Cannabis-based medicines improved tics in 85% of Tourette syndrome patients, with THC-rich strains preferred

85% reported tic improvement (about 60% reduction), 55% improved comorbidities (especially OCD, ADHD, sleep), and 93% reported better quality of life. Of those who could compare, 66% preferred medicinal cannabis, 18% dronabinol, 11% nabiximols, 5% street cannabis. Adverse events occurred in 50% but were rated tolerable.

Two-part study: retrospective analysis of 98 adult GTS patients who used cannabis-based medicines at a specialty clinic, plus an online survey (n=40) for more detailed data on treatment preferences and experiences.

Tourette syndrome treatment options are limited and often have significant side effects. This is the largest dataset to date comparing different cannabis-based medicine formulations for tics, and patient preference for THC-rich strains suggests an entourage effect.

Patient preference for whole-plant THC-rich cannabis over pure THC preparations (dronabinol) or standardized extracts (nabiximols) adds clinical evidence to the entourage effect theory and has implications for how cannabinoid medicines should be formulated.

Retrospective, open-label design with no control group. Subjective self-reported outcomes. Selection bias toward patients who continued treatment. Variable dosing across preparations.