Does THC Help with Essential Tremor

David Asked

Does 4.2mg. THC gummies help to ease essential Tremors?

Answer

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder affecting nearly 7 million Americans and is characterized by involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most commonly of the hands. Essential tremor can run in families and is sometimes known as familial tremor. While essential tremor can occur at any age, it is particularly prevalent among older adults and often worsens over time. Essential tremor is distinct from the tremors that are seen in Parkinson’s disease, which typically occur at rest and have different underlying mechanisms.

Essential tremor primarily manifests as a postural tremor, meaning it tends to occur when a person holds a position against gravity. This type of tremor has been recognized for centuries and is known to be temporarily suppressed by alcohol consumption. However, recommending alcohol as a treatment option is not viable due to the risk of developing alcoholism and other long-term negative health effects. In contrast, cannabis offers a potential treatment that may help suppress tremors without the associated risks of addiction and long-term damage linked to alcohol.

The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling network present throughout the body, and plays a key role in regulating motor control. Cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, modulate neuronal excitability, which can influence tremor activity. By interacting with the ECS, cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) offer a novel mechanism to address the dysregulated neural activity underlying Essential Tremor. Cannabinoids have been shown to help muscles relax and protect nerves (neuroprotective effects). Cannabis's effects on muscle relaxation may help reduce involuntary contractions, while neuroprotective effects may help preserve normal function and delay disease progression.

Current Evidence and Challenges

Although the scientific basis for using medical cannabis in Essential tremor is compelling, clinical research in this area is still in its infancy. A study by the University of California, San Diego, aimed to examine this exact topic, but from what we can tell results are still pending or haven't been published. Other research efforts are investigating alternative delivery methods, such as oral formulations and sublingual sprays, to enhance efficacy and minimize psychoactive side effects associated with THC.

While research on the use of cannabis for essential tremor is extremely limited, we can look at the effects that cannabis has on other diseases in which tremor is prevalent such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. While we have not yet conducted a study at DENT on the use of cannabis in essential tremor, we have studied the use of cannabis on MS and Parkinson's disease. In our Parkinson’s study, we found that 48% of patients suffering from tremor reported a noticeable decrease in tremor activity after initiation of medical cannabis therapy. Patients most often used a 1:1 ratio tincture with total daily mg consumption of THC and CBD ranging from 2mg to 15mg.

Does THC Help Ease Essential Tremor?

Now back to your original question, would 4.2mg THC gummy could help to ease essential tremor? Based on available studies, one cannot definitively state that a 4.2mg gummy will help mitigate the symptoms of essential tremor. However, it is plausible that, on an individual basis, when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan, cannabinoid-based therapies may help with essential tremor. It is important to remember that each person is unique and has different needs with respect to their medical treatment as well as their endocannabinoid system. As with any condition one wants to treat with medical cannabis products, remember to start low, go slow, modify dosing after 2 weeks of consistent use, and make sure to seek the advice of a knowledgeable healthcare professional in any treatment decision.

A Look Ahead

Despite these promising developments, barriers to widespread clinical adoption persist. The federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance in the United States continues to restrict research funding and limit the scale of clinical trials. Additionally, many healthcare providers remain hesitant to recommend medical cannabis due to limited standardization in dosing, formulation, and long-term safety data.

To fully realize the potential of medical cannabis in the management of essential tremor, we must address these challenges through rigorous, large-scale clinical trials that evaluate the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based therapies. Partnerships between academic institutions, biotech companies, and advocacy organizations can drive innovation and funding to fill the current knowledge gaps. Moreover, regulatory reforms at the federal level are critical to facilitate research and ensure patient access to high-quality, standardized cannabis products.

It is also essential to educate clinicians and patients about the potential role of cannabis in the treatment of this disorder. This includes providing resources to guide proper dosing and product selection while emphasizing the importance of using cannabis under medical supervision. As more data emerges, we anticipate the development of targeted cannabinoid therapies tailored to the specific needs of patients with essential tremor, potentially transforming care for this underserved population.

Conclusion

For individuals living with essential tremor, medical cannabis represents more than a potential therapy—it offers hope. While significant hurdles remain, the convergence of scientific innovation and patient advocacy has the potential to unlock a new era of treatment options. By embracing evidence-based research and fostering collaboration, we can empower patients with essential tremor to regain control over their lives and improve their quality of life through cannabis-based medicine.