Medical Marijuana And ADHD: How Can It Help?
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is usually diagnosed in childhood but often continues throughout a person’s adult life as well. Stimulant medications and behavioral therapy are typically prescribed treatments.
The symptoms of ADHD may change throughout the course of a person’s life and include:
- Hyperactivity: excessive talking, fidgeting, not wanting to stay seated.
- Impulsivity: frequent interrupting or speaking out of turn, difficulty waiting or taking turns.
- Inattention: difficult completing tasks or paying attention, daydreaming, forgetfulness, frequently distracted.
As mentioned above, stimulants. are often prescribed for ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), or Adderall, which is an amphetamine. These medications treat ADHD by regulating the amount of dopamine in the brain.
At the proper dose, Ritalin and Adderall can increase reaction time and alertness.
However, the side effects of these medications include:
- Weight loss/breakdown of muscles
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
Does Medical Marijuana Help ADHD?
Currently, we don’t have a whole lot of medical marijuana ADHD research, but some conclusions can be drawn from the information we do have.
As with many studies involving medical marijuana being used as an alternative treatment, supporting evidence is largely anecdotal. In terms of medical marijuana ADHD research, a 2016 study showed that 25% of participants claimed medical marijuana helped with their symptom management.
The reason why medical marijuana may help ADHD involves dopamine production. It is thought by some that ADHD is caused by insufficient dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and the use of cannabis can lead to increased production which could theoretically relieve symptoms.
However, exercise should be cautioned, as a 2017 study suggests that while short-term dopamine levels can be increased by THC, they can be negatively affected in the long term.
Interestingly, it has also been demonstrated in a study of 99 people that between 34 and 46% of those seeking treatment for marijuana use disorder had ADHD.
Medical Marijuana For Children With ADHD
CBD And ADHD
Consult Your Doctor
If you suffer from ADHD symptoms and are considering using medical marijuana, it is best to discuss it with your doctor to see if medical marijuana is right for you.
