Treatment of Tourette's Syndrome with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A Randomized Crossover Trial

• DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-25028
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T11:49:17Z
• Authors: K. Müller-Vahl; U. Schneider; A. Koblenz; M. Jöbges; H. Kolbe; T. Daldrup; H. Emrich
• Keywords: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; Crossover study; Cannabis sativa

Anecdotal reports in Tourette's syndrome (TS) have suggested that marijuana (cannabis sativa) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, reduce tics associated behavioral disorders. We performed a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover single-dose trial Δ9-THC (5.0, 7.5 or 10.0 mg) 12 adult TS patients. Tic severity was assessed using self-rating scale (Tourette's Symptom List, TSSL) examiner ratings (Shapiro Severity Scale, Yale Global Scale). Using TSSL, patients also rated Clinical changes were correlated to maximum plasma levels THC its metabolites 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH). there significant improvement (p=0.015) obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCB) (p = 0.041) after treatment with compared placebo. Examiner demonstrated difference for subscore "complex motor tics" 0.015) trend towards subscores "motor 0.065), "simple 0.093), "vocal 0.093). No serious adverse reactions occurred. Five experienced mild, transient side effects. There correlation between tic 11-OH-THC concentration. Results obtained from this pilot study suggest is effective safe treating OCB TS. It can be speculated clinical effects may caused by 11-OH-THC. A more long-term required confirm these results.