Tremor Gram – September 2025

Study of Oral Cannabis for Essential Tremor

Results have been published from a study looking at the impact of oral cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on essential tremor (ET). (THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant). The study, “Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study of Oral Cannabis for Essential Tremor,” showed that THC/CBD did not reduce ET amplitude.

Principal investigator of the study, Dr. Fatta Nahab, voluntary professor of neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego, talks about this study in our latest ET Virtual Education Event, “Study of Oral Cannabis for Essential Tremor.”

Read the entire study online.

Application Deadline Set for 2026 Research Grants

Researchers with an interest in studying the various aspects of essential tremor are encouraged to submit proposals for grant funding from the IETF. Letters of intent for 2026 funding are due November 1, 2025.

Applications should focus on studies achieving one or more of the following goals:

• A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of ET, including independent validation of previous findings
• A better understanding of the etiology of ET
• Development or further validation of animal models of ET
• Other approaches furthering the understanding of ET, which in turn would lead to enhanced treatment options for patients

The grant process is open to researchers, clinicians and post-doctoral students in the U.S. and non-U.S. academic or private setting. (Post-doctoral fellows may apply with the designation of an appropriate administrative principal investigator who directs the laboratory where the fellow will conduct the research.)

Download the Request for Applications guidelines to learn more.

Looking for ET Support Group Leaders

The IETF is looking for individuals who are interested in becoming Essential Tremor (ET) Support Group Leaders.

ET Support Group Leaders are self-motivated and passionate volunteers who serve the needs of their community by offering a place where all those affected by ET can gather to learn and grow. If you have a strong desire to help support and educate others about ET, consider applying to become a leader.

Learn more by reading the ET Support Group Leader position description and take a look at our training guide that serves as a resource for leaders.  

Being a support group leader can be a positive and rewarding experience!

Research Study Recruitment

Physiologic Correlates of Vocal Tremor Affecting Those with Essential Tremor – University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Two Locations:

• University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
• Mass Eye & Ear, Boston, MA

Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in the world. Approximately 30% of these individuals exhibit a vocal tremor, with the majority being female. This study will evaluate mechanisms of vocal tremor and their effects on communication, with the goal of advancing current and future treatments.

Eligible participants must have essential tremor and vocal tremor and be willing to travel to Utah or Massachusetts (compensation and travel included).

For the Utah study, please contact Jessica Ku (Clinical Research Coordinator) at Jessica.ku@hsc.utah.edu

For the Massachusetts study, please contact the Simonyan Lab at simonyan_lab@meei.harvard.edu