| Definition | Neurodegenerative diseases involve progressive loss of neuron function, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS. |
| Global Epidemiology | Parkinson’s affects ~10 million people globally (~0.1–0.2% prevalence). |
| Alzheimer’s affects ~55 million people globally (~6% prevalence in people aged 65+). |
| ALS affects ~450,000 people worldwide (~5 cases per 100,000 annually). |
| Prevalence in Key Regions | United States: ~1 million Parkinson’s cases; ~6 million Alzheimer’s; ~30,000 ALS cases. |
| European Union: ~1.2 million Parkinson’s; ~10 million Alzheimer’s; ~40,000 ALS cases. |
| India: ~1.5 million Parkinson’s; ~7 million Alzheimer’s; ~20,000 ALS cases. |
| China: ~2 million Parkinson’s; ~12 million Alzheimer’s; ~30,000 ALS cases. |
| Caribbean: ~100,000 combined cases of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS. |
| Medicinal Cannabis Approvals | United States (FDA): No approvals; CBD studied for neuroprotection and motor symptoms. |
| Canada: CBD and THC used off-label for Alzheimer’s agitation and Parkinson’s symptoms. |
| European Union (EMA): Research ongoing; limited cannabinoid approvals for neurodegeneration. |
| Australia (TGA): Approved cannabinoids for certain conditions; off-label use exists but specific approval for neurodegenerative symptom relief is less clear. |
| Israel: Cannabis-based treatments authorized for motor symptoms in Parkinson’s since 2015. |
| Therapeutic Cannabinoids | CBD: Neuroprotective; reduces inflammation and motor symptoms. |
| THC: Limited use; may improve agitation in Alzheimer’s but poses risks for cognitive impairment. |
| CBG: Shows promise in reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. |
| THCV: Early evidence suggests potential for motor symptom relief without psychoactive effects. |
| Mechanism of Action | CBD: Modulates endocannabinoid system; reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. |
| THCV: Partial CB1 antagonist; supports motor control in Parkinson’s. |
| Key Clinical Studies | Zuardi et al., 2017: CBD showed improvements in quality of life for Parkinson’s patients, but no significant changes in motor symptoms were observed. |
| Bar-Lev Schleider et al., 2019: THC and CBD effectively reduced agitation and improved sleep quality in Alzheimer’s patients. |
| Banerjee et al., 2020: CBG demonstrated potential for reducing neuroinflammation in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease. |
| Dosage Guidelines | CBD (Oral): 200–600 mg/day; titrate based on response. |
| THCV (Experimental): 10–20 mg/day; limited clinical data available. |
| CBG (Experimental): 5–15 mg/day in preclinical trials. |
| Administration Methods | Oral Capsules: Consistent dosing; preferred for chronic symptom management. |
| Sublingual Oils: Useful for rapid absorption in acute symptom relief. |
| Inhalation: Not recommended due to dosing variability. |
| Adverse Effects | CBD: Mild—diarrhea, fatigue, appetite changes; rare—elevated liver enzymes. |
| THC: Risk of cognitive impairment and psychosis; use with caution. |
| CBG: Minimal side effects in early trials; mild gastrointestinal discomfort. |
| Research Gaps | Need for long-term safety and efficacy studies on cannabinoids in neurodegenerative diseases. |
| Studies on cannabinoids as adjuncts to existing neuroprotective therapies are needed. |
| Opportunities in the Caribbean | Develop cannabinoid-focused clinics for neurodegenerative care, addressing unmet needs. |
| Position the Caribbean as a research hub for cannabis-based treatments in neurodegeneration. |
