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.
Neurologists, movement disorder specialists, and Tourette syndrome patients.
38% reduction in tic severity over 12 weeks of medical cannabis
What the researchers 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.
Why it 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 numbers in context
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 the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
Open-label, uncontrolled design. Small sample (n=18). Three patients dropped out. No placebo comparison. Expectancy effects likely. Variable dosing across patients.
How to read the evidence
Prospective design but open-label, uncontrolled, and small sample.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
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.
Questions still open
- Would a controlled trial confirm these findings? Are the cognitive side effects dose-dependent? Would standardized oil preparations reduce side effects while maintaining efficacy?
Common questions
Does cannabis help with Tourette syndrome tics?
How did patients prefer to use cannabis for tics?
Read the original research
Medical Cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Prospective Study.
Behavioural neurology, 2022, 5141773
Citation
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
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