Marseille, France — A growing body of anecdotal and observational evidence continues to highlight the potential benefits of cannabis for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Now, new survey data published in the peer-reviewed journal Parkinson’s Disease reveals that a significant number of French patients with PD who use cannabis report improvements in both their symptoms and overall quality of life.
Researchers based in France conducted a nationwide survey involving 1,136 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The median age of participants was 68 years, reflecting a typical demographic affected by the condition. Among the respondents who reported using cannabis, a substantial majority—around 60 percent—indicated that it positively impacted their health-related quality of life.
Patients described a range of symptom improvements associated with cannabis consumption. Most notably, users reported reductions in muscle rigidity and physical pain—two hallmark symptoms of PD that can severely affect mobility and comfort. Additionally, many participants stated that cannabis helped improve their sleep quality, which is often disrupted in Parkinson’s patients due to discomfort, nighttime motor symptoms, or associated anxiety.
Interestingly, about 40 percent of those who used cannabis noted a reduction in the frequency of tremors, another prominent and often debilitating symptom of the disease. Such tremors can interfere with daily activities, and patients commonly seek relief from them through a variety of therapies, including medications and physical therapy.
The study also highlighted the role of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis. Many participants reported using CBD products, which are legally available in France. Like cannabis, CBD was also associated with improvements in pain, muscle rigidity or cramps, and sleep disorders. Users of both cannabis and CBD expressed a high degree of satisfaction with their symptom management and overall experience with these substances.
Despite the encouraging results, medical cannabis use remains prohibited in France, although certain limited-use pilot programs are underway. In contrast, over-the-counter CBD products are accessible to the public, provided they meet regulatory standards. The discrepancy in legal status between cannabis and CBD has led researchers to emphasize the need for policy reform and better healthcare provider engagement.
“Both cannabis and CBD users reported high effectiveness levels for sleep disorders, pain, and rigidity/cramps, as well as high overall levels of satisfaction with the substances,” the study’s authors concluded. “An enhanced communication with healthcare providers and facilitated access to safe products are needed in France so that people with PD can maximize the benefits of cannabinoids when clinically appropriate.”
These findings add to a growing pool of international observational research suggesting that cannabis may have a therapeutic role in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Prior studies have linked cannabis inhalation to relief from a range of PD-related symptoms, including pain, tremors, and bradykinesia—a symptom characterized by slowness of movement.
While these survey results do not establish a direct causal relationship or replace the need for controlled clinical trials, they underscore the real-world experiences of patients and the growing demand for more inclusive and scientifically informed cannabis policies. As France and other nations evaluate the future of medical cannabis regulation, the voices of those directly affected by conditions like Parkinson’s disease will likely continue to influence the conversation.
Cannabis is not just a passing trend—it’s a time-honored botanical with a rich history of healing. For too long, its medicinal potential has been clouded by stigma and legal barriers, leaving many without access to natural relief. Now that medical cannabis is legal in Georgia, residents have a safe, plant-based alternative worth considering. If you believe it could support your health, apply today for your 5-year medical cannabis card.
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