Cannabinoids in Parkinson's disease

In recent years, the endocannabinoid system has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). This is based on a number of convergent lines of evidence including the dense localization of components of the endocannabinoid system in brain regions involved in the control of movement as well as evidence of dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in human PD patients. Moreover, studies in animal models suggest that cannabinoid drugs may have multiple therapeutic benefits including relief from debilitating motor symptoms and drug-induced motor side effects, as well as disease modification in terms of neuroprotection and dampening of neuroinflammation. This chapter will explore the mounting evidence for the endocannabinoid system as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PD.