While evidence to support the efficacy of medical cannabis for tremors is mixed, the interest from patients with conditions where tremors are a primary symptom is certainly strong. Providing the necessary criteria are met, such as having already tried at least two first-line treatments, patients with tremors may be eligible for medical cannabis treatments in the UK.
There are numerous conditions in which tremors (rhythmic, involuntary shaking or trembling) and essential tremor (a specific neurological movement disorder that causes shaking) affect patients' lives, including Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Common first-line treatments prescribed are beta-blockers, anti-seizure medications and low-dose benzodiazepines. However, a recent survey undertaken by the Parkinson's Foundation in collaboration with Northwestern University researchers found that 95% of neurologists (US-based) reported patients asking for medical cannabis to be prescribed (although studies suggest medical cannabis is most often taken by patients to treat non-motor symptoms, such as anxiety, pain and sleep disorders, rather than tremors).
Here, we take a look at the key information on CBD oil for tremors, medical cannabis for tremors and cannabis for essential tremors in the UK, to help you make an informed choice about your treatment plan.
Which types of tremor might medical cannabis help with?
Although many types of tremors may look similar from the outside, for people experiencing them they can be quite different, both in terms of the movement, and the potential cause. Some examples of tremors medical cannabis might be able to help with include essential tremors, Parkinsonian tremors, resting tremors, intention tremors, dystonic tremors and enhanced physiologic tremors.
It's widely agreed that, while some cannabinoids in cannabis may offer therapeutic potential in the treatment of tremors, further preclinical, clinical and long-term studies are needed to understand the effects and establish the best dose and treatment plan.
Is CBD oil effective for tremors, and how does it differ from THC?
Some preclinical and animal model studies have shown promise in the use of CBD oil for tremors; however, these findings have yet to translate conclusively to human studies and clinical trials. Many suggest that CBD oil for tremors offers no improvement on motor symptoms at all.
In 2024, an updated overview of CBD's potential impact on Parkinson's disease, including symptoms such as tremors, noted that CBD may have therapeutic potential for the condition. But among all the clinical trials evaluated (four studies), it was concluded that CBD oil did not affect the severity of tremors on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating scale. Another randomised, controlled, double-blind, crossover study on 19 patients with essential tremors found that, after giving patients a single oral dose of 300mg CBD, there was no significant effect on the severity of upper limb tremors. However, further research is needed to establish whether ongoing treatment with CBD oil might reduce tremors, as opposed to a single dose or short-term use.
THC is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, best known for being the psychoactive compound, but research has also revealed therapeutic potential in many areas. Although there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that THC may help with tremors, much like CBD, a lot of the research available so far does not align with this, certainly not for short-term use.
In 2025, a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study of oral cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol for essential tremor tested a dose (starting at 5mg THC and 100mg CBD and titrating to 15mg THC and 300mg CBD) for two weeks in patients with essential tremor to determine if these cannabinoids could improve their tremor symptoms. Unfortunately, this pilot trial did not show any signs of efficacy.
Can medical cannabis help Parkinson's tremors?
Despite a lack of controlled studies so far, researchers believe medical cannabis could be a therapy worth investigating for Parkinson's disease, partly due to the significant presence of cannabinoid receptors in the basal ganglia. Parkinson's disease disrupts the basal ganglia by causing dopamine-producing cells in the Substantia Nigra to die off, resulting in an imbalance in the brain's pathways, which leads to slowed movement, muscle stiffness and tremors.
Some studies suggest that CBD, which modulates cannabinoid receptor activity rather than directly activating it, could exert anti-parkinsonism effects, while agonists, like THC, might help with motor control.
One study on 85 patients with Parkinson's disease found that after smoking half a teaspoon of cannabis leaves every day, alongside prescribed medications for Parkinson's disease, 46% reported relief from their symptoms. However, these changes occurred after almost two months of daily dosing, suggesting that benefits from medical cannabis for Parkinson's and medical cannabis for tremors may only be seen after a period of use. In this trial, 31% of patients reported improvement in resting tremor, 38% reported relief from rigidity, 45% defined reduced bradykinesia, and 14% of the patients reported alleviated dyskinesias.
While some of these results are promising, it's important to note that it is illegal to smoke prescribed medical cannabis. Instead, patients who choose to take medical cannabis for tremors in the UK can vape dried flower, or take cannabis in the form of an oil or pastille.
How does medical cannabis sit alongside propranolol, primidone and other tremor medication?
Medical cannabis should not replace tremor medication and, when under close clinical guidance, it may be possible to continue taking your medications alongside a medical cannabis treatment plan. However, cannabis can interact with certain medications, potentially causing serious side effects, so this is something to be discussed in your consultation with your Releaf clinician.
What forms is medical cannabis prescribed in?
Medical cannabis for tremors and cannabis for essential tremors is available in a variety of forms in the UK, including dried flower to be vaped, THC vapes and pastilles, and cannabis oil. It is possible to be prescribed CBD oil for tremors, as well as cannabis oils containing THC.
Risks, side effects, and who it may not suit
Medical cannabis is not suitable for anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, and it may not be suitable for people with a history of certain mental health conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Medical cannabis can also interact with some medications, leading to serious side effects, so cannabis should only be used alongside other medication under close clinical guidance as advised by your doctor.
How to get assessed for medical cannabis in the UK
Getting assessed to find out if you're eligible for medical cannabis in the UK is done entirely online with Releaf. Simply fill out the eligibility questionnaire to begin the process. Once initial checks are completed, you can book your video consultation and speak to a clinician who can prescribe medical cannabis if appropriate for your needs and health condition.
To find out whether medical cannabis may be suitable for your symptoms, try our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It's free, takes less than 30 seconds and could be your first step towards finding relief.
