CBD (Cannabidiol) in Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: What Clinical Studies Reveal

For anyone living with Parkinson’s disease - or caring for someone who is - the daily reality can be challenging. The gradual slowing of movement, the stiffness, the tremors, and the emotional toll that come with the condition are difficult to manage. Levodopa, the main treatment prescribed to increase dopamine levels in the brain, remains the gold standard. But over time, its effectiveness can fluctuate, and patients often experience “off” periods or unwanted side effects.

This is why researchers around the world are exploring new ways to complement conventional therapy - and one natural compound, cannabidiol (CBD), is drawing growing interest. A recent clinical study published in the Italian Journal of Food Science in 2025 looked at how CBD might work alongside levodopa and dietary adjustments to support people with Parkinson’s. The results were encouraging, suggesting that this plant-derived compound could offer a safe, well-tolerated addition to standard care.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms and How CBD or Cannabinoid Compounds Could Support Balance

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine - a chemical messenger that helps coordinate movement. When dopamine-producing cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra start to break down, movement becomes slower and less controlled.

Typical symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and balance problems. But Parkinson’s is far more than a movement disorder. Many people also experience non-motor symptoms such as sleep issues, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and cognitive difficulties - all of which affect quality of life.

Levodopa remains the most effective way to restore dopamine levels, often in combination with another medicine that helps the body process it better. However, over years of treatment, its effects can become inconsistent. In addition, factors like dietary protein can interfere with levodopa absorption, since both compete for the same transport channels in the body. That’s why scientists are looking for new, complementary ways to help manage symptoms more holistically - without increasing side effects.

Why Cannabinoids and CBD Oil from Cannabis Are Gaining Interest for Brain and Nerve Health

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many natural compounds found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it doesn’t cause a “high” or alter perception. Instead, CBD interacts with a network in our bodies known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps maintain internal balance by influencing mood, sleep, inflammation, pain perception, and even nerve communication.

Researchers believe CBD’s ability to interact with both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors - like serotonin and TRPV1 receptors - gives it multi-pathway potential. In simpler terms, CBD doesn’t just act in one place; it may influence several systems that are linked to how we move, think, and feel.

Because of this broad interaction, scientists have been studying whether CBD could offer support in conditions linked to the nervous system. Early studies have suggested potential benefits for anxiety, sleep quality, and general wellbeing - areas that are often affected in Parkinson’s.

The Trial: How CBD Oil and Levodopa Work Together in Parkinson’s Disease

The 2025 clinical study explored how CBD might work as an adjunctive therapy - meaning it was used alongside, not instead of, standard Parkinson’s treatment. Ninety-six participants living with Parkinson’s took part in an eight-week trial.

All participants were already using levodopa (also known by the brand name Sinemet). They were then divided into groups:

• One group continued with levodopa alone.

• The other group took levodopa plus CBD at a daily dose of 300 mg (split into two doses).

Each group was also further divided based on diet: some followed a protein-controlled plan, where higher-protein foods were eaten mainly in the evening to reduce interference with medication, while others maintained their usual eating habits.

At the start and end of the study, doctors measured progress using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) - a recognised tool for assessing both motor (movement) and non-motor symptoms.

The findings were striking. Those who received CBD alongside levodopa showed greater overall improvement in their scores compared to the levodopa-only group. On average, the CBD group’s symptom scores improved by over 51 points, compared to 36 points in the group taking levodopa alone.

These improvements weren’t limited to movement. Participants in the CBD group also reported better sleep, mood, and motivation - areas that are often difficult to treat with standard medication alone.

Why These CBD and Cannabinoid Findings Matter for Parkinson’s Symptom Management

The study’s results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that CBD may influence both motor and non-motor pathways in the brain. Rather than acting as a dopamine booster, CBD appears to support the broader systems involved in nerve communication, inflammation control, and emotional regulation.

In Parkinson’s, many symptoms stem not just from the loss of dopamine but also from oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruptions in neurotransmitter balance. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid and serotonin systems, which could explain its ability to support wellbeing across multiple fronts.

Importantly, the study also found CBD to be safe and well-tolerated. Only mild, short-term effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth were reported - no serious side effects occurred.

While it’s still too early to draw firm conclusions, the findings point toward a potential complementary role for CBD in supporting people with Parkinson’s. It’s not a replacement for medication, but it could be a valuable addition to a broader, lifestyle-focused approach.

Nutrition, Protein Timing, and How to Use CBD Oil Effectively with Medication

One fascinating element of this study was the role of dietary protein. It’s well known that eating high-protein meals at the wrong time of day can reduce levodopa’s effectiveness, since amino acids from protein compete with the medicine for absorption and transport to the brain.

To explore whether diet also affects CBD’s performance, the researchers asked some participants to eat protein mainly in the evening. Interestingly, this group saw slightly stronger improvements in their symptom scores than those without protein timing control.

Although CBD isn’t absorbed through the same pathways as levodopa, the researchers suggested that a balanced diet might still influence how it works in the body - possibly by affecting digestion or metabolism. This points to the importance of looking at nutrition and supplementation together rather than as separate strategies.

How CBD and Cannabis-Derived Cannabinoids Act on the Brain’s Endocannabinoid System

Unlike drugs that act on a single target, CBD interacts with several key systems:

• The endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate balance throughout the body.

• Serotonin receptors, linked to mood, motivation, and anxiety.

• TRPV1 channels, which influence pain and temperature regulation.

• Antioxidant pathways, which can help neutralise stress on nerve cells.

Through these mechanisms, CBD could help maintain nervous system balance and support emotional wellbeing - two aspects that play an important role in quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.

What makes CBD particularly appealing is its non-psychoactive nature and generally high safety margin compared to other cannabinoids like THC. This makes it an interesting option for long-term use under medical supervision.

What This Review of Clinical Studies on CBD Oil Teaches Us About Parkinson’s and Beyond

This research opens an exciting chapter in understanding how natural plant compounds might complement established treatments for neurodegenerative conditions. The combination of levodopa, CBD, and mindful nutrition represents a multi-dimensional approach - one that looks beyond symptom control to overall wellbeing.

The improvements observed in mood, sleep, and motivation underline CBD’s potential value in addressing areas that conventional drugs often overlook. Moreover, the study reinforces the idea that personalised nutrition can make a meaningful difference in how therapies work together.

While larger and longer trials are still needed, the findings build confidence that CBD could one day play a supportive role in integrative care strategies for Parkinson’s disease.

How to Use CBD and Cannabinoid Oils Safely: Guidance for Everyday Use

For anyone considering trying CBD, quality and safety should always come first. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Choose lab-tested, THC-free products from trusted companies that share certificates of analysis.

• Start with a low dose and monitor how your body responds.

• Speak to your doctor, especially if you are already taking medication like levodopa or other prescriptions.

• Remember that CBD affects everyone differently, and results may take time.

So, Could CBD Help with Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms?

The 2025 study highlights a growing area of research where modern medicine and natural compounds may come together. When used alongside established therapies like levodopa, CBD could one day help broaden the way we think about managing neurological conditions - not as a cure, but as a complement that supports the body’s own systems.

It also reminds us that effective care often goes beyond medication alone. Nutrition, lifestyle, and holistic support can work hand in hand to improve quality of life.

As science continues to uncover how cannabinoids interact with the brain, CBD’s future in neurological health looks increasingly promising. With continued research, it may become an important part of a balanced, natural approach to supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Awan WR, Zia A, Khan A, Ullah N, Binsaleh AY, Al-Hoshani N, Alqasem AA, Mashat RM, Halawani IF, Alhomrani M. Investigating the synergistic and modulatory effects of cannabidiol with levodopa and dietary protein in Parkinson’s disease. Ital J Food Sci. 2025 Oct;37(4):352–363.