While most people think of children when they think of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — also often referred to as attention-deficit disorder (ADD) — the condition is seen in both kids and adults.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms like:
- Inattention
- Restlessness
- Forgetfulness
- Mood dysregulation
- Poor social and academic functioning
Additionally, at least 50% of the time, ADHD comes with a long list of comorbidities like motor difficulties, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression, and more. So, it’s no wonder why those with ADHD often self-medicate to cope with their symptoms.
In fact, “according to reports, 15% of the general population and up to 50% of adults with ADHD use drugs or alcohol regularly,” says the National Library of Medicine. This includes the use of weed for ADHD to improve focus, but does it work?
In this post, we explain what ADHD does to the brain, the potential benefits of using weed for ADHD, and its risks and side effects.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stems from a lack of dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain, which is responsible for things like memory and attention.
People with ADHD will “run out” of dopamine, leading to lethargy, hunger, inattention, and even more serious symptoms like thrill-seeking behavior. Essentially, the person will routinely search for dopamine on their phone, in the fridge, gambling, or riding motorcycles, as a few examples.
People with ADHD are often immensely creative, frequently pursuing careers in art and entertainment. However, during childhood, they also typically hear a lot of criticism, potentially leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
To cope with all the symptoms and effects of having ADHD, adults tend to look to substances like alcohol and drugs to help take the edge off. So, let’s look at cannabis and whether it can help those with ADHD.
Why Weed for ADHD?
Recreational drugs like weed can lead to higher dopamine production in the brain. This means people with ADHD who take cannabis (and other substances) could be doing to “make their own” dopamine on command.
Whether or not this actually works is still not scientifically established, mainly because of restrictions on cannabis research because it remains a Schedule I drug federally. Regardless, countless people with ADHD swear by using ADHD to relieve symptoms like inattention and anxiety.
Let’s look at the anecdotal evidence and studies about how ADHD could be helping.
How Weed Could Help With ADHD Symptoms
There are many cannabinoids in weed, but tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two primary cannabinoids, or substances, found in the cannabis plant:
- THC is responsible for the “high” feeling we get when we consume cannabis.
- CBD is non-psychoactive but affects different areas of the brain in more subtle ways.
Some strains of weed are high-THC and others high-CBD, but you’re always getting a bit of both when you smoke cannabis.
Research results on weed for ADHD are generally cautious about conclusively stating that cannabis is a valid treatment. Take this study, for example, which concluded that “There remains insufficient evidence to provide guidance on the use of cannabinoids for mental health conditions within a regulatory framework. More high-quality studies examining the effect of cannabinoids on mental disorders are needed.”
However, another study found that “There was evidence to support single dose positive effect on social anxiety disorder, short medium-term effects on symptomatic improvement in schizophrenia and lack of effect in the short medium-term on cognitive functioning in psychotic disorders.” Still, the study warned of a “substantial risks of bias,” which is present in all anecdotal studies.
However, as traditional medications are subject to global supply shortages, the anecdotal evidence is enough for many to look to cannabis for its reported help with focus, anxiety relief, and executive function.
Strains for ADHD
There are over 700 strains of cannabis, so typing “weed for adhd strain” on Google will inevitably give you overwhelming results. Thankfully, the experts at VidaCann are here to help.
We suggest the following strains for ADHD:
1. Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, which is higher in THC and can offer people with ADHD an energizing effect to help counteract depression and increase motivation to tackle even the most tedious tasks.
2. Strawberry Cough
Another great anti-depressive symptom strain is Strawberry Cough, a Sativa-dominant strain that’s uplifting and not particularly sleep-inducing.
3. Chocolope
If you’re looking for something to help you relax, Chocolope has a more moderate THC level, giving it a more chill effect than the previous strains. This makes it a solid choice for people who have enough energy but just need a bit of motivation.
VidaCann’s Chocolope and Frozen Margy-mix strain Margalope is sweet, citrusy, and flowery, offering uplifting symptoms and pain relief.
Risks and Side Effects To Know About
Of course, any substance comes with potential side effects, so now it’s the end-of-commercial segment where we talk really fast. Just kidding!
Still, here are some risks to know about when considering weed for ADHD.
- Children should never medicate ADHD symptoms with cannabis. Studies have shown weed use in children can change the structure and function of their brain and lead to long-term problems.
- Don’t use cannabis while on Ritalin. People who take ADHD medication, specifically Ritalin, and use cannabis tend to experience a significant increase in heart rate compared to those who only take Ritalin.
- Dependence is a likely side effect of daily use for ADHDers. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that “[…] Rates of cannabis dependence are higher among individuals reporting any lifetime psychiatric disorder, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, personality disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).”
So, Now What?
Until we have conclusive scientific evidence, we can’t definitively say that cannabis can treat ADHD symptoms.
Still, if you’re over age 21 and are deciding whether or not to try weed for your ADHD, you now understand why certain cannabis strains can have positive effects on your ADHD symptoms and which strains to start with. And remember, you should always talk to your doctor about taking weed for ADHD, especially if you’re mixing medications.
To learn more about cannabis, check out our VidaCann blog.
