Cannabis for Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome — aka Tourette’s — is a neurological condition that causes sudden, repetitive movements or sounds called tics. Tics can be mild or severe, and include:

• Blinking
• Throat clearing
• Muscle twitches
• Shouting words unexpectedly

Cannabis may help reduce the severity and frequency of tics, but more studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Research on cannabis for Tourette syndrome

Research suggests that certain cannabinoids in cannabis — including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) — may reduce tics and improve quality of life in people with Tourette syndrome.

In a clinical trial, the cannabis-based medication nabiximols (Sativex) reduced tics and other Tourette’s symptoms.

Cannabis may also help with health conditions and symptoms that overlap with Tourette syndrome, including:

• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Trouble focusing
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

However, studies are limited, so more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between cannabis and Tourette’s.

Using cannabis for Tourette syndrome

Cannabis may help you manage Tourette’s symptoms, like tics and anxiety. However, it can also cause side effects and might not be effective for everyone.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits before using cannabis for Tourette syndrome.

Benefits

Medical cannabis may offer benefits to people with Tourette syndrome, such as:

• Reduced tics: Cannabis may lower the frequency and intensity of tics.
• Improved sleep: Cannabis may help with sleeping problems.
• Anxiety relief: Cannabis can help manage anxiety, a common Tourette’s symptom.

Risks and side effects

As with any medication, medical cannabis has potential side effects:

• Drowsiness: Some cannabis strains can cause drowsiness, especially in high doses.
• Increased heart rate: Cannabis can temporarily raise your heart rate, which may be uncomfortable.
• Problems with focus and memory: You may experience short-term memory or concentration issues.

Is it legal?

Cannabis laws vary across the United States. Only some states allow medical cannabis for Tourette syndrome specifically.

In other states, you may qualify for a medical marijuana certification because you have a related health condition, such as anxiety or insomnia, or because a doctor determines it will benefit you in another way.

Caregivers can access medical cannabis for minors with Tourette’s in some states.

Best strains and products for Tourette syndrome

When choosing a cannabis product, consider:

• Your symptoms
• Your personal preferences
• Your doctor’s recommendations

It may take some trial and error to find what works for you.

Strains (aka cultivars)

Both high-THC and high-CBD strains may help you manage Tourette syndrome. Popular choices include:

• Harlequin: A high-CBD strain that may lower anxiety without causing a strong high
• Girl Scout Cookies: A high-THC strain that may lower stress and relax the muscles
• Sour Diesel: A high-THC strain that may improve focus and energy

CBD:THC ratios

Cannabis strains and products come in different CBD:THC ratios. You might prefer different ratios at different times of day:

• High-CBD: May reduce anxiety and help with mild symptoms
• Balanced CBD:THC ratio: May provide relief with fewer side effects than high-THC strains
• High-THC: May help with severe tics, but can cause drowsiness

Terpenes

Terpenes are compounds that affect a plant’s flavor, smell, and medicinal effects.

Several terpenes in cannabis may help with Tourette’s symptoms, though research is still in the early stages:

• Linalool: May help ease anxiety and depression
• Myrcene: May improve sleep and relax the muscles
• Pinene: May improve focus and reduce anxiety

More about Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is believed to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, causing the brain and nervous system to work in overdrive (hyper-responsiveness), causing dysregulation in motor control and emotional responses. This can lead to stress and inflammation, as well as a potential reduction in brain connectivity.

One of the most visible symptoms of Tourette’s is tics, which are internally triggered by sensations similar to pain and itching. Symptoms usually begin in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

Tourette’s affects an estimated 350,000 to 450,000 people in the United States.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history.

Other treatments for Tourette syndrome

While there’s no cure for Tourette’s, different treatments may help you manage symptoms.

Traditional therapies

There are several effective treatments available for Tourette syndrome:

• Medications: Commonly prescribed medications include antipsychotics, stimulant drugs, alpha agonists, and antidepressants.
• Behavioral therapy:Habit reversal training (HRT) may help manage tics.
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS): This surgical procedure is for severe cases.

Natural and alternative therapies

Natural and alternative therapies can be used alongside traditional therapies to manage Tourette’s symptoms:

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These may help with stress, anxiety, and tics.
• Diet and nutrition: Although there is no definitive evidence that diet affects Tourette syndrome, avoiding processed foods with high levels of sugar, additives, and artificial colors may help manage some symptoms.
• Exercise: Physical activity can help improve focus and reduce stress.

Cannabis as part of your treatment plan for Tourette syndrome

Cannabis may help manage some symptoms of Tourette syndrome, but it’s not a cure.

If you’re interested in trying cannabis for Tourette’s symptoms, ask your doctor about including it as part of a broader treatment plan.

With a medical cannabis card, you can access a wide variety of cannabis products that may provide relief. Contact Leafwell to start the process of getting your card today.

Frequently asked questions

Learn more from answers to FAQs about cannabis for Tourette’s.

Can cannabis cure Tourette syndrome?

No, cannabis cannot cure Tourette syndrome. But it may help manage certain symptoms, including tics and anxiety.

What’s the best way to use cannabis for Tourette syndrome?

Finding what works for you may take some trial and error. Some people prefer inhaling cannabis through smoking or vaporizing. Others prefer tinctures or edibles.

Are there any age restrictions for using medical cannabis for Tourette syndrome?

Age restrictions for medical cannabis vary by state. Most states require that you be at least 18 years of age to access medical cannabis.

In some states, minors can access medical cannabis through a state-registered caregiver.

Does cannabis help with other symptoms of Tourette syndrome?

Cannabis may help with related symptoms like anxiety, sleep problems, and difficulty focusing.

Resources

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-14146-001.html
• Beta-myrcene as a sedative–hypnotic component from lavender essential oil in DLl-4-chlorophenylalanine-induced-insomnia mice. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/9/1161
• CANNA-TICS: Efficacy and safety of oral treatment with nabiximols in adults with chronic tic disorders – Results of a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase IIIb superiority study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178123000860
• Dietary inflammatory index and its impact on severity and recurrence of Tourette syndrome in children. https://www.wjgnet.com/2220-3206/full/v14/i8/1208.htm
• Effects of physical activity on the symptoms of Tourette syndrome: A systematic review. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-psychiatry/article/effects-of-physical-activity-on-the-symptoms-of-tourette-syndrome-a-systematic-review/5DF8924F86DD707AD6D8A3DE28DDF166
• Efficacy of cannabis-based medicine in the treatment of Tourette syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00228-024-03710-9
• Estimating the number of people with Tourette syndrome and persistent tic disorder in the United States. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178122002840
• Habit reversal training and educational group treatments for children with Tourette syndrome: A preliminary randomised controlled trial. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796716300390
• Interneuron loss and microglia activation by transcriptome analyses in the basal ganglia of Tourette disorder. https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(25)00064-2/fulltext
• Linalool as a therapeutic and medicinal tool in depression treatment: A review. https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/118033
• Medical cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: An open-label prospective study. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/5141773
• Medicinal cannabis for the treatment of anxiety disorders. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2022/august/medicinal-cannabis
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction for Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder: A pilot study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399914002852
• Neural correlates of tic generation in Tourette syndrome: An event-related functional MRI study. https://academic.oup.com/brain/article-abstract/129/8/2029/330630
• Neurobiology of Tourette syndrome: Current status and need for further investigation. https://www.jneurosci.org/content/31/35/12387
• Structural connectivity predicts clinical outcomes of deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome. https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/143/8/2607/5870430
• Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in tourette syndrome. https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/EVIDoa2300012
• Therapeutic potential of α- and β-Pinene: A miracle gift of nature. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/9/11/738
• Tourette syndrome associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The impact of tics and psychopharmacological treatment options. https://www.wjgnet.com/2219-2808/full/v5/i1/128.htm
• Treatment of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome with cannabis-based medicine: results from a retrospective analysis and online survey. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2018.0050
• Treatment of Tourette syndrome with cannabis. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3233/BEN-120276
• Vaporized cannabis is effective and well-tolerated in an adolescent with Tourette syndrome. https://karger.com/mca/article/2/1/60/188633/vaporized-cannabis-is-effective-and-well-tolerated

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