Tourette’s Syndrome and Medical Marijuana

In recent years, states, such as West Virginia, have started to pass legislation in order to enable the use of medicinal marijuana for treating most health issues, including muscle pain, headaches, and even Tourette’s syndrome. This legislation, however, has some regulations that need to be followed such as getting a med card in West Virginia or in the other states that require one.

If you have Tourette’s Syndrome, you are aware of how intrusive the symptoms of this disorder may be. Tourette symptoms can interfere with many elements of your life, from spontaneous outbursts to repetitive actions, and regulating these symptoms can be tough.

While there is no concrete evidence that supports medical marijuana as an effective therapy choice for people with Tourette’s syndrome, many small studies claim that it helps to lessen its symptoms and frequency. 

What is Tourette’s Syndrome?

Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) affects one out of every 162 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means that these children have an uncontrolled condition characterized by repeated motions or undesired noises, often known as tics.

According to research, TS is caused by an alteration in a person’s DNA, which can be hereditary or congenital. These modifications generate a condition in which the brain’s nerve cells have difficulty connecting with one another, which is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.

Even though there is no known cure for TS, there are numerous therapies available to combat or reduce the symptoms. One of these therapies is the use of medicinal marijuana, which can help with symptoms of Tourette’s such as anxiety and tic frequency.

Different Symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome

Tics are the most prevalent symptom reported in most TS patients. This refers to the disorder’s patients’ abrupt, uncontrolled motions or noises. It has a negative impact on a person’s everyday functioning, communication, and quality of life.

Tics that impair a patient’s movement are known as motor tics, while those that impact their voice are known as vocal tics. Take notice that the frequency and intensity of tics might vary. Tics, according to experts, intensify when a person is enthusiastic, anxious, or exhausted. It can also strengthen or deteriorate as a youngster progresses from childhood to maturity.

Other TS symptoms include:

• Attention Deficit
• Disabilities in Learning
• Inadequate Social Skills
• Loss of Short-Term Memory
• Mood Changes
• Panic Disorder

The following are the most common motor tics seen in TS patients:

• Blinking of the Eyes
• Jerking of the Head
• Shoulder shrugging
• Eyes darting around
• Twitches of the nose
• Mouth Motions

Many Ways to Treat Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s Syndrome is unique to each individual. As a result, the treatment for the disease may range from patient to patient. Behavioral therapy, on the other hand, is the most commonly recommended treatment by doctors. Patients are taught to “play out a reaction capable of limiting the tic.”

Medications that restrict dopamine, antidepressants, anti-seizure medicines, medicinal marijuana, and central adrenergic inhibitors also aid in the control of anger episodes and impulsive disorders.

Marijuana and Tourette’s

Many experts started to recommend marijuana for Tourette’s after a study by the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience showed that marijuana can reduce tics in patients with TS.

Research has shown that medical marijuana’s relaxing effects could help with TS symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, anger issues, insomnia, and obsessive disorder. The use of cannabis may also help with tics, but there are no side effects.

Research has shown that cannabis’ brain effects can be used to treat TS symptoms. The non-psychoactive CBD found in medical marijuana can help with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. CBD can be used to reduce anxiety and irritability in children and adults with TS.

An important reminder: ask your primary doctor if medical marijuana is allowed, particularly if you are currently taking any other medications.

Other Health Benefits of Marijuana

Aside from the positive relationship between marijuana and Tourette’s syndrome, there are other marijuana health benefits, which include:

• Chronic pain relief
• Encourages weight loss
• insulin regulation
• Assists in reducing seizures
• Glaucoma treatment
• Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s
• Aids in arthritis management
• Aids signs of PTSD
• Relieves the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
• Improve the effectiveness of Hepatitis C therapies
• Inflammation is reduced.
• Tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease are relieved.

How Safe Is It?

Overall, marijuana is a pretty safe substance – certainly less dangerous than some of the legal pharmaceuticals available today and potentially beneficial to some people’s health through medicinal use. However, it is not without risk.

Before purchasing any marijuana-infused product for its health advantages, confirm that the cannabis brand has been licensed and controlled by the US Food and Drug Administration. 

Several studies have found that marijuana can help with the majority of Tourette’s symptoms, including motor and vocal tics. However, keep in mind that many experts are still conducting clinical trials and studies on the possibility of medicinal marijuana in treating various Tourette’s symptoms.

Key Takeaway

Over the years, marijuana has been licensed in many states for the treatment of nausea, anorexia, and other health issues. Today, there are several anecdotal accounts for Tourette’s Syndrome that display evidence that marijuana is useful not only in the suppression of tics but also in the treatment of related behavioral issues. However, it is important to confirm that the cannabis brand you are purchasing has been licensed and controlled by the US Food and Drug Administration. 

Look for a reputable keystone dispensary that provides licensed medical marijuana and cannabis-based drugs to ensure a safe and quality experience.