Abstract Background Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics. It is a condition that affects between 0.3% and 0.7% of children, and its pathophysiology remains largely elusive. TS is associated with structural and functional alterations in corticostriatal circuits and neurochemical imbalances. Even though TS is currently incurable, there are established treatment options available, including behavioral therapy and neuroleptics. The use of cannabis-based medicine for tic management is an emerging therapeutic strategy, although its efficacy is still under investigation. It is hypothesized to interact with the endogenous cannabinoid system, but further research is required to ascertain its safety and...

Abstract The discovery of endocannabinoid’s role within the central nervous system and its potential therapeutic benefits have brought forth rising interest in the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The present review aimed to synthesize and evaluate the available evidences on the efficacy of cannabis and its derivatives for psychiatric, neurodegenerative and movement disorders. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials of cannabis and its derivatives were conducted via databases (PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials). A total of 24 reports that evaluated the use of medical cannabis for Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia nervosa, anxiety, dementia, dystonia, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease,...

Abstract Parents of children with developmental, behavioural and mental health disorders are increasingly asking whether medicinal cannabis might be a therapeutic option for their child. This paper presents the current evidence for medicinal cannabis in this population. Preliminary evidence from open-label studies suggests the potential for medicinal cannabis to ameliorate some symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, only one double-blind placebo-controlled trial has been completed, with inconclusive findings. Synthetic, transdermal cannabidiol gel has demonstrated efficacy for reducing social avoidance in a sub-group of children with Fragile X syndrome. Studies of medicinal cannabis are planned or underway for children and/or adolescents with autism,...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objectives Anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggest a therapeutic potential of cannabis in Tourette syndrome. We report the case of a female patient suffering from treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome. Methods Guideline-directed antipsychotic treatment with risperidone and aripiprazole as well as pure delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol had no significant effect on Tourette syndrome symptomatology. Results Following administration of a daily dosage of 10 mg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol combined with 20 mg cannabidiol (CBD), the patient showed a rapid and highly significant improvement in the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. Conclusions It can be speculated whether the beneficial effects may rely on the...

Abstract Background and Purpose Medicinal cannabis is in increasing use by patients with Tourette syndrome, a neuropsychiatric disorder that affects about 1% of the general population and has a childhood onset. However, the pharmacological effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have not been systematically screened or compared between juvenile and young adult rodents in a model of Tourette syndrome. Experimental Approach The administration of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) increases head twitch response (HTR) and ear scratch response (ESR) and has been proposed as an animal model useful to respectively study motor tics and premonitory urges associated with tic disorders. Key Results Comparing the potency of...

Abstract Introduction: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a childhood onset disorder characterised by the presence of motor and vocal tics. The guidelines of both the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) as well as the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) recommend behavioural therapy and pharmacotherapy, mainly with antipsychotics, as first line treatments for tics. In spite of these well-established therapeutic approaches, a significant number of patients are dissatisfied because of insufficient tic reduction or intolerable side effects. Previous studies have suggested that cannabis-based medicine (CBM) might be an alternative treatment in these patients. Material and methods: Two reviewers (KS,...

Please use this link to access this publication: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2022.0091 Abstract Background: The number of effective evidence-based treatment options for patients with Tourette syndrome (TS) is limited. Emerging evidence shows cannabinoids as promising for the treatment of tics. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of single doses of three vaporized medical cannabis products and placebo in reducing tics in adults with TS. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, each participant received a vaporized single 0.25 g dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 10%, THC/cannabidiol (CBD) 9%/9%, CBD 13%, and placebo at 2-week intervals. Our primary outcome was the Modified Rush Video-Based Tic Rating Scale (MRVTRS), taken at baseline and at...

Abstract Objectives. Assessing the effectiveness and tolerability of medical cannabis (MC) treatment on Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) patients. Methods. We report on an open-label, prospective study on the effect of MC on adult GTS patients. MC mode of use was decided by the treating neurologist and the patient. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content within MC product and monthly dose were titrated during the study. Following treatment initiation, patients were assessed after 4 and 12 weeks for efficacy, tolerability, and side effects. Results. Eighteen patients entered the study. Baseline Yale Global Tic Severity Scale- (YGTSS) Total (range 0-100) was . Three patients...

Background Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is a developmental neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by the presence of chronic motor and phonic tics. Drugs currently used in the treatment of GTS either lack efficacy or are associated with intolerable side effects. There is some anecdotal and experimental evidence that cannabinoids may be effective in treating tics and compulsive behaviour in patients with GTS. There are currently no systematic Cochrane reviews of treatments used in GTS. There is one other Cochrane review being undertaken at present, on the use of fluoxetine for tics in GTS. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids as compared...

Previous studies have suggested that marijuana (cannabis sativa) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC), the major psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, are effective in the therapy of tics and associated behavioral disorders in Tourette Syndrome (TS). Because there is also evidence that cannabis sativa may cause cognitive impairment in healthy users, we performed a randomized double-blind placebocontrolled crossover trial for D9-THC in 12 adult TS patients to investigate whether treatment of TS with a single dose of D9-THC at 5.0 to 10.0 mg causes significant side effects on neuropsychological performance. Using a variety of neuropsychological tests, we found no significant differences after treatment with D9-THC compared to placebo...