Medical Marijuana and Tourette Syndrome

What Is Tourette Syndrome?

Uncontrollable tics are the primary symptom of Tourette’s. These tics are sudden, brief movements or sounds that can interfere with communication and day-to-day activities.

Tourette syndrome is a disorder characterized by unwanted tics and repetitive movements that are difficult to control. This condition usually develops between the ages of 2 and 15, with symptoms that can last well beyond adolescence.

Common tics include:

• Head jerking
• Coughing
• Throat clearing
• Repeating observed movements
• Using vulgar words
• Hopping
• Stepping in a specific pattern
• Shrugging

Controlling these tics can be extremely difficult, and there is no cure for Tourette syndrome. Treatment options include medications to reduce the onset of tics, as well as therapies to help develop coping skills and tic control. Medical marijuana may also be an effective treatment for Tourette’s.

Medical Marijuana and Tourette Syndrome

Studies show that medical marijuana may help relieve the frequency of tics in patients with Tourette syndrome, as well as alleviate some of the behavioral symptoms of the condition.

A study from the University of Toronto discovered that medical marijuana may reduce tics in Tourette’s patients. Additional research from Hannover Medical School found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in medical marijuana, may help reduce tics in adults who do not respond to traditional Tourette’s treatment. This research suggests that medical marijuana may be an effective addition to a Tourette treatment regimen, especially for people with severe tics and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety.

Certain strains of medical marijuana have calming effects, which may help reduce feelings of anger, anxiety, or irritability in patients. This anxiety-reducing impact may be the reason why tics decrease in frequency among Tourette’s patients who use medical cannabis, as well as people with other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.