Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by motor and postural impairments.

Cerebral palsy is the most wide-spread childhood disorder impacting motor function and development.

CP breaks down into four main categories, based on body movement:

Spastic cerebral palsy

Ataxic cerebral palsy

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy



Mixed cerebral palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy., representing at least 70% of diagnoses. The muscles of people with spastic cerebral palsy feel stiff and their movements may look stiff and jerky.

In cerebral palsy, spasticity is due to damage to the motor cortex of the brain before, during or after birth.

Ataxic cerebral palsy

Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common type of CP, only affecting around 5 to 10% of all people with CP. Children with ataxic CP may also have tremors and speech and oral problems.

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy, also known as athetoid cerebral palsy or ADCP, is a form of the disorder marked by body movement that is involuntary (out of their control).

Mixed cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy patients that do not have the symptoms of a single type of cerebral palsy are referred to as having mixed cerebral palsy. This typically manifests itself through a range of symptoms common to spastic, ataxic , and dyskinetic cerebral palsy

How can CBD help those with Cerebral Palsy?

A combination of THC and CBD (Medical Marijuana) helped children with Cerebral Palsy according to an Israeli study published in 2017.

THC is especially relevant to motor function, whether it’s Parkinson’s disease or other motor symptoms including CP. Due to the psychoactive effects of THC, the doctors included Cannabidiol (CBD) which is known to olower the euphoric effects of THC.

According to the final findings in 2018, the treatment reduced their symptoms and improved their motor skills. The researchers saw improvement in the kids’ sleep quality, bowel movements and general mood.

The study of 40 children, was conducted with the medical cannabis company Tikun Olam, a world leader in cannabis research.

Key Results:

CBD-enriched 5% cannabis oil with CBD :THC ratios of 6:1 and 20:1 are effective in reducing the severity of dystonia and spasticity, and improving motor function ability and quality of life

ratios of 6:1 and 20:1 are effective in reducing the severity of dystonia and spasticity, and improving motor function ability and quality of life All patients demonstrated mood and appetite improvement

Patients treated with the 6:1 ratio oil demonstrated sleep improvement

Patients treated with the 20:1 ratio oil demonstrated improvement in constipation

CBD has been shown to reduce chronic pain, seizures, and depression. All which are common symptoms of cerebral palsy.

With no known cure for CP, the best that any treatment can do is reduce the impact of symptoms and help them live a semi-normal life.

Studies/Journals