Review Highlights Cannabis as Effective Treatment for Tourette Syndrome

New research indicates that cannabis-based therapeutics may benefit those coping with the significant effects of Tourette syndrome. By compiling data from nine different studies involving 401 patients, the new review suggests that cannabis-based medicine helps reduce the severity of Tourette syndrome-related “tics,” providing some measure of relief when few other treatment options are available.

The promising research review offers hope to individuals living with the disorder, many of whom face embarrassing questions and public scrutiny over their medical condition.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding Tourette syndrome and what it means for those who struggle to manage the condition. Many people face public ridicule and constant questions about the nature of their diagnosis. They often struggle to interact with others and the world around them.

Tourette syndrome is a medical condition that affects the nervous system. The most significant hallmark of the disorder is the presence of unwanted repetitive movement and sounds, also known as “tics.” These tics typically present in people between the ages of two and fifteen. Men are nearly four times more likely to develop the condition.

Those diagnosed with the condition can suffer two types of tics. Vocal tics involve making or creating noises. Motor tics are sudden bodily movements like twitching, blinking, and shrugging. These movements or vocalizations are done repeatedly and tend to feel uncontrollable. Some of the most common tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome include:

• Blinking
• Nose twitching
• Head jerking
• Shrugging
• Mouth movements
• Hopping
• Twisting
• Repeatedly touching or smelling things
• Obscene gesturing
• Stepping in specific patterns
• Grunting
• Coughing
• Barking
• Throat clearing
• Repeating words or phrases
• Randomly using obscene words or vulgar language

Tics are also classified by whether they are simple or complex. Simple tics are sudden, brief, and repetitive, typically only involving one or a few parts of the body. Complex tics can involve several different body parts and may have a pattern. These tics can vary in type, frequency, and severity.

Research suggests there may be a genetic component to the development of Tourette syndrome. However, the exact cause of the disorder remains elusive. Those impacted by the disorder can feel social isolation and embarrassment and may struggle to control or explain their symptoms. There is no cure for the condition. However, there are some treatments that help ease the severity of Tourette syndrome symptoms.

Review Highlights Cannabis as Effective Treatment for Tourette Syndrome

Recently, a review of numerous medical studies suggests that cannabis-derived treatments may offer a new option to those suffering from Tourette syndrome. The authors of the review note that cannabis may reduce the severity and premonitory urges that accompany vocal and motor tics in those with Tourette syndrome.

Currently, there are only three Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that can help reduce the severity of Tourette tics. However, the review authors suggest that there is still a lack of evidence that supports the efficacy of these drugs, noting, “Despite the use of various agents to reduce the frequency and severity of TS-related tics and improve the patient’s quality of life, there is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting their efficacy.”

A series of studies indicates that cannabis-based medicine could provide a promising therapy for individuals with Tourette syndrome. Although small, many of these studies analyzed the data from patients before and after cannabinoid consumption. Of three studies included in a meta-analysis, one “revealed a significant reduction in total scores,” another “revealed a significant decrease in scores,” and the final study “revealed no significant difference in score reduction” with the use of cannabis-based medicine.

The conclusion is that cannabis-based medicines show promising and potentially effective outcomes for those diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, but more extensive studies are needed. The exact pathways to how cannabis could help reduce the severity of tics are unknown. The review authors also note that more in-depth, placebo-controlled studies are needed to extrapolate the data necessary to draw more informed conclusions about the effectiveness of cannabis-based medicines.

What’s Next for Cannabis and Tourette?

The Tourette Association of America (TAA) provides information about the use of cannabis, CBD, and other therapeutic drugs to alleviate the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. The TAA says they have formed a Cannabis Consortium. Its goal is to evaluate the current cannabis research and data on the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based medicines. Unfortunately, just as the review authors note, there needs to be more large-scale research into the matter before the organization can draw any conclusions about the effectiveness of cannabis treatments for Tourette syndrome.

Despite the need for more concrete clinical evidence supporting the use of cannabis to treat the symptoms of the disorder, a handful of states do list Tourette syndrome as a medically qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Arkansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, and Ohio allow those diagnosed with Tourette syndrome to apply for a medical marijuana card. This allows them to use cannabis as a treatment option for the condition.

The TAA indicates they support increased cannabis research and large-scale clinical trials. Their website indicates that the organization has funded at least five research grants in Canada, Israel, and the United States on medical marijuana and cannabis-based therapies.

Summing It Up

This latest review, combined with the efforts of organizations like the Tourette Association of America, shows the value of further cannabis-based therapeutic research. Reducing the barriers to large-scale research efforts, like moving marijuana to a less-restrictive Schedule III substance, may be just the thing the scientific community needs to continue more in-depth research into the benefits of cannabis-based therapies. Cannabis is a highly complex plant that contains more than 400 chemical compounds. Understanding how compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes interact with the human body takes time and money. Giving researchers the opportunity to explore the benefits of these compounds without potential legal consequences could facilitate the discovery of new treatments for Tourette syndrome sufferers.

Learn More at Cannabutter Digest!

Want to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis or stay up-to-date on the latest marijuana news? Bookmark Cannabutter Digest. We have all the top news, recipes, and product reviews.