Cannabis and Tourette Syndrome: the story of a boy who became a symbol of a hidden struggle
At only 11 years old, Nicolas Matias inspired a bill that could transform the lives of thousands of Brazilians with Tourette Syndrome. In his journey, cannabis emerges as hope, cure, and voice
Nicolas Matias is only 11 years old, but he already represents a turning point in how Brazil sees Tourette Syndrome, a neurological condition still surrounded by misinformation, prejudice, and often ridicule. The boy's story not only caught the attention of social media, but also inspired the creation of Bill 1376/2025, known as the Nicolas Matias Law, which proposes a national policy of comprehensive care for people with the condition.
At the center of this transformation is also cannabis, which entered Nicolas' life like someone opening a new, silent but powerful window to relief and dignity.
A profile to protect, a profile to teach
It all started with a protective gesture. Created by his mother, Nágila Rocha, the @vivendocomtourette profile on Instagram was designed as a shield. "The profile was created so that when he arrived somewhere cursing, no one would be surprised. Until then, it was a little-talked-about syndrome. Many people looked at it with strangeness and judgment," she says.
Today, the profile has over 552 thousand followers, bringing together people who share, learn, and are moved by Nicolas' journey.
Screams, pains, and the search for answers
Tourette Syndrome, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), affects about 1% of the world's population. It is characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics, such as screams, sudden gestures, and the involuntary use of swear words (coprolalia). In Nicolas, the first signs appeared at 9 years old. Small screams, then excessive repetition of everything he heard.
The diagnosis came almost by chance when a psychiatrist was passing through a hospital corridor and, upon seeing the boy in crisis, recognized the symptoms. Until then, the family lived a daily life of uncertainties, fatigue, and physical pain caused by spasms and involuntary movements.
The city change and the encounter with cannabis
The search for better conditions led the family to leave Macapá, in Amapá, and move to Belém do Pará, where Nicolas started attending a psychologist and occupational therapist twice a week. But it was only six months ago that a real turning point occurred when he started using medical cannabis.
Introduced by a friend who was treating her son with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the plant was gradually introduced into the boy's routine - one drop, then two, three... until the results became visible.
Severe tics disappeared, such as the so-called "bull tic," where the boy forcefully threw his head and trunk towards the ground. The intense screams became rare. Although some symptoms persist, such as swearing and neck movements, they became controllable with gummies rich in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound present in cannabis.
The positive results achieved by Matias encouraged the whole family to start treatment with medical cannabis. Nágila began using the plant to control anxiety and weight loss. The uncle, diagnosed with ADHD, found an ally to relieve the symptoms of the disorder. The grandmother, who lives with Parkinson's, also showed significant improvements since incorporating the extract into her care routine.
In a recording for Portal Sechat, Dr. Caliandra Alves explained how cannabis can help with Tourette Syndrome. Watch the video below:
Prejudice is still a barrier
Despite the improvements, prejudice persists. "The other day someone commented like this: 'Do you know that what you are doing will make your son smoke marijuana in the future, right?'" the mother recounts. "They don't realize that it is a medication that is doing good".
Medical cannabis, although possible in Brazil, is still surrounded by stigma and lack of information - especially when used in child contexts. Cases like Nicolas' help break down these barriers with information, courage, and affection.
Nicolas Matias Law: public policy with a name and history
Inspired by Nicolas' journey, Deputy Katarina (PSD-SE) presented Bill 1376/2025, named after the boy. The proposal provides for the National Policy for the Protection of the Rights of People with Tourette Syndrome, with actions focused on early diagnosis, access to treatment, school inclusion, and entry into the job market.
In May 2025, the bill was approved by the Committee on the Defense of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Chamber of Deputies. Now, it goes to the Committee on Constitution and Justice and Citizenship, before being voted on by the Chamber and the Senate.
If approved, the policy should ensure multiprofessional care, access to complementary therapies such as medical cannabis, and promote scientific research on the syndrome, expanding care and dignity for those living with it.