Case Report: Cannabinoid Extracts Safe and Effective in Tourette Syndrome Patient

TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND — The administration of standardized cannabinoid extracts (Sativex) is safe and effective at mitigating symptoms of Tourette syndrome, according to a case report published online ahead of print in the journal Australasian Psychiatry.

Investigators at the Tauranga Hospital, Department of Psychiatry in New Zealand evaluated the impact of twice-daily Sativex administration in a patient with treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome (TS). Sativex is a spray containing an equal 1:1 ratio of THC to cannabidiol (CBD).

Following treatment, researchers reported an 85 percent reduction in the subject’s motor tics and a 90 percent reduction in vocal tics.

Authors concluded, “Our results support previous research suggesting that cannabinoids are a safe and effective treatment for TS and should be considered in treatment-resistant cases.”

Randomized clinical trials assessing the use of oral THC capsules in patients with TS have similarly reported the treatment to be safe and effective.