Cannabis and Tourette’s Syndrome
Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is a tic disorder. Motor tics are
involuntary movements; phonic tics are involuntary sounds. It often co-occurs
with other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions that may include
OCD, ADHD, socialization issues, or behavior problems.
Currently, no single therapy treats the tics and the
behavioral issues. Drug treatments, often with antipsychotics, can cause
significant side effects. In this case, many patients self-medicate with
cannabis to seek relief from TS symptoms.
Research about Cannabis and Tourette’s Syndrome
In 1988, two University of Arizona neurologists published a
letter in a respected journal about three male TS patients, ages 15, 17, and
39, whose TS subsided after smoking cannabis. This was the first case report of
cannabinoids for the treatment of TS. (“Marijuana
and Tourette’s Syndrome” The Journal of
Clinical Psychopharmacology 1988)
A survey administered at Hannover Medical School interviewed
64 TS patients about their use of marijuana. Seventeen patients reported using
it and 14 of them had noticed improvement of different TS symptoms. Nine
reported significant reduction of tics, four experienced complete remission of
tics, two noted remission of obsessive-compulsive behavior, and two claimed
improvement of ADHD. The cannabis brought relief that lasted 3 to 24 hours.
None of the surveyed patients reported serious adverse effects.
THC is recommended, by many experts, for the treatment of TS
in adult patients, when first line treatments failed to improve the tics. In
treatment resistant adult patients, therefore, treatment with THC should be
taken into consideration. (Muller-Vahl 2013)
Professor Kirsten Muller-Vahl later conducted the only two randomized,
placebo-controlled trials with cannabinoids and TS patients. These studies used
doses of pure THC. In both trials, those who received THC experienced tic
reduction. In the first trial, reduction in obsessive-compulsive behavior was
also noted. (Muller-Vahl
2003) In the second trial, global improvement of TS-related symptoms was
noted. (Muller-Vahl 2002)
Muller-Vahl has hypothesized that positive outcomes in her
clinical trials are due to modulation of dopamine transmission or interactions
between CB1 receptors and other neurotransmitter systems. She has speculated
that the primary cause of TS may be Endocannabinoid System dysregulation. (Muller-Vahl 1998)
A 2010
study suggests THC use for TS and ADHD “The enhancement of intracortical
inhibition might be mediated by modulating release of several neurotransmitters
including dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Further studies are needed to
substantiate our findings.”
The Tourette
Association of American has noted the powerful medicinal effects of
cannabis, and is giving out special grants for further research studies: “Our goal is to carry out a study of
vaporized cannabis for tics in adults with TS. We will compare three different
types of medical cannabis in terms of how much they help tics, and how much
they cause side effects.”
Dosing with Cannabis for TS
Always talk to a trusted Doctor who is cannabis friendly
about your conditions, medications, and cannabis. Start with the smallest dose
necessary for relief from TS symptoms. “A
few puffs may be enough!”
Muller-Vahl recommends starting with 2.5 mg a day of THC,
increased by 2.5 mg every 3 – 5 days. Maximum dose is 30 mg/day. You can use
THC tinctures, they may take about 30 minutes to set in but could last longer.
You could also vape, or smoke for a faster onset and relief.
The terpene Limonene
provides A2A adenosine receptor activation in the basal ganglia, which may help
modulate dopamine dysregulation linked to TS. Look for cultivars high in
Limonene, such as Tangerine Dream.
Information about Cannabis and Tourette’s Syndrome was taken
from the amazing book: Cannabis Pharmacy, The Practical Guide to Medical
Marijuana by Michael Backes, Andrew Weil, M.D. and Jack McCue, M.D.
You can find the book here.
To find a doctor near you, check out www.MarijuanaDoctors.com they also
have more info about cannabis medicine for TS, check out their
article.
If you are looking for a dispensary to find the perfect
cannabis medicine, go to www.Leafly.com for
more info.
