Medical cannabis reduced tic severity by 38% in adults with Tourette syndrome over 12 weeks
In 18 adults with Tourette syndrome, medical cannabis produced a 38% average reduction in tic severity and 20% reduction in premonitory urges over 12 weeks, though cognitive and psychiatric side effects were common.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
After 12 weeks, YGTSS-Total scores decreased by 38% (p=0.002) and premonitory urge scores (PUTS) decreased by 20% (p=0.043). Most patients (80%) preferred smoking over oil drops. Common side effects: dry mouth (67%), fatigue (53%), dizziness (47%). Cognitive side effects in 40% and psychiatric side effects in 3 patients.
Key Numbers
Enrolled: 18. Completed follow-up: 15. YGTSS-Total baseline: 60.3 (range 0-100). Reduction at 12 weeks: 38% (p=0.002). PUTS reduction: 20% (p=0.043). Smoking preferred: 80%. Dry mouth: 67%. Cognitive side effects: 40%.
How They Did This
Open-label prospective study of 18 adult Tourette patients. THC and CBD content titrated by treating neurologist. Assessed at 4 and 12 weeks for efficacy, tolerability, and side effects using YGTSS and PUTS.
Why This Research Matters
Tourette syndrome has limited treatment options, and cannabis has shown promise in case reports. This prospective study adds structured evidence, though the high rate of cognitive side effects warrants caution.
The Bigger Picture
The strong preference for smoking over oil drops and the significant cognitive side effects highlight practical challenges in using medical cannabis for neurological conditions.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Open-label, uncontrolled design. Small sample (n=18). Three patients dropped out. No placebo comparison. Expectancy effects likely. Variable dosing across patients.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would a controlled trial confirm these findings?
- ?Are the cognitive side effects dose-dependent?
- ?Would standardized oil preparations reduce side effects while maintaining efficacy?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 38% reduction in tic severity over 12 weeks of medical cannabis
- Evidence Grade:
- Prospective design but open-label, uncontrolled, and small sample.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Medical Cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Prospective Study.
- Published In:
- Behavioural neurology, 2022, 5141773 (2022)
- Authors:
- Anis, Saar, Zalomek, Corinne, Korczyn, Amos D(2), Rosenberg, Alina, Giladi, Nir, Gurevich, Tanya
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03677
Evidence Hierarchy
Enrolls participants and follows them forward in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis help with Tourette syndrome tics?
In this small open-label study, medical cannabis reduced tic severity by 38% over 12 weeks, though 40% of patients experienced cognitive side effects.
How did patients prefer to use cannabis for tics?
80% of patients preferred smoking over oil drops, which may complicate clinical recommendations and raises questions about route-dependent efficacy.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03677APA
Anis, Saar; Zalomek, Corinne; Korczyn, Amos D; Rosenberg, Alina; Giladi, Nir; Gurevich, Tanya. (2022). Medical Cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Prospective Study.. Behavioural neurology, 2022, 5141773. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5141773
MLA
Anis, Saar, et al. "Medical Cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Prospective Study.." Behavioural neurology, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5141773
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Medical Cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: An Open..." RTHC-03677. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/anis-2022-medical-cannabis-for-gilles
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.