Self­-Reported Efficacy of Cannabis and Other Complementary Medicine Modalities by Parkinson’s Disease Patients in Colorado

Introduction. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by Parkinson’s disease (PD)
patients. We sought to provide information on CAM use and efficacy in PD patients in the Denver metro area with
particular attention to cannabis use given its recent change in legal status. Methods. Self­administered surveys on
CAM use and efficacy were completed by PD patients identified in clinics and support groups across the Denver
metro area between 2012 and 2013. Results. 207 patients (age 69 ± 11; 60% male) completed the survey.
Responses to individual CAM therapy items showed that 85% of respondents used at least one form of CAM. The
most frequently reported CAMs were vitamins (66%), prayer (59%), massage (45%), and relaxation (32%). Self-reported improvement related to the use of CAM was highest for massage, art therapy, music therapy, and
cannabis. While only 4.3% of our survey responders reported use of cannabis, it ranked among the most effective
CAM therapies. Conclusions. Overall, our cross­sectional study was notable for a high rate of CAM utilization
amongst PD patients and high rates of self­reported efficacy across most CAM modalities. Cannabis was rarely
used in our population but users reported high efficacy, mainly for nonmotor symptoms.