Can Marijuana Help With ADHD?

All Questions Answered

Article by Jennifer Gallagher, edited by Stefan Burns - Updated August 2022. Join the Wild Free Organic email newsletter!

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. It causes individuals to have trouble focusing, staying calm and sitting still when needed, and sometimes those with ADHD display impulsive behavior. Many people with ADHD are looking for natural methods of treatment, and the question often comes up if weed can help with ADHD symptoms, or whether it worsens them?

Cannabis has the reputation of relaxing consumers, which many believe could benefit those with ADHD. So, can weed have a positive effect on the condition? Should you plant cannabis seeds and grow your own medicinal batch to help with ADHD treatment?

Discover how marijuana interacts with ADHD and whether it has the potential to provide relief for patients with the condition.

Can Cannabis Help With ADHD?

There hasn’t been a lot of research regarding the effects of marijuana on individuals with ADHD. Due to weed’s Schedule I status, federal studies are restricted. However, some research is available that provides insights into whether marijuana helps with ADHD:

• A 2016 study (1) looked at online posts that discussed cannabis and ADHD. The results showed that 25% promoted a positive message about combining the two, while only 8% said it might be harmful.

• In 2020 a small study (2) of 112 ADHD patients who used medicinal weed took place. Researchers discovered that those who received a higher dose of cannabidiol (CBD) took less of their ADHD medication.

• A study in 2021 (3) of 1,700 students showed that those who used cannabis for ADHD enjoyed positive results. They reported improved symptoms and fewer side effects from their regular medication.

Despite most evidence pointing to the fact that weed might improve ADHD, more research is needed. Few states include the condition on their qualifying list for a medical cannabis card.

How Does Weed Interact With ADHD Medication?

Adderall is a common medication prescribed to patients with the condition. There’s limited research on how this medication for ADHD and cannabis interact, though. One 2015 study (4) found that when the two were taken together, the effects were unique in comparison to each by itself.

If you take medication for ADHD and consume marijuana, be upfront with your doctor. Cannabis is now legal in various parts of the US, and your healthcare provider can help you understand the benefits and risks when mixing it with ADHD medications.

CBD or THC: Which Is Better for ADHD?

The two main cannabinoids in weed, THC and CBD, determine the physiological and psychological effects you experience when using cannabis. THC is the compound that makes users feel “high” by producing psychoactive effects. Most users experience euphoria and heightened senses with strains high in this cannabinoid. CBD provides similar positive feelings and balances nervous system activity but doesn’t get you stoned.

Most consumers prefer to consume CBD for ADHD, so look for cultivars high in the compound. The calming and focused effects improve their symptoms, and they can continue their day as usual.

THC-V is an interesting cannabinoid in regards to treating ADHD because it is similar in effect to Adderall in increasing focus, but it’s a natural compound. THC-V is found in high concentrations in Durban Poison, a specific strain of cannabis that hails from South Africa.

Which Cannabis Strains Are Best for ADHD?

Many people are unaware of the sheer variety of marijuana strains on offer. Hundreds are available, categorized as indicas, sativas, or hybrids—a combination of both. How do they differ?

Sativa cultivars provide consumers with an energy boost and a feeling of euphoria. Some users report an increased ability to focus and get more tasks done.

Indica strains provide a sense of calm and physical relaxation. Patients with chronic pain claim to experience relief with these cultivars.

Instead of picking just an indica or sativa for ADHD, a hybrid is more suitable. This way, consumers enjoy balanced effects to potentially treat all symptoms of the condition.

The sativa genetics may help patients concentrate better, allowing them to accomplish more goals. The indica heritage could encourage individuals to sit still for extended periods and control impulsive behavior.

Because cannabis is such a diverse herb there are a lot of different factors to consider when selecting the right cannabis strain, learn how to select the right cannabis strain with our cannabis buyers guide.

Are There Any Risks of Using Weed for ADHD?

The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) (5) warns that there may be long-term, adverse effects of using THC, especially in early brain development. The risks include:

• Slowed cognitive development

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety

• Lower IQ

• Attention, learning, and memory problems

For this reason, THC cannabis use for minors is extremely rare. However, there’s not a lot of evidence to support the same idea with CBD. Although more studies need to happen, anecdotal reports suggest CBD may help ADHD symptoms with minimal risk. The reason for this is because CBD has only a low binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors but it can still act as an antagonist for these receptors which is useful for treating nervous system and mental disorders.

Can a Child Safely Use Cannabis for ADHD?

ADHD is more common in young people, but marijuana isn’t legal for this age group. Even in regions where recreational cannabis use is allowed, users must be over 18 or 21. Medical marijuana use for children is almost non-existent—only those with a severe form of epilepsy can consume it at the moment. For now, kids with ADHD cannot access the potential benefits of CBD for their condition. Psychoactive cannabinoids like THC should never be consumed by minors.

What Other Herbs are Useful for ADHD?

If you’re still waiting for your state to legalize cannabis, there are some other herbs for those with ADHD to try. These natural remedies make an excellent alternative to prescribed medication and come with little to no side effects.

• Green oats: These are a version of unripe oats and get harvested before the crop matures. Anecdotal reports claim the herb boosts attention and concentration.

• Ginseng: This natural remedy has been used for centuries in China, and ginseng has a reputation for increasing energy and brain function. The “red ginseng” variety may also help calm restless ADHD patients.

• Pine bark extract: A 2021 study (6) of 20 kids with ADHD found this extract helped lower hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

• Brahmi: This herb, sometimes known as water hyssop, thrives in the wild in India. There, locals have used it for centuries to improve memory and brain function.

• Ginkgo biloba: This is another natural medicine long used to boost mental sharpness and memory. A study in 2014 (7) showed that children with ADHD who took the extract experienced improved symptoms.

• Herbal teas: These drinks are a safe option for children looking for relief from the effects of ADHD. Lemongrass, chamomile, and spearmint are all ideal for drinking before bed to encourage a good night’s rest and to calm hyperactivity.

One key way herbs help with mental health problems like ADHD is by improving the functioning of the gut-brain axis by shifting the gut microbiome towards greater symbiosis with you the host. Learn more about how herbal teas help with gut health by clicking the button below:

The Jury’s Still Out

So, can weed cure ADHD? With few research findings, it’s hard to say for sure. There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence and a few studies to suggest marijuana may help ADHD symptoms, but more is needed. What is clear is that when used responsibly, cannabis increases consciousness, which is useful for all mental health conditions.

In the future, we hope to see further research on cannabis use for the condition. As laws surrounding marijuana consumption ease countrywide in the US and worldwide, there’s hope that soon you’ll be able to pop over to your local dispensary with a medical cannabis card and purchase your favorite strain to help ease your ADHD symptoms, or symptoms from other mental health issues.

If you live where weed cultivation is legal, nothing stops you from buying seeds and growing your own. Remember to speak to your doctor to understand how cannabis reacts to your medication and give it a try.

The potential benefits of marijuana are staggering, and you may find the relief you need from this natural herb. To learn more about all the herbal uses of cannabis and the science of it’s cannabinoids, visit the cannabis herbalism page.

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References:

1. Mitchell JT, Sweitzer MM, Tunno AM, Kollins SH, McClernon FJ. “I use weed for my adhd”: a qualitative analysis of online forum discussions on cannabis use and adhd. Lidzba K, ed. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(5):e0156614.

2. Hergenrather J, Aviram J, Vysotski Y, Campisi-Pinto S, Lewitus G, Meiri D. Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients. Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal. 2020;11(1).

3. Stueber A, Cuttler C. Self-reported effects of cannabis on adhd symptoms, adhd medication side effects, and adhd-related executive dysfunction. J Atten Disord. 2022;26(6):942-955.

4. Kollins SH, Schoenfelder EN, English JS, et al. An exploratory study of the combined effects of orally administered methylphenidate and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Thc) on cardiovascular function, subjective effects, and performance in healthy adults. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 2015;48(1):96-103.

5. NIDA. 2021, April 13. What are marijuana's long-term effects on the brain?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-long-term-effects-brain on 2022, July 22

6. Hsu C, Hsieh L, Chen Y, et al. Complementary effects of pine bark extract supplementation on inattention, impulsivity, and antioxidative status in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: A double‐blinded randomized placebo‐controlled cross‐over study. Phytotherapy Research. 2021;35(6):3226-3235.

7. Uebel-von Sandersleben H, Rothenberger A, Albrecht B, Rothenberger LG, Klement S, Bock N. Ginkgo biloba extract egb 761 ® in children with adhd: preliminary findings of an open multilevel dose-finding study. Zeitschrift für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie. 2014;42(5):337-347.

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