Cannabinoids: possible role in patho-physiology and therapy of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome

High densities of cannabinoid receptors were found in the basal ganglia and hippocampus, indicating a putative functional role of cannabinoids in move ment and behaviour. Anecdotal reports suggested beneficial effects of marij uana in Tourette's syndrome (TS). We therefore interviewed 64 TS patients w ith regard to use of marijuana and its influence on TS symptomatology. Of 1 7 patients (27%) who reported prior use of marijuana, 14 subjects (82%) exp erienced a reduction or complete remission of motor and vocal ties and an a melioration of premonitory urges and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Our res ults provide more evidence that marijuana improves ties and behavioural dis orders in TS. It can he speculated that cannabinoids might act through spec ific receptors, and that the cannabinoid system might play a major role in TS pathology.