Medicinal Cannabis for Tourette Syndrome in Adolescents: Clinical Trial Shows Tic Reduction & Safety

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. For adolescents living with TS, these tics can significantly disrupt daily life, school performance, and social interactions. While existing treatments like behavioral therapy and medications can help, they don’t work for everyone and often come with side effects. A groundbreaking new study has explored the potential of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for adolescents with TS, offering hope for families seeking alternatives.

What Did the Study Investigate?

Published in BJPsych Open in 2025, this Australian pilot study is the first to evaluate medicinal cannabis in adolescents with TS (ages 12–18). Previous research focused on adults, leaving a gap in understanding how younger patients might respond. The study aimed to assess:

Feasibility: Could researchers recruit participants and follow the protocol?
Safety: Were there serious side effects?
Efficacy: Did cannabis reduce tics and improve quality of life?

The cannabis oil used contained a 10:15 ratio of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to CBD (cannabidiol), two key compounds in cannabis. Doses ranged from 5–20 mg/day based on body weight and tolerance.

Key Findings

1. Safety and Tolerability

No serious adverse events occurred while studying medical cannabis for Tourette Syndrome.
Common side effects included tiredness (40%), drowsiness (40%), and dry mouth (30%). These were generally mild and manageable.
A few participants experienced temporary issues like blurred vision or restlessness, but these resolved with dose adjustments.

2. Reduction in Tic Severity

Clinician-reported tic severity (measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale) improved significantly (P = 0.003).
Parent-reported tic severity (via the Parent Tic Questionnaire) also showed notable improvement (P = 0.0038).
Some participants required higher doses for optimal results, but even at lower doses, benefits were observed.

3. Improved Quality of Life

Both parents and teens reported better quality of life (P = 0.027 for parents; P = 0.032 for teens), including reduced emotional distress and improved daily functioning.
Behavioral and emotional issues (measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) also improved (P = 0.048).

4. Comorbid Conditions

Many participants had coexisting conditions like ADHD (60%), anxiety (90%), or autism (40%). While tics improved, the study did not find significant changes in ADHD symptoms or premonitory urges (the uncomfortable sensations before tics).

Why Is This Cannabis for Tourette Syndrome Study Important?

First-of-its-kind: This is the first trial to focus on adolescents, a group often excluded from cannabis research due to concerns about brain development.
Real-world relevance: All participants had previously tried standard treatments without success, highlighting the need for new options.
Safety reassurance: The study suggests that low-to-moderate THC/CBD doses can be safe under medical supervision.

Limitations and Next Steps

The study was small (10 participants) and lacked a placebo group, so results should be interpreted cautiously. However, the findings are promising enough to warrant larger, randomized controlled trials. Researchers also noted that baseline behavioral issues (e.g., emotional difficulties) might predict who benefits most from cannabis treatment.

What Does This Mean for Families?

While medicinal cannabis isn’t yet a first-line treatment for TS, this study opens the door to future research. If your child has TS and standard therapies aren’t working, discuss this option with a healthcare provider. Always ensure cannabis is used under medical guidance, as dosing and formulations vary.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Valsamma Eapen, the study’s lead author, emphasized: “This pilot trial shows medicinal cannabis could be a viable option for adolescents with severe tics. While more research is needed, we’re optimistic about its potential to improve quality of life.”

For families navigating Tourette syndrome, this study offers a glimmer of hope—and a reminder that science continues to explore new frontiers in care.

Reference
Eapen V, Lin P-I, Taylor K, et al. Medicinal cannabis for tics in adolescents with Tourette syndrome. BJPsych Open. 2025;11:e145. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40636988/

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new treatments.