Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterised by repetitive and uncontrollable sounds and movements (tics). This disorder usually affects children from the age of two up to the mid-teens.

Only a small number of adults have been known to suffer from tourettes. Tics are brief and sudden sporadic movements and sounds which can either be mild or severe. Here are some common tics associated with tourettes.

• Coughing
• Grunting
• Throat clearing
• Shoulder shrugging
• Socially-unacceptable gesturing
• Vulgar language
• Repetition of some words and phrases
• Eye blinking
• Head jerking

Now, the causes of TS aren’t known yet. Some studies suggest that it could be as a result of environmental factors or genes. Males have higher chances of developing this condition than females. Some disorders associated with TS are: anxiety, sleep problems, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Click here to learn more about this rare condition.

Medication currently used in the treatment of tourettes isn’t as effective and is usually accompanied by unwanted side effects. This is why the emergence of CBD oil and Cannabis as a treatment option comes as a relief to Tourette patients.

Research About CBD Oil And Tourettes

In the past few years, Cannabis has become one of the go to supplementary drugs. Marijuana has been in use for hundred years, but it’s only a few decades ago that scientists began to show an interest in it. Researchers have discovered that it can be used to treat a wide array of diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and pain. Further reading.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the naturally occurring chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. It has been found to have therapeutic effects and can be used in the treatment of anxiety and depression, cancer, acne, and heart disease. Scientists have also been able to prove the efficacy of CBD oil in the treatment of Tourette’s Syndrome.

Usually, CBD oil is made by mixing cannabis extracts with carrier oils such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. A study was conducted to see if treatment-resistant Tourette Syndrome could be treated by nabiximols. After two weeks of treatment, premonitory urges and tics were greatly reduced and the quality of life of the patient involved in the study improved. Learn more.

This shows that CBD oil can be effective in the treatment of TS. It’s more potent when taken sublingually (by placing a few drops under the tongue) as it quickly gets into the bloodstream.

Can THC Be Used To Treat Tourettes?

THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol has been used to treat Tourettes. THC is the psychoactive material in cannabis responsible for giving users a ‘high’. Aside from inducing an uplifting effect, THC can help reduce the severity of TS.

Anecdotal evidence shows that marijuana (Cannabis sativa) and THC play a vital role in the reduction of tics and related disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In a placebo controlled trial, 12 TS patients were given doses of THC. Results showed that tics and related issues were significantly reduced in patients. More on the study.

Reach out to your doctor to learn more about THC as a treatment and if it’s suitable.

THC Effects On Tourettes

Numerous studies and anecdotal evidence show that THC can be used to treat Tourettes. The fact that there is no treatment that completely eliminates TS is what led people to try out marijuana. And so far, the results are positive.

But you need to tread carefully because of the psychoactive properties of THC. In the study mentioned in the previous section, 5 of the patients experienced temporary mild symptoms. View research.

THC Dosage for Tourettes

Tourette Syndrome has no cure. THC can only reduce the effects of the condition. The use of THC is unregulated since not many studies have been done to determine the right amount to use for Tourettes.

An overdose of THC can lead to bad side effects such as sleepiness, disorientation, tiredness, nausea, anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia. For TS patients, this can only worsen the tics and associated disorders.

The dosage you use may depend on the method used to take in the THC. If it’s through vaping or sublingually, use a lower dosage as it easily gets absorbed into the bloodstream. You may increase the dosage if you’re using edibles.

Remember that biological makeups of patients aren’t the same. Some will require high doses to feel the effects while some will need lower doses. It’s up to them to listen to their bodies and determine a suitable amount. And don’t forget to consult with your doctor on the same.

CBD oil and cannabis is like light at the end of the tunnel for many Tourette Syndrome patients. More studies are being done and probably more potent cannabis products will be created to deal with the condition.