A review of cannabinoid research for movement disorders found possible benefits for tics and potential neuroprotective effects in animal models, but no consistent evidence of benefit for tremor, Parkinson's motor symptoms, or dyskinesias.
Read this if you have a movement disorder and are considering cannabinoid-based treatments.
Possible benefit for tics; probably no benefit for tremor or Parkinson's motor symptoms
What the researchers found
This comprehensive review examined basic science, animal, and clinical evidence for cannabinoids across multiple movement disorders. The endocannabinoid system modulates motor circuits, particularly within the basal ganglia.
Animal studies showed variable symptomatic benefits but more consistent neuroprotective effects in Parkinson's and Huntington's disease models. Clinical evidence suggested possible benefit for tics (as in Tourette syndrome) but probably no benefit for tremor in multiple sclerosis or for dyskinesias and motor symptoms in Parkinson's.
Data were insufficient to draw conclusions about dystonia, ataxia, or Huntington's, and no data existed for myoclonus or restless leg syndrome.
Why it matters
Despite widespread claims about cannabis helping with various neurological conditions, this review found that the evidence is much more limited than public perception suggests. The gap between promising animal data and disappointing clinical results highlights the complexity of translating cannabinoid research.
The numbers in context
Over 60 neuroactive chemicals identified in cannabis; clinical evidence reviewed for Parkinson's, Huntington's, Tourette syndrome, multiple sclerosis tremor, dystonia, ataxia, and restless leg syndrome
How the study worked
Narrative review of published basic science, preclinical, and clinical studies on cannabinoids and movement disorders. Covered over 60 neuroactive chemicals in cannabis and their interactions with the endocannabinoid system.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review without systematic methodology. Many of the clinical studies reviewed were small or poorly controlled. Cannabis pharmacology is complex (60+ compounds), making it difficult to attribute effects to specific cannabinoids.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive narrative review summarizing multiple levels of evidence, but many individual studies were small or inconclusive.
When this study was published
Published in 2015. Additional clinical trials on cannabinoids for movement disorders have been conducted since.
The bigger picture
The endocannabinoid system clearly plays a role in motor control, but harnessing that for therapeutic benefit has proven difficult. Neuroprotective potential in animal models remains an area of active interest.
Questions still open
- Can more targeted cannabinoid compounds deliver the neuroprotective benefits seen in animal models? Why do tics appear to respond while other movement symptoms do not? Would specific cannabinoid ratios or delivery methods improve clinical outcomes?
Common questions
Can cannabis help with Parkinson's disease?
Why might cannabinoids help with tics?
Read the original research
The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders.
Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 30(3), 313-27
Citation
Kluger, Benzi; Triolo, Piera; Jones, Wallace; Jankovic, Joseph. (2015). The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders.. Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 30(3), 313-27. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.26142
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