Cannabis and ADHD: What you need to know

An increasing amount of people use weed — also known by its plant name, cannabis — as a natural treatment option to manage their symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Some people report therapeutic benefits, such as:

• limiting distractions
• helping you focus
• reducing anxiety
• reducing side effects of ADHD medication

However, there is still little research on the effect of weed on ADHD, and more clinical trials need to be conducted to determine its effectiveness.

This article uses weed as a colloquial term for cannabis, which is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant.

How can weed help with ADHD symptoms?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain grows and develops. If you have ADHD, you may be overly active or find it difficult to pay attention or manage impulsive behaviors.

Research indicates that people with ADHD have an abnormality in their DRD2 gene that makes it hard for neurons to respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is involved in managing feelings of pleasure and regulating attention and focus.

Some evidence suggests that weed can have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms due to its ability to increase dopamine.

An older 2008 case report noted improved ADHD symptoms in a person who was taking a product with high THC levels. THC is the active ingredient in cannabis. The research concluded that cannabinoids such as THC may positively affect dopamine release in the brain, which can improve focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

However, a 2017 review suggests that although THC boosts short-term dopamine levels, it may slow the release of dopamine long term.

A more recent 2022 case report states that three male participants ages 18–23 years who were self-medicating with cannabis saw improvements in depression, inattention, and anxiety. Additionally, participants noted an increase in emotional self-regulation.

What are the risks of using weed for ADHD?

Some research suggests weed can cause long-term negative effects on the brain. This is especially true if people expose themselves to weed during their developmental stage. These effects include:

• problems with specific learning, memory tasks, and impulse control later in life
• addiction to other substances later in life, such as developing or worsening alcohol misuse
• developmental delays and functional changes in the hippocampus, which is the brain area responsible for memory formation
• the development or worsening of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or psychosis

However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that conclusions drawn from studies regarding cannabis’ long-term effects on the human brain are limited.

This is because many participants were already using multiple substances before taking part. Additionally, there was a lack of data regarding their physical and mental health before these studies. Further research is needed before coming to a conclusion.

A 2019 report claims that people with ADHD are more likely to be at risk of developing cannabis dependency, especially youths. The reasons for this include:

• long-term use of cannabis suppresses the dopamine system which is already lacking with ADHD
• people who self-medicate may try to get a dopamine rush that then becomes harder to obtain

The same report highlights similarities between cannabis use symptoms and ADHD symptoms, especially in the areas of motivation, memory, and attention. Cannabis use may worsen symptoms or cause confusion with diagnosis.

Can weed interfere with ADHD medications?

ADHD medication falls under two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.

A healthcare professional usually prescribes stimulants to treat symptoms of ADHD. These are fast-acting, and the effects can last up to 16 hours. Non-stimulants do not work as quickly as stimulants, but the effects can last up to 24 hours. A doctor will prescribe non-stimulants when stimulants have not been effective.

Some people take weed together with ADHD medication. However, taking weed with stimulant medication may cause complications, as cannabis can interact significantly with some medications.

A 2016 study showed that the ADHD medication methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), reacts significantly with cannabis and can cause unnecessary strain on a person’s heart.

Cannabis use can also decrease the effect of ADHD stimulant medication.

Other treatment options for ADHD

The most common form of treatment for ADHD is medication. Examples include:

• amphetamine (Adderall)
• methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

You can also manage your symptoms by finding solutions to everyday tasks and challenges. This may mean making adjustments to your lifestyle or discussing other treatment options with a healthcare professional.

Alternative treatments that could be effective in managing ADHD symptoms include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• adjusting your diet by excluding artificial food color and fatty acids
• physical exercises, such as aerobics, running, and tai chi
• mindfulness-based therapies and hypnotherapy
• mind-body interventions, such as massage and acupuncture

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Summary

Some research suggests that weed may be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. However, evidence also points to side effects such as:

• the development or worsening of mental health conditions
• cannabis use dependency
• unnecessary strain on your heart

Further research is still needed to understand the effects of weed on people with ADHD.

It is important to speak with a doctor before stopping any medication.

If you find that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can work with you to put together a suitable treatment plan.

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