Tourette Syndrome (TS) can significantly impact the quality of life and the overall health of sufferers, often causing social challenges, emotional distress, and interference with daily activities and relationships.
The Canadian Community Health Survey 2010 and 2011 cycles revealed that 122 individuals out of 122,884 survey participants were diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and the prevalence was higher among males during youth.
While there are treatments available for Tourette syndrome, an increasing number of individuals are exploring all-natural alternatives and going on endless “cannabis stores near me” searches online.
Key Takeaways:
- TS impacts the quality of life and health of sufferers.
- The condition is highly prevalent among males.
- More people are exploring the use of alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs.
About Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS)
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder that usually begins in childhood and manifests in multiple motor and vocal tics that last for at least one year. Tics are sudden and repetitive movements or sounds ranging from mild to severe. They can significantly impact communication, daily functioning, and quality of life.
| Type of Tic | Description | Examples |
| Simple Tics | Sudden, brief, and repetitive movements or sounds involving a limited number of muscle groups. |
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| Complex Tics | Distinct and coordinated movement patterns involving multiple muscle groups. |
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Causes
Experts believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and serotonin, may also be involved in the condition. Tics may stem from dysfunctions in specific brain regions responsible for habit formation, including the basal ganglia, thalamus, and frontal cortex, which are involved in motor control and regulation.
Risk Factors
- Family History. A family history of Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders can increase the risk of developing Tourette syndrome.
- Sex. Males are roughly three to four times more likely than females to develop the condition.
Traditional Treatments
Treatment options are available to manage the symptoms associated with TS. However, not all individuals with TS require treatment, as some can live without significant interference from their tics.
Medications
Medications can reduce severe tics and symptoms of associated conditions like ADHD or OCD. However, they don’t eliminate tics, they don’t work for everyone with TS, and may cause some side effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy helps individuals with TS manage their tics by reducing their frequency, severity, and impact.
Habit Reversal
Habit reversal, a well-studied behavioral intervention for tics, involves awareness training, where individuals identify each tic and competing response training.
Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
CBIT is an evidence-based therapy for TS and chronic tic disorders. It incorporates habit reversal, education about tics, and relaxation techniques.
Cannabis-Based Medicine
Medical marijuana, containing THC and CBD, has shown promise in reducing symptoms of Tourette Syndrome based on small scientific studies, patient reports, and anecdotal cases. Many adult patients with TS in Germany, Israel, and Canada use cannabis to alleviate symptoms.
- CBD may exhibit its potential therapeutic effects in TS by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, modulating neurotransmitter release, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- THC may alleviate symptoms of TS by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, influencing dopamine release, and modulating neuronal excitability and motor control.
Medical Cannabis Studies
- Cannabis-Based Medicine (CBM) usage led to a subjective improvement in tics (approximately 60% improvement in 85% of cases), comorbidities (55% of cases, predominantly OCB/OCD, ADHD, and sleeping disorders), and quality of life (93% of cases).
- Medical cannabis treatment led to significant reductions in TS symptom severity following treatment with medicinal cannabis (MC). After four weeks of MC treatment, there was an average reduction of over 8 points in the motor and vocal tic scores. The overall burden of GTS significantly decreased by approximately 38% after 12 weeks of MC use.
- Patients reported positive effects from MC use, such as reduced tic severity, improved sleep, and enhanced mood. Of the participants, 38 reported benefiting from the treatment. At the same time, ten patients who had been using MC for over a year chose to discontinue it, citing reasons including severe side effects like psychosis in one patient.
Cannabis Products
| Category | Product | Description |
| CBD Oil | CBD Tears – Full Spectrum CBD – 1ml | Phoenix Tears, a cannabis oil extract, offers anxiety relief, skin nourishment, heart health improvement, increased appetite, insomnia alleviation, and nausea relief. |
| Flower | Jealousy | Jealousy is a hybrid weed strain that offers euphoria, mental relaxation, increased physical energy, and enhanced focus. |
| CBD Balm | Cannamo – CBD Isolate Lion Balm – 1500mg | The Lion balm offers relief of aches and pains, sore muscles, sore joints such as arthritis, and strains or sprains. |
| Edibles | OneStop – Sour Cherry Lime THC Gummies 500mg | Sour Cherry Lime OneStop THC gummies contain 500mg THC divided into 10 50mg THC gummies. |
Summing It Up
Exploring alternative remedies for TS is relevant as it offers potential additional options for individuals seeking relief from their symptoms beyond conventional treatments. The increasing number of studies focusing on alternative remedies like cannabis demonstrates a growing interest in understanding their effectiveness in alleviating the condition.
For reliable and convenient access to cannabis products, consider checking out GrassLife for a wide range of high-quality cannabis options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for cannabis to show its effects in treating Tourette’s syndrome?
The time it takes for cannabis to show its effects in treating TS can vary among individuals. Some users may experience immediate relief, while others may take several minutes to an hour before the effects become noticeable. The specific cannabis product, dosage, method of consumption, and individual factors all contribute to the onset time.
Does the use of cannabis for Tourette’s syndrome have long-term effects?
Regarding the long-term effects of using cannabis for TS, more research is underway to understand its impact fully. While short-term studies suggest potential benefits, such as reduced tics and improved quality of life, the long-term consequences, including cognitive effects, addiction potential, and overall safety, require further investigation to make definitive conclusions.
How does cannabis affect sleep patterns in individuals with Tourette’s syndrome?
Cannabis can have varying effects on sleep patterns in individuals with TS. While some people may experience improved sleep quality and reduced sleep disturbances, others may report disruptions in sleep patterns. The impact of cannabis on sleep can depend on factors such as strain, dosage, and individual response, and this underscores the importance of personalized approaches and monitoring when using cannabis for sleep management in Tourette’s syndrome.
Are there any age restrictions for using cannabis as a treatment for Tourette’s syndrome?
In Canada, the ACMPR, or Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, regulates the use of cannabis for medical purposes. According to the current regulations, individuals must be at least 18 years old to access medical cannabis. However, exceptions can be made for individuals under 18 if they have the authorization and guidance of a healthcare practitioner.
