/Logo%20G1.svg)
A Cochrane review found two small THC trials in Tourette’s reported tic-score improvements, though evidence remains limited. Cochrane
The Tourette’s evidence reviewed by Cochrane focused on THC capsules, supporting specialist discussion for selected adults. Cochrane
School children are affected by Tourette’s syndrome, and it is more common in boys. Tourettes Action
Of people with Tourette’s also have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, OCD or anxiety. Tourettes Action
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Understanding the condition
Understanding tics
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition, not a mental illness, that usually begins in childhood. Its main feature is tics — involuntary movements and sounds — which must be present for at least 12 months to meet the diagnostic criteria.
Tics can be simple, such as blinking or throat-clearing, or more complex. Many people feel a build-up of tension or an urge before a tic, which is briefly relieved by it. Contrary to common belief, involuntary swearing affects only a small minority.
Tics tend to wax and wane, and stress or anxiety can make them worse. Tourette’s often occurs alongside conditions such as ADHD, OCD and anxiety, which is an important part of any assessment.
Recognising the impact
Common tourette’s syndrome symptoms
Tourette’s affects people differently, but common features include:
- Motor tics, such as blinking or head movements
- Vocal tics, such as throat-clearing or sounds
- A build-up of tension or urge before a tic
- Tics that worsen with stress or excitement
- Co-occurring anxiety, OCD or ADHD
- Physical discomfort caused by frequent tics
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
After diagnosis of Tourette syndrome, care may include behavioural therapy and, where needed, medicines for Tourette syndrome. Recognised options include:
- Habit reversal training for tics
- Exposure with response prevention (ERP) therapy
- Antipsychotic medicines such as aripiprazole or risperidone
- Pimozide or other neuroleptics in selected cases
- Support for co-occurring anxiety, OCD or ADHD symptoms
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If tourette’s syndrome symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
Can medical cannabis help with Tourette's tics?
Recognised behavioural therapies and medicines are used first. Where tics remain difficult to manage, a specialist may review whether medical cannabis is appropriate on an individual basis.
Where tics and related symptoms continue to affect daily life alongside recognised options such as behavioural therapy and medication, a GMC-registered specialist can review your history and consider whether medical cannabis may help.
In some cases, a specialist may consider whether prescription medical cannabis could help with tics or with co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, where standard options have not provided enough relief. The evidence in this area is still developing, and effects can vary from person to person.
At CannaRelief, a GMC-registered specialist reviews your diagnosis, history and current medicines, and only considers treatment as part of a wider, carefully monitored plan.
Effects can vary from person to person, which is why a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, goals, medicines and records before deciding whether treatment may be appropriate.
1
Eligibility screening
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatments already tried. No GP referral is needed.
2
Specialist consultation
A GMC-registered specialist reviews your records, goals, current medicines and relevant risks by online video.
3
Decision and follow-up
When treatment is appropriate, outcomes and side effects are monitored and the plan is reviewed.
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence (specialist-led)
Some studies and a Cochrane review have explored cannabinoids for Tourette's tics, but evidence is still developing, so any use is specialist-led and individually assessed.
- Behavioural therapies (habit reversal, ERP) are recommended first.
- Cochrane review evidence for cannabinoids in Tourette's is limited.
- Any consideration is specialist-led after standard options.
Related support
Explore related tourette’s syndrome support
These pages may help if symptoms overlap or you want to understand the wider specialist assessment pathway.
Safety
Possible side effects
Medical cannabis is prescribed under specialist supervision, and patient experience can vary. Your clinician will explain what to watch for and adjust your plan if needed.
- Decreased appetite or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or weakness
- Dizziness or feeling very tired
- Behavioural or mood changes
They’ll usually ease on their own, but speak to your clinician if they don’t improve over time.
Questions
Tourette’s Syndrome FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis legal for Tourette's syndrome in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since November 2018, but only a specialist doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe it, and only when it is clinically appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee a prescription.
Is medical cannabis a proven treatment for Tourette’s?
Medical cannabis may be considered where recognised options such as behavioural therapy and medication have not provided enough relief. A specialist assesses your individual situation after a full review to decide whether it may be appropriate.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP informed where you would like us to.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Will medical cannabis be prescribed if I am eligible?
Not necessarily. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical consultation, and treatment is not suitable for everyone.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a GMC-registered specialist.