Medical Marijuana & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Most people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have found marijuana to be an effective self-treatment alternative.
Individuals advocating for cannabis as an effective ADHD solution reveal the drug effectively alleviates severe symptoms. These severe ADHD symptoms include irritability, lack of restraint, and agitation.
Furthermore, cannabis has fewer adverse effects than conventional medications.
Read the article to understand what research says about medical marijuana use and ADHD.
Does Medical Cannabis Benefit Individuals with ADHD?
Various individuals have revealed that marijuana has been effective in treating their ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, many individuals with ADHD say they have no issues using marijuana. While these reports represent marijuana use in adults, there has been a growing concern about memory disruption or brain development for adolescent marijuana use.
Experts say that most adults and adolescents with ADHD know that medical marijuana will help them. Besides alleviating the symptoms, the treatment alternative has fewer side effects. However, there are still concerns about the efficacy and safety of alternative medication.
Medical marijuana use can result in a mixture of benefits and side effects. Besides relieving pain, helping with anxiety, or enhancing sleep, reports show marijuana can stimulate your appetite and lead to intoxication. Some of the effects may be similar to other ADHD treatment options.
Despite the limited studies, most patients with ADHD reveal that marijuana is helpful for impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, the treatment may not be helpful for inattentiveness.
In certain online research in 2016, 25 percent of 286 threads reported the therapeutic use of marijuana. Among the users, only 8% reported adverse effects, 5% had adverse and beneficial effects, and 2% revealed no impact on their symptoms.
Nevertheless, it’ll be vital to understand that these comments and forums aren’t clinical and don’t have evidence-based research. Thus, it’ll be wise to talk with your doctor before considering them.
These results represent demographic surveys and descriptive accounts, where people with ADHD reveal how marijuana has effectively managed impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. Despite providing results on the benefits of marijuana in alleviating ADHD symptoms, it’s not sufficient to consider it an effective and safe ADHD treatment.
ADHD and Cannabidiol (CBD)
Experts also reveal that cannabidiols can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Cannabinoids are present in hemp and marijuana plants. Unlike cannabis, CBD doesn’t have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is responsible for the ‘high’ feeling after taking marijuana.
With the numerous antipsychotic and anti-anxiety properties, some individuals believe that CBD can be an effective treatment for ADHD. However, CBD may be theoretically unattractive due to its limited paradoxical effects. Experts don’t consider CBD an evidence-based ADHD treatment due to the limited large-scale clinical trials.
Risks or Limitations of Using Marijuana with ADHD
Most individuals with ADHD are likely to use various marijuana forms. Due to the earlier usage of the drugs, these individuals are likely to misuse the drug or develop a disorder.
Besides the disorder, using marijuana may result in other adverse effects, such as:
Body and brain development issues
Using marijuana for a long time may lead to various developmental issues, including
● Chronic bronchitis
● Higher depression risk
● Altered brain development
● Decreased life satisfaction
Decisions and thinking
Heavy marijuana usage in individuals with ADHD may result in thinking and decision-making issues. The usage may hinder your ability to concentrate and make proper decisions.
Compromised Body and brain functions
A certain study in 2013 found that individuals with ADHD using marijuana have worse cognitive, memory, verbal, and response than non-users. The study reveals that the effects are more severe in individuals who started using marijuana before 16 years.
Marijuana Dependence and ADHD
Findings from a study in 2013 show that individuals diagnosed with ADHD between 7 and 9 years were more likely to report marijuana use within eight years before the study. Furthermore, another analysis in 2016 shows that youths with ADHD sympotmswere three times more likely to report marijuana use.
Cannabis Use Disorder
Studies reveal that most individuals with ADHD are likely to have marijuana use disorder. It’s a disorder that may cause an impairment during usage periods, affecting your routine tasks.
Individuals with an ADHD diagnosis as kids are 1.5 times more likely to have this disorder. Studies estimate that approximately 45% of individuals seeking marijuana use disorder have ADHD symptoms.
Substance Use Disorder
Besides cannabis, individuals with ADHD may misuse or abuse other substances. Research reveals that these individuals with ADHD and CUD are more likely to abuse alcohol than individuals without the conditions.
Cannabis and ADHD Medications
ADHD medications work by increasing the specific chemicals in your brain. Remember, ADHD results from low levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, using drugs that boost these levels helps to alleviate the conditions.
Nevertheless, these medications may not be enough to treat the symptoms. Experts recommend behavioral, family, and anger management therapies as supplements.
When using the medication, it’s vital to understand that it has adverse effects like sleep disturbances, weight loss, or irritability. Due to these adverse effects, seeking alternative treatments will be vital.
When conventional therapies seem intolerable, too expensive, and ineffective, most patients opt for medical marijuana. Many adults are obtaining medical marijuana cards for these conditions.
Recent studies show that ADHD patients using marijuana may not require conventional treatment, such as counseling or drugs. Thus, medical marijuana will be more effective than conventional therapies in alleviating ADHD symptoms. However, it remains unclear on the interaction of marijuana and ADHD when used together.
The major concern is that active cannabis may limit ADHD drugs’ efficacy. Experts consider stimulants as the first line of treatment. With the potential to lead to abuse, it’ll be wise to use them cautiously, especially if you have a substance use disorder. Thus, using stimulants under monitored settings might be effective and safe for patients having substance use disorders.
Can You Administer Medical Marijuana to Kids with ADHD?
With kids' brains still developing, administering drugs like cannabis may have significant impacts. The impacts may include cognitive impairment and altered brain development.
With the few studies on these effects, it’s hard for a clinical organization to recommend the drug to kids. Most research focuses on young adults when they start using the drug.
In 2017 researchers conducted a study looking at the cannabinoid medication effects on individuals with ADHD. Participants taking the medications had few symptoms, but the medication resulted in more adverse effects in kids than adults.
Experts reveal that cannabis use may be harmful to users below 25 years. Despite limited evidence, the adverse effects are much less in adults than in adults or adolescents.
Bottom Line
It’ll be wise to consult your physician if you’ve got ADHD and you’re considering marijuana. Remember, marijuana may interact with some conventional ADHD drugs limiting their functionality. Your physician can help you find the appropriate treatment to suit your needs and reduce the adverse effects. Studies show that cannabis use might be worse for the developing brain.
Hidden ADHD Struggles in Women
Despite dealing with ADHD joys, ladies experience unique ADHD symptoms and challenges. Understanding these struggles will be vital in helping to ease the confusion or guilt.
Let’s look at the hidden ADHD struggles of a woman
Periods, boobs, and ADHD
With different ADHD symptoms in girls, physicians find it hard to diagnose the condition in ladies.
While most boys develop ADHD after approaching 8 years, girls start having the symptoms as they approach puberty, as menstrual cycles start kicking in. Unlike in males, ADHD comes as inattentiveness, making most individuals consider a lady’s inattention as a character flaw rather than a treatable condition.
School daze
Studies show that things get interesting when girls with ADHD enroll in colleges, where they lose mandatory class attendance, curfew, or strict parent structures.
For instance, these ladies usually tend to fast-talk party life while having an inward breakdown of the mountain of assignments they’re yet to complete. It even becomes more disastrous when they get late for an exam in a class they missed.
Manic pixie nightmare
Research reveals that most ladies with ADHD usually let their issues pile up without sharing them with anyone. Thus, they allow anxiety to kick into their lives.
Anxiety usually kicks in due to a lack of diagnosis and proper medications or strategies to cope with the condition. However, even with a proper diagnosis, you’re likely to become guilty when you haven't accomplished your responsibilities. Unfortunately, the world is still expecting more things from these ladies.
Ladies in a man’s world
Most ladies with ADHD usually have anxiety from the condition or the medication. The anxiety makes most of them find it hard to keep their wallets and keys.
Besides the issues, you may find yourself aggravated when explaining your diagnosis to individuals who don’t believe a lady can have ADHD. So can ladies have ADHD?
Ladies may suffer from ADHD. Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that girls are less likely to get a diagnosis than boys. Studies show that adult ladies find it hard to understand what to do or look for when they realize the symptoms.
Does CBD Oil Work For ADHD in Adults and Children?
Cannabidiol (CBD) refers to one of the active compounds in the marijuana plant.
Besides CBD's established mental health benefits, scientists are still trying to establish its effects on neurological and behavioral conditions. It’s still unclear whether CBD oil or CBD can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Below is a comprehensive guide on CBD’s potential benefits, adverse effects, etc.:
What do researchers say?
With the numerous regulations, there are sparse studies on CBD oil as an ADHD treatment alternative. Most studies are based on the whole marijuana plant, not CBD alone, making it hard to get the best feedback.
Symptom management
Experts reveal that ADHD and marijuana use are independent in causing inhibition, functioning, or impaired attention. With its independent nature, some researchers think marijuana use can worsen the existing ADHD symptoms. Nevertheless, there is no evidence to contradict or support the assumption.
However, in 2016 researchers conducted a study exploring the relationship between marijuana use, depression, and ADHD in undergraduate students. Despite the study establishing that some students were using cannabis to cope with depression, the several effects and benefits were unclear.
Another 2013 study on cannabis use and ADHD subtypes also provided interesting findings. The data from 2811 marijuana users revealed that individuals who used marijuana daily reported hyperactivity or impulsivity when not using the herb. More research will be vital to establish CBD's benefits for ADHD.
Substance Use Disorder
Some researchers focused on checking whether ADHD was a risk factor for substance disorders.
Researchers conducted a study in 2014 to assess ADHD symptoms and marijuana use among 376 undergraduate students. The findings linked all childhood inattention and current inattention issues to severe marijuana use and dependency.
The researchers also found that those who began hyperactive-impulsive behavior at a tender age began using marijuana earlier than their counterparts.
In another study, the researchers assessed 197 students within that same age bracket. This study observed the role of hyperactivity or impulsivity in adults with alcohol or drug misuse risk factors. This study concluded that young individuals with ADHD were at a higher risk of abusing recreational drugs, including alcohol.
How Does CBD Work?
After consuming CBD oil, its compounds engage with the body’s receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and CB2. These receptors have a direct association and effects on your different body parts.
While CB1 is more abundant in your brain and relates to epilepsy, CB2 is abundant in your immune system and is connected to inflammation or pain.
The CBD compounds appear to trigger the body to use more naturally-produced cannabinoids.
The increased use of natural cannabinoids leads to various benefits, such as reducing hyperactivity and decreasing anxiety.
Adverse Effects of Conventional Treatments
Experts classify traditional treatments as non-stimulants or stimulants. Stimulant medications act faster and are popular. Approximately 70-80% of American kids with ADHD realize a decline in the symptoms after using these medications. Despite the numerous benefits, these stimulants also have adverse effects. The side effects include:
● Weight loss
● Poor appetite
● Headache
● Mood change
● Dry mouth
● Insomnia
Despite the less of causing side effects, non-stimulants can still result in some effects. These effects include:
● Nausea
● Dizziness
● Fatigue
● Upset stomach
● Fatigue
● Weight loss
● Poor appetite
● Mood changes
● Headaches
With these medications being prescriptions-only, you’ll have to consult your physician and have a regular evaluation to continue using them.
Side Effects of CBD
Studies show that CBD is well-tolerated up to certain doses (1500mg per day). Due to various factors, you can take between 20 minutes and two hours to feel the effects of these cannabinoids.
Besides the numerous health benefits, CBD can cause weight & appetite changes, drowsiness, and upset stomach.
A study showed that CBD-rich cannabis extract increased liver toxicity risk in mice. However, the researchers provide the mice with large CBD doses.
Researchers also show that CBD can interact with various supplements, Over-the-counter drugs, and prescription medications.
Like grapefruit, CBD can also interfere with enzymes during the metabolism process. Thus, checking for the “grapefruit warning” on your medications or supplements before using your CBD-infused products will be vital. You can legally get CBD oil or products without a prescription in a state alleging marijuana use.
What is the Appropriate Way to Consume CBD Oil?
The appropriate way to take CBD oil is via vaping or oral ingestion. Experts recommend taking CBD oil orally as it results in fewer side effects. You can start by placing some drops under your tongue, eating a CBD-infused treat, or taking CBD capsules.
Inhaling CBD through vaping or smoking delivers this compound into your body or circulatory system faster than other alternatives. Despite the faster absorption and delivery, medical experts have some safety concerns over this method.
Currently, the medical community has no guidelines on how to consume marijuana to alleviate ADHD symptoms, including irritability, fidgeting, and hyperactivity.
Some researchers studied the appropriate doses to alleviate ADHD-related symptoms. Despite the need for more research, this study suggests that taking a 300-mg dose will be enough to alleviate anxiety.
If you’re a beginner to CBD, starting gradually with lower dosages as you increase will be vital. Increasing the doses gradually allows the body to adapt and get used to the product and reduces the risk of developing adverse side effects.
Possible CBD Oil Adverse Effects and Risks
The common CBD oil side effect is drowsiness and upset stomach as you begin the doses. Experts advise starting with a lower dose to reduce the risk of these adverse effects. The additional effects will depend on how you use the oil.
For instance, vaping may cause lung complications or damage. Lung issues may cause wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties that can threaten your life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that inhalation methods, like vaping, may not be the safest way to consume CBD. It’ll be wise to avoid the methods when having respiratory issues. Talk to your physician about the potential CBD oil adverse effects and how you can handle them.
Is CBD Suitable for Kids
Due to the stigma most kids and individuals associate marijuana use with, there have been few studies of CBD use in kids. The stigma results from the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Reports showed that up to date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD-infused product (Epidiolex). It’s a prescription drug for treating severe epilepsy forms in children and adults.
Majorly researchers and physicians get reports on children ‘s CBD studies. For instance, in 2013, physicians asked researchers to complete a social media poll on giving their kids CBD-enriched marijuana to alleviate epilepsy. Among the 19 parents whole, administering the dosage to their kids reported side effects, including fatigue and drowsiness.
Similarly, in another poll in 2015, 117 parents reported the safe administration of CBD products to their kids to alleviate epilepsy. These parents reported sleep & relaxation improvement, alertness, and regular mood.
Despite most testimonies being associated with CBD products to alleviate epilepsy in kids, we’ve got reports focusing on other conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, etc.
With the anecdotal evidence and limited CBD studies linking CBD to treating ADHD in kids, it’ll be wise to consult your pediatrician before administering CBD products.
Consult a Healthcare Provider or Doctor
Experts reveal a need for more research and studies before the medical community considers CBD oil an ADHD conventional treatment option. However, you can still talk to your physician if you feel interested. The physician will advise you on the right dosage and any legal requirements.
Remember that when you try CBD oil, it’ll be good to consider it as the other symptom management tools or medications. You may take time to fill the effects, and it’ll be vital to adjust the dosage to suit your needs.
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