Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 12 state programs name Tourette syndrome on the official list, and 12 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding Tourette syndrome
Tics often lessen in adulthood, but some people continue to have tics that cause pain, embarrassment or trouble at school and work. Treatment can include behavioral therapy such as CBIT, medicines like guanfacine, clonidine or certain antipsychotics and, for severe cases, botulinum toxin injections or deep brain stimulation.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Frequent motor tics
- Vocal tics
- Pain from forceful tics
- The uncomfortable urge that comes before a tic
- Anxiety and trouble sleeping
Does Tourette syndrome qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaListed as “Tourette's syndrome”
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasListed as “Tourette's syndrome”
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutListed
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- GA GeorgiaListed as “Tourette's syndrome”
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisListed
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganListed as “Tourette's disease”
- MN MinnesotaListed
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriListed as “A chronic condition causing severe, persistent …”
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyListed
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaListed
- OH OhioListed
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaListed
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Limited evidence. Limited evidence suggests THC can reduce tic severity.
- The 2017 National Academies review found limited evidence that THC capsules reduce tic severity in Tourette syndrome.
- Small randomized trials, mostly in adults, have found that THC or THC and CBD products reduced tics for some people.
- Results across studies have been mixed, and larger trials have not consistently shown clear benefits.
- Most research has been in adults, so there is very little evidence for children and teens.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach Tourette syndrome
Doctors often consider oral products or tinctures because they give steady effects throughout the day.
Products containing THC have the most evidence for tics, often balanced with CBD to reduce side effects.
Doctors usually treat cannabis as an add-on when behavioral therapy and standard medicines are not enough.
Starting very low and going slow helps limit dizziness, anxiety and effects on focus at school or work.
Risks and precautions
- Children and teens have developing brains, and THC may affect learning and mood, so pediatric use needs careful specialist input.
- THC can worsen anxiety or attention problems in some people with ADHD or OCD.
- Combining THC with ADHD stimulants can raise heart rate further.
- Combining cannabis with antipsychotics, clonidine or guanfacine can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Tell your neurologist or psychiatrist about cannabis use so they can track tics and mood.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A Tourette syndrome diagnosis from a neurologist, psychiatrist or pediatrician.
A list of treatments tried, including behavioral therapy and medicines, and how well they worked.
Notes on tic frequency, pain or injury from tics and how they affect daily life.
Records of related conditions such as ADHD, OCD or anxiety.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for Tourette syndrome
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Tourette syndrome: 9 common questions
Does Tourette syndrome qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 12 state programs name Tourette syndrome on the official list, and 12 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list Tourette syndrome as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Providers can also certify it in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 4 more, which don't use a fixed list. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for Tourette syndrome online?
Yes, in 17 of those states — including Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and 12 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 6 others, such as Alabama, Michigan, North Dakota and 3 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis reduce tics?
Small studies suggest THC can reduce tics for some adults with Tourette syndrome. The evidence is limited and results have been mixed. It is usually considered when standard treatments have not worked well.
Is CBD or THC better for Tourette syndrome?
Most studies showing tic reduction used products with THC. CBD alone has little research for tics. Many doctors use a balanced product to limit THC side effects.
Is cannabis safe for children with Tourette syndrome?
There is very little research in children, and THC may affect the developing brain. Behavioral therapy and standard medicines are the first choices for young people. If you are considering cannabis for a minor, involve your child's specialists.
Can I use cannabis with my ADHD medication?
Both THC and stimulants can raise heart rate, and THC can affect focus. Some people find the combination uncomfortable. Talk with your prescriber, start very low and notice how you feel.
Can cannabis make anxiety or OCD worse?
Yes, THC can increase anxiety or intrusive thoughts in some people. Many people with Tourette syndrome also have anxiety or OCD. Start with low-THC products and stop if these symptoms get worse.
How quickly does cannabis work for tics?
Vaporized cannabis may reduce tics within minutes, while oral products take one to two hours and last longer. Benefits for tics in studies were measured over several weeks. Track tic frequency in a diary to judge whether it helps.