Medical Marijuana And Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary vocalizations and movements known as tics. It typically manifests in childhood and can persist into maturity, impacting a person's daily functioning, social interactions, and mental health. Tourette syndrome is incurable, but treatment options seek to manage symptoms and enhance the quality of life. 

Approximately 1 out of every 162 children (0.6%) is affected by Tourette syndrome, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Tics are repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations that can range in severity from moderate to severe. Tics can be as simple as eye blinking or clearing the throat, or as complex as leaping, spinning, or uttering obscenities. 

Tics can be triggered by tension, anxiety, excitement, or fatigue and can be exacerbated by social situations or focus. Tourette syndrome is frequently accompanied by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), melancholy, and anxiety.

It is unknown what causes Tourette syndrome, but genetic, environmental, and cerebral abnormalities are suspected. Tourette syndrome is more prevalent in males than females and typically improves or disappears by early adulthood. However, some individuals may continue to experience tics and related problems throughout their lives, resulting in social isolation, academic or occupational difficulties, and psychological distress.

How can Tourette syndrome be treated?

The treatment for Tourette syndrome depends on the severity and frequency of tics as well as the severity and frequency of other symptoms. In mild cases, straightforward lifestyle modifications, such as reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding trigger factors, may aid in the reduction of tics. 

Behavioral Therapy

In cases ranging from moderate to severe, medication and behavioral therapy may be required. Antipsychotics and alpha-adrenergic agonists, which reduce tics by acting on the brain's dopamine and norepinephrine systems, are the most frequently prescribed medications for Tourette syndrome. These drugs may cause adverse effects, including sedation, weight gain, tremors, and cognitive impairment.

Tourette syndrome behavioral therapy involves educating the patient and family about the disorder, developing coping strategies, and fostering adaptive behaviors. Habit reversal training, exposure and response prevention, and relaxation techniques are examples of behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can aid in reducing tics, improving self-esteem, and enhancing social skills. However, it requires time, effort, and dedication from both the patient and therapist and may only be appropriate for some.

Can CBD Help With Tourette's?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects on Tourette syndrome and other medical conditions. It is believed that CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain, inflammation, and other physiological processes. CBD has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties, which may be beneficial for individuals with Tourette syndrome.

Study Claims

Several studies have investigated the effects of CBD on Tourette syndrome tics and associated symptoms. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 24 adults with Tourette syndrome, oral CBD (10 mg/kg/day) reduced tic severity by 52% after 12 weeks of treatment, compared to 18% with placebo. 

CBD was well-tolerated and did not produce any major adverse effects. After 12 weeks of treatment, CBD oil (10-20mg/kg/day) reduced tic frequency and severity by 60%, as measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, in a study involving 19 children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome. CBD also benefited patients' quality of life, anxiety, and behavioral issues.

However, it is essential to observe that these studies were small, short-term, and limited by blinding, placebo control, and objective measures of tic severity. To confirm the efficacy and safety of CBD for Tourette syndrome and to determine the optimal dose, route, and duration of administration, additional research is required. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products for purity, potency, or quality. They may contain contaminants or other compounds that can interact with medications or cause adverse effects.

Is Marijuana an Effective Treatment?

Marijuana contains numerous compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have distinct effects on the body and psyche. THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis that induces the "high" and modifies perception, cognition, and mood. Additionally, THC can produce side effects including dry mouth, red eyes, increased pulse rate, impaired memory and concentration, anxiety, and paranoia. Conversely, CBD does not generate psychoactive effects and may mitigate some of THC's adverse effects.

Marijuana has been used medicinally and recreationally for millennia, but its use remains controversial and regulated in many nations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it has no acknowledged medical use and a high potential for abuse. Nevertheless, a number of states have legalized medical marijuana for the treatment of specific medical conditions, including Tourette syndrome, under specific regulations and conditions.

The use of medical marijuana for Tourette syndrome is supported by anecdotal evidence and a few small-scale studies indicating that marijuana may reduce tics, anxiety, and other symptoms. Using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, a case study of a 25-year-old male with severe Tourette syndrome and anxiety disorder revealed that smoking marijuana reduced his tics and anxiety by 60%. The patient continued to use marijuana for symptom relief despite not reporting any significant adverse effects.

Eighty-two percent of 24 patients with Tourette syndrome who used marijuana reported a reduction in tics, ninety percent reported enhanced sleep, and sixty-seven percent reported an improvement in mood. In addition, the study did not distinguish between the effects of THC and CBD on tics and associated symptoms, and the dose and frequency of marijuana use among the participants were highly variable.

Bottom Line

Tourette syndrome is a complex neurological disorder that can negatively impact an individual's quality of life, social interactions, and mental health. There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, but medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes can be used to manage symptoms. The use of medical marijuana, which contains compounds that may alleviate pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other symptoms, is an emerging treatment option.

If you or a loved one are considering using medical marijuana to treat Tourette syndrome, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and monitor for potential adverse effects or drug interactions. Marijuana for medical purposes should only be obtained from licensed dispensaries and used under appropriate medical supervision; it should not be substituted for conventional treatment options or used for recreational purposes. For more information on medical marijuana in Virginia, visit our FAQ page. Click the link below to book an appointment.