Cannabis for Tourette Syndrome alone and with comorbid ADHD, with Prof. Dr. Kirsten Mueller-Vahl

Cannabis for Tourette Syndrome alone and with comorbid ADHD, with Prof. Dr. Kirsten Mueller-Vahl. We spoke with psychiatrist and neurologist Prof. Dr. Kirsten Mueller-Vahl at the 2019 IACM Cannabinoids in Medicine conference in Berlin, Germany. Prof. Dr. Mueller-Vahl outlined the progress toward large-scale clinical trials that can demonstrate the efficacy of cannabinoid medicines for Tourette Syndrome and common comorbidities like ADHD. Prof. Dr. Mueller-Vahl explained the hope of developing a treatment that addresses both Tourette and comorbid ADHD through the endocannabinoid system. This single treatment option would reduce the likelihood of adverse events stemming from interactions between the concurrent treatment strategies currently used (which are dopamine modulation in opposite directions). She notes that evidence suggests cannabinoid medicines may treat the root cause of these conditions, rather than just treating symptoms, however, more research is needed. She explains that such studies currently have difficulty obtaining funding. Prof. Dr. Mueller-Vahl recommends doctors currently consider prescribing cannabis for adult patients who do not benefit from standard treatments. This is despite the current lack of efficacy trial data. She also notes that when the clinical database is strong for cannabis in adults with Tourette, children should also be studied to improve symptoms and possibly influence the cause of the disease. Prof. Dr. Mueller-Vahl states that in adults with no history of psychosis there is no risk of developing schizophrenia from using cannabis medicines. She says a psychotic episode may be induced but this is merely a side-effect of intoxication. She agreed this is similar to being drunk on alcohol.