Dystonia is a movement disorder where your muscles contract involuntarily, causing repetitive or twisting movements. Focal dystonia affects just one part of your body; segmental dystonia can affect two or more adjacent parts of your body; and general dystonia can affect all of your body. Dystonia can be caused by neurological and neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke or a brain injury, but can also be inherited. Some cases are idiopathic (no known cause).
There is some evidence that cannabis can treat involuntary muscle contractions and reduce pain in those with dystonia. This is by activation of cannabinoid receptors in the basal ganglia that release y-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
