With
the goal of establishing a consensus on medical marijuana use by Parkinson’s
patients — which a recent survey co-sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation put
at 80 percent — the group will host its first conference focused on this
compound and the disease.
Set
for March 6-7 in Denver, the invitation-only meeting will include a mix of
experts from academia, healthcare, government, and the private sector to
consider the implications and make recommendations for the use of medical
marijuana by patients. Parkinson’s advocates, who are patients, will also
attend.
“Now
that medical marijuana is legal in 33 states and in many other countries,
people are equating access to efficacy,”
James Beck, the Foundation’s chief scientific officer, said in a news
release. “It is imperative that we address the clinical implications of medical
marijuana use among people with PD [Parkinson’s disease].”
Specifically,
attendees will discuss both the perceived benefits and hazards of marijuana use
in treating Parkinson’s symptoms, in addition to safety issues, potential
delivery means, possible sanction as a therapeutic, and areas for more
scientific investigation.
Following
the meeting, the Foundation will issue suggested practices and highlight areas
where more research is needed.
“Having
worked as a clinician for the past decade in Colorado, a state at the forefront
of medical marijuana use, it is clear that people with PD and their families
are intensely interested in the potential of marijuana and cannabinoids in
helping manage symptoms and other aspects of their disease,” said Benzi Kluger,
associate professor of University of Colorado Hospital and a conference
co-chair.
“To
date, there is more hype than actual data to provide meaningful clinical
information to patients with PD. There is a critical need to analyze existing
data on medical marijuana and to set priorities for future research.”
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