Cannabinoids reduce tic frequency in Tourette Syndrome

Cannabinoids and Tourette Syndrome: A new study

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterised by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics. It is estimated that as many as one percent of people globally suffer from TS to some level, with many cases going undiagnosed.

Traditional treatments for TS include pharmaceutical medications and psychological therapies. However, an emerging form of treatment is the use of cannabis.

Australian study on cannabis and TS

A recent study conducted in Australia has found cannabis to be effective in some cases of TS. The study, published in an imprint of the New England Journal of Medicine, investigated the consumption of plant-derived cannabinoid extracts and their effect on tic frequency and severity in patients with TS.

Details of the study

The study involved a cohort of patients with severe TS, who were administered cannabinoid extracts containing 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD. The doses were escalated over time to 20 mg of THC and CBD daily, and the patients underwent a six-week course of treatment.

The results showed a significant reduction in tics as measured by the total tic score on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, as well as a reduction in obsessive-compulsive symptoms and anxiety, without major adverse effects. Adverse events associated with cannabis treatment were reported to be mild.

Implications of the study

The study's findings suggest that an oral 1:1 THC:CBD formulation could be an effective treatment for tics and psychiatric comorbidity associated with severe TS. However, the study's authors emphasised the need for further research to identify the longer-term effects of cannabis use in TS, such as the possible development of tolerance to the anti-tic effect.

These findings are consistent with Israeli data published last month, which reported sustained benefits in the management of TS among patients who used cannabis for several years.

Looking forward

As the body of research on the therapeutic potential of cannabis for TS continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for healthcare providers to be informed about this treatment option. Further research into the efficacy and safety of cannabis for TS can help guide these discussions and ensure patients are making informed decisions about their health.