12-year-old with severe Tourette syndrome treated with vaporized cannabis | Research

The takeaway

A 12-year-old boy with severe motor tics causing insomnia experienced near-complete tic remission after treatment with vaporized cannabis and oral THC, with no reported adverse effects.

Parents of children with severe Tourette syndrome, neurologists, and medical cannabis researchers.

Near-complete tic remission in a 12-year-old

What the researchers found

After initial vaporized cannabis (4.4 mg THC equivalent), the parents reported immediate and nearly complete tic remission. A regular combination of vaporized cannabis (up to 22 mg THC/day) plus oral THC drops (up to 12.5 mg/day) maintained marked tic reduction. During a clinic visit, significant improvement in tics, premonitory urges, and overall impairment was observed 30 minutes after vaporization.

Why it matters

Cannabis treatment in minors is controversial, and documented cases with clinical observation are rare. This case provides direct clinical measurement of effects in a pediatric patient.

The numbers in context

Patient age: 12. Initial dose: 0.02 g vaporized cannabis (4.4 mg THC). Maintenance: up to 0.1 g/day vaporized (22 mg THC/day) plus 12.5 mg oral THC/day. Clinical observation: 0.15 g vaporized (33 mg THC) plus 7 mg oral THC taken 6 hours prior.

How the study worked

Single case report of a 12-year-old boy. Parents (both physicians) initiated cannabis treatment independently. Clinical assessment conducted during a subsequent visit at a specialized Tourette clinic.

What this study cannot tell us

Single case report with no control or blinding. Parents initiated treatment without specialist consultation. No long-term follow-up data. Self-ratings and parent ratings may be biased.

How to read the evidence

Single case report provides the lowest level of clinical evidence, though clinical observation adds some objectivity.

When this study was published

2019 case report.

The bigger picture

Tourette syndrome has limited treatment options, and existing medications often cause significant side effects. The case raises questions about whether cannabis-based treatments deserve further pediatric study.

Questions still open

What are the long-term neurodevelopmental effects of regular cannabis use starting at age 12? Could lower-THC or CBD-dominant formulations achieve similar tic reduction?

Common questions

Can cannabis treat Tourette syndrome in children?

This single case report showed dramatic tic improvement in one 12-year-old, but the authors emphasized cannabis should be considered a last-line treatment in minors after established treatments have failed.

What dose of cannabis was used for this child?

The maintenance regimen was up to 22 mg THC/day vaporized plus 12.5 mg oral THC/day, combining two forms of administration.

Read the original research

Vaporized Cannabis Is Effective and Well-Tolerated in an Adolescent with Tourette Syndrome.

Medical cannabis and cannabinoids, 2(1), 60-63

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Szejko, Natalia; Jakubovski, Ewgeni; Fremer, Carolin; Müller-Vahl, Kirsten R. (2019). Vaporized Cannabis Is Effective and Well-Tolerated in an Adolescent with Tourette Syndrome.. Medical cannabis and cannabinoids, 2(1), 60-63. https://doi.org/10.1159/000496355