"The effects were clear," lead researcher Kirsten Mueller-Vahl of the Medical School of Hannover told Reuters Health.  "What was also interesting was that some patients experienced far greater effects than others, ... but generally the level of tic activity was reduced as were the compulsions, such as [the urge] to shout, spit or swear."  Twelve patients participated in the study.  None of the volunteers reported any serious adverse reactions to THC, which is one of the primary compounds in marijuana.

Tourette-Syndrome is a complex neurological disorder characterized by sudden spasms - so-called "tics" - that occur especially in the facial muscles, neck, shoulders and extremities.  A previous study of 12 volunteers by Meuller-Vahl's team found that THC significantly reduced tics and obsessive-compulsive behavior in TS patients.  A follow-up, placebo-controlled crossover study of 24 patients yielded similar results.

"There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the consumption of marijuana clearly and continuously benefits Tourette patients," Mueller-Vahl said.  "There is also a strong suggestion that the plant cannabis is more effective than synthetic THC, and that patients taking [a combination of the two] experience fewer unpleasant side effects."

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano of The NORML Foundation at (202) 483-8751.