Cannabis and ADHD – What’s the Relation?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Although it is most common in children, 4-5% of American adults also suffer from it. Many people diagnosed with ADHD use medical marijuana to help them function better.

ADHD affects daily life and basic functioning, resulting in problems like compulsive overeating, anxiety, chronic stress, problem focusing, sleep deprivation, emotional outbursts, etc.

If you or a loved one constantly suffer from these symptoms, you know how hard it can become to simply navigate through life without problems. If you are willing to explore medical marijuana as a solution, then keep reading.

In this blog, we will talk about ADHD in-depth, its symptoms and how marijuana can help control them, making the life of the diagnosed patient much better and improving their quality of life.

Related –  How to Determine The Best CBD Dosage For Your Condition?

Types of ADHD

There are three most common types of ADHD. Let’s take a look at them in brief detail.

Combined Presentation

This type of ADHD is the most common. Those diagnosed with it exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness. They are also quick to get distracted and find it tough to focus on important tasks. Even if the patient is worried about some work, they may not be able to bring themselves to get it done.

Predominantly Inattentive

Those who suffer from this form of ADHD, do not exhibit the most common symptoms; hyperactivity and impulsiveness. However, they do tend to get distracted very easily and struggle to pay attention, no matter how much of an important task they may be attempting.

Predominantly Hyperactive/ Impulsive

This type of ADHD is the least common. Those diagnosed display extreme hyper activeness and may act jittery, finding it hard to not move around. They also display impulsive behavioral patterns and get distracted very easily.

If you notice these symptoms in an adult, it is highly likely that they may be suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. We recommend getting it checked out. Here is some more information on this neurodevelopmental disorder in adults.

So, how does marijuana help with these symptoms? Let’s find out.

Medical Marijuana for ADHD Symptom

First off, it should be noted that the research on this topic is still ongoing, so there is no definite answer to whether marijuana helps cure ADHD. However, it is known to regulate the symptoms. You will even find many online discussions of people claiming that the substance helps them function alright despite having severe ADHD.

So, does it actually work? Can marijuana really help regulate ADHD? Let’s find out!

CBD and ADHD 

CBD is a common compound found in marijuana and hemp plants. It is even promoted by some healthcare professionals for ADHD and some other health issues because it does not cause intoxication. Moreover, it also helps get rid of anxiety.

Using CBD oil can help you feel instantly calm and relaxed. As a result of that, it may combat hyperactiveness. Individuals with ADHD can also consume CBD in high amounts and not experience any counter effects.

So while the research on CBD’s relation to ADHD is lacking, the compound does not have any known side effects. It may also be a great option for someone wanting to get off ADHD medication, as it can easily lead to addiction.

THC and ADHD

Not a lot of people will recommend THC as a viable treatment option for ADHD, but it does have its benefits. Let’s look at it this way – sativa strains are known for having a high THC and low CBD content. The following effects are commonly reported by users after consuming these strains.

• Energy boost – Fatigue and tiredness are one of the most common symptoms of ADHD, yet it is often ignored. What people don’t realize is that hyperactivity and fatigue can exist together in an individual.
• Uplifts mood –  Individuals with ADHD often feel anger, frustration, and distress more deeply than others. THC dominant strains offer the perfect solution for this as they are great for elevating mood and increasing motivation and engagement. It should be noted that the user’s mood is uplifted because they will be experiencing euphoria.
• Improves focus – Another massive issue for people with ADHD is focusing on tasks, no matter how important they may be. However, a THC dominant strain can help them concentrate and get work done a lot easier.

These are the benefits of consuming THC for ADHD. So, we can say that both CBD and THC are useful for keeping ADHD symptoms at bay. However, the use of marijuana still poses some risks when not taken in a regulated manner. Let’s take a look at the risks of cannabis consumption and how to prevent them.

Risks of Cannabis Consumption in Individuals With ADHD

There are a few drawbacks of using unregulated cannabis, such as:

• Heavy and constant use of marijuana leads to impaired functions, such as memory loss, and affects thinking abilities.
• It may regulate depression in the short term, but there is no evidence that it acts as a long-term solution.
• Smoking for long periods of time is bound to affect the lungs to a certain degree. You can look into different methods of consumption, such as topicals.
• Cannabis Indica strains may make users feel relaxed and unable to focus. The simple solution to this is finding a strain that works for you. Indica strains are best suited for the night, while Sativa strains are optimum for the day as they boost energy and creativity, making you feel more alert.

These disadvantages can be evaded easily with responsible consumption under medical supervision.

If you are looking into medical marijuana for a minor, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional beforehand. If you or a loved one is currently on ADHD medication, do not just drop it to switch to marijuana. Keep reading to learn more.

ADHD Medication and Marijuana

ADHD medication works by boosting the presence of certain chemicals in the brain. Their aim is to decrease the severity of the symptoms; however, they may not always be enough to treat the disorder. Other methods such as behavioral therapy is often used with the medication.

Moreover, it is easy to get addicted to them. Consumers may also suffer other problems like irregular sleep patterns, weight loss, agitation, etc. As a result, sufferers often look for alternative methods of treatment.

So, is cannabis a good alternative? The truth is that there isn’t a definitive answer. It may or may not work depending upon the individual. However, healthcare professionals agree that cannabis users are much less likely to require conventional treatment options.

As for consuming the two together, there is a lack of research so it may not be the best idea. If you do wish to experiment with that, you need to do so with medical advice and supervision. The same goes for using cannabis as a treatment option for ADHD.

Getting Medical Advice for Using Medical Marijuana to Control ADHD

As aforementioned, it is not safe to “treat” yourself with medical marijuana, whether you are a minor or an adult. Thus, we strongly recommend getting in touch with an MMJ doctor to discuss your condition, and symptoms, and seek expert help.

If you are looking for a Long Beach Medical Marijuana Card to cut down on medical marijuana bills, visit Long Beach MMJ MDs.