of activating other receptors, such as CB2 and the TRPV-1 receptor, both of which are expressed in the dopaminergic neurons of the nigro-striatalpathway. These findings open new lines of scientific inquiry into the effects of CBD at the level of neural communication. Cannabidiol activates the PPARγ, GPR55, GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, and GPR18 receptors, causing a variety of biochemical, molecular, and behavioral effects due to the broad range of receptors it activates in the CNS 

National Library of Medicine/PubMed.gov/National Center for Biotechnology Information/NIH – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33384602/

“REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by the loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep associated with nightmares and active behaviour during dreaming. We have described the effects of CBD in RBD symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease.” Patients treated with CBD had prompt and substantial reduction in the frequency of RBD-related events without side effects, CBD was able to control the symptoms of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD).

National Library of Medicine/PubMed.gov/National Center for Biotechnology Information/NIH – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24845114/

“Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rest tremor, postural disturbances, and rigidity. PD is also characterized by non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety. The pharmacological treatment for these symptoms is limited in efficacy and induce significant adverse reactions, highlighting the need for better treatment options. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid devoid of the euphoriant and cognitive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, and preclinical and preliminary clinical studies suggest that this compound has therapeutic effect in non-motor symptoms of PD.

We found four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the administration of agonists/antagonists of the cannabinoid 1 receptor, showing that these compounds were well tolerated, but only one study found positive results (reductions on levodopa-induced dyskinesia). We found seven preclinical models of PD using CBD, with six studies showing a neuroprotective effect of CBD. We found three trials involving CBD and PD: an open-label study, a case series, and an RCT. CBD was well tolerated, and all three studies reported significant therapeutic effects in non-motor symptoms (psychosis, rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, daily activities, and stigma)

National Center for Biotechnology Information – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30706171/