CBD/THC Capsules Did Not Reduce Essential Tremor in a Small Controlled Trial

Among seven enrolled participants (five completers), intent-to-treat analyses found no significant effects on the primary endpoint (tremor amplitude via digital spiral assessment) or any secondary endpoints. One participant withdrew due to a serious adverse event, and one could not tolerate the lowest dose. The remaining five tolerated the medication well.

Phase Ib/II double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot trial. Participants with essential tremor were randomized to pharmaceutical-grade THC 5mg/CBD 100mg capsules or placebo with dose titration every 2-3 days to a maximum of 3 capsules daily. Two-week treatment periods with three-week washout.

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder with limited treatment options. Anecdotal reports of cannabis helping are widespread, but this is the first controlled trial to test the claim. The negative result, while preliminary, does not support those anecdotes.

This adds to a pattern where controlled trials fail to confirm anecdotal cannabis benefits for specific conditions. Whether different formulations, doses, or cannabinoid ratios might work for essential tremor remains an open question.

Very small sample (7 enrolled, 5 completers). Short treatment duration. Only one THC:CBD ratio tested. Oral administration may not replicate the effects reported by people who smoke or vaporize cannabis. Underpowered to detect modest effects.