Cannabis for treating ADHD: is it possible? Well, there are few clear studies on cannabis and ADHD.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 4.4 percent of adults and 11 percent of school-aged children.
ADHD is characterized by impulsive behavior, inability to sit still, and difficulty concentrating. Since cannabis (Cannabis sativa) has been associated with relaxing, many people are inquisitive as to whether it might be used to treat ADHD symptoms.
The research on whether cannabis can provide ADHD patients with temporary respite from hyperactivity is inconclusive. And scientists continue to investigate the relationship between cannabis and ADHD. Here is what you should know about cannabis’ effects on those with ADHD. How Cannabis Could Relieve Symptoms of ADHD
To comprehend how cannabis may alleviate ADHD symptoms, it is necessary to grasp its two constituents, which are:
? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is a psychoactive compound that provides cannabis its “high” It affects the regions of the brain that regulate concentration, coordination, and reaction time.
? Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabis and hemp constituent (a type of cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent or less THC). It operates on many brain regions and can negate the effects of THC. There is evidence that CBD helps modulate brain function.
When smoking or consuming cannabis, both THC and CBD are ingested.
CANNABIS AND ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER – WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS:
Due to the drug’s schedule 1 status, government research on cannabis is prohibited. As a result, there is little data on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating ADHD (drugs not currently accepted for medical use that have a potential for abuse). However, the available evidence provides a mixed response to the topic of whether cannabis can assist treat ADHD, including:
? A small study conducted in 2020 on 112 adults with ADHD who used medicinal cannabis revealed that individuals who received a greater dose of medical cannabis components, such as CBD, required fewer additional ADHD drugs.
? A 2019 medical assessment of 83 studies revealed “scant” and “insufficient” evidence about the efficacy of cannabis in treating mental health problems, including ADHD.
? A 2021 study of 1,700 kids found that those with ADHD self-reported that cannabis use alleviated their ADHD symptoms and reduced medication adverse effects.
? A 2016 study that investigated internet discussions about cannabis and ADHD revealed that 25 percent of those posts indicated cannabis had a favorable effect on ADHD symptoms, compared to 8 percent that stated it was hazardous.
More research is required to discover whether cannabis has benefits for ADHD adults. The majority of states with medicinal cannabis programs do not now include ADHD as a qualifying diagnosis for obtaining a license.
CANNABIDIOL AND YOUTH
Although ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in youngsters, most adolescents should not consume cannabis. Even in places with recreational cannabis regulations, individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted to purchase or consume cannabis. ADHD is not a qualifying illness for pediatric cannabis programs, which are highly limited.
COMBINING MEDICATIONS FOR ADHD AND CANNABIS
Cannabis for treating ADHD while combining medications for ADHD and Cannabis together. Only little is known about how cannabis interacts with ADHD drugs like Adderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine). A tiny study conducted in 2015 on adults without ADHD indicated that when Adderall and marijuana were taken combined, they exhibited unique effects (neither good nor negative) compared to when either medicine was given alone.
It is crucial to be forthright and honest with your healthcare physician about your cannabis use if you are using ADHD meds. In some countries, cannabis use is becoming mainstream and legal. Your healthcare practitioner can assist you comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of combining cannabis with ADHD treatments.
Some believe that different cannabis strains create distinct effects. Strains are distinct cannabis plant kinds. Common marketing techniques identify these two strains:
SATIVA IS THOUGHT TO ENERGIZE
It is thought that Indica has relaxing and pain-relieving properties. Is this also the case regarding Cannabis for treating ADHD?
However, research indicates that the distinctions between strains are not always accurate. THC and CBD levels determine the effects of cannabis, with each compound having distinct impacts on the brain and body. It is believed that the majority of Indica strains contain a higher concentration of CBD, which gives them their soothing benefits.
The majority of evidence supporting cannabis for ADHD demonstrates CBD’s efficacy, therefore you may want to choose a cannabis strain with a greater CBD content (such as an Indica product) or try CBD oil (or another CBD-only product) instead of cannabis.
WHEN DOES MARIJUANA USE BECOME AN ADDICTION?
Approximately 30% of cannabis users will develop a substance use disorder.
11 A drug use disorder happens when a person’s substance usage begins to impair his or her daily functioning.
According to research, CBD alone, without THC, is not addictive. Consequently, if you are concerned about developing a substance use issue, you may wish to select a product that contains simply CBD as opposed to both CBD and THC.
Few studies have examined whether cannabis can help treat ADHD. Existing research findings are mixed: Some studies have concluded that cannabis can alleviate ADHD symptoms, while others have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support this claim.
ADHD does not qualify for state medical cannabis programs in the majority of situations, and cannabis should never be used to treat ADHD in those under the age of 21. If you have ADHD, it is advisable to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare physician about cannabis use.
It’s natural to question whether cannabis helps alleviate ADHD symptoms. Unfortunately, no clear explanation exists. Researchers continue to investigate the medical potential of cannabis. In a few years, we should have a better understanding of how marijuana affects persons with ADHD.
We hope you enjoyed reading our article on cannabis for treating ADHD.
