Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects nearly 5% of American adults and roughly 10% of children. Symptoms include but are not limited to inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Treatment for this disorder can be a combination of medication and talk therapy. One of the most common medications for the treatment of ADHD is Adderall.
If you take Adderall, you may be interested to learn about whether it is safe to mix Adderall and weed.
In this article, we explore the current understanding of Adderall and its potential interactions with cannabis.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. Doctors can also prescribe it for depression, bipolar, anxiety, and even weight loss.
There are two forms of Adderall: immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR). Adderall IR comes in tablets and lasts about 5-8 hours, but can feel intense. In contrast, Adderall XR lasts 10-12 hours with a generally smoother experience. IR tablets are usually prescribed to be taken twice a day while XR is typically prescribed to be taken once a day.
The active ingredients in Adderall are dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. These are all central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that boost brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to help focus, energy, and attention.
These chemicals play a role in functions like movement, memory, motivation, mood, sleep, and pleasure. In brains where serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels are affected¹, like ADHD, these levels are often low and can lead to issues like fatigue, moodiness, and an inability to concentrate.
In recent years Adderall has been used recreationally as a performance enhancer. Approximately 5-35 percent of college students have tried it without a prescription, possibly because of its reputation as a “smart drug” that can make users more alert and physically active.
One study noted that while stimulants like Adderall increased rote-learning performance tasks, they did not help people with higher intellectual abilities. The study mentions limited research on non-prescribed stimulants and their effects on cognitive ability. The researchers emphasize how the stimulants correct chemical deficits in the body rather than enhance performance, and noted that Adderall can cause unwanted side effects.²
Common side effects of Adderall include but are not limited to:
- headache,
- irregular or fast heartbeat,
- lower back pain,
- bladder pain,
- stomach ache,
- trouble sleeping,
- decreased appetite,
- nervousness,
- and dizziness.
More severe effects can include slowing of growth in children, seizures in patients with a history of seizures, or eyesight changes and blurred vision.³
Adderall is a prescription medication and should only be taken as such. It can be habit-forming and addictive when misused.
What is the Relationship Between Adderall and Weed
Like Adderall, cannabis can affect dopamine⁴, serotonin⁵ and norepinephrine⁶ levels. It is a substance that many users credit for increased focus and concentration, despite the “lazy stoner” stereotype.
There is currently no research on how Adderall and cannabis interact in the body.
However, there have been studies on how methylphenidate and THC interact. Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in Ritalin, another medication commonly administered to treat ADHD, and it is also a CNS stimulant.
A 2016 study observed vital signs, performance, and subjective effects in subjects with no diagnosis of mental impairments after consuming cannabis and methylphenidate. A 10 mg dose of THC in addition to methylphenidate “produced robust subjective effects associated with drug liking,” which researchers noted may be a “desirable cocktail for young adults.” However, they also concluded that consuming weed and methylphenidate simultaneously can cause an increase in cardiovascular stress.⁷
Although cannabis is a stimulant, it can also act as a depressant. These depressant effects may counteract some of the side effects of taking Adderall, which is why some users may choose to consume both.
What Happens if You Mix Adderall and Weed?
The issue with mixing Adderall and weed is that the effects are based on your unique body chemistry, experience with each drug, and the dosage consumed.
Since no research is available, what we know about how Adderall and weed feel when consumed together is based on personal testimonies and our understanding of how the two medications act individually.
Side effects of cannabis may include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Impaired memory
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Impaired body movement
- Altered senses
- Increased heart rate
Side effects of Adderall include but are not limited to:
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pains
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
Since both drugs can increase the heart rate,⁸,⁹ it is crucial to be mindful of mixing the two, especially in people with pre-existing heart conditions. Likewise, Adderall can be an appetite suppressant¹⁰, while cannabis is known for its ability to increase appetite¹¹ in some individuals. Taking both drugs may be counterproductive if Adderall is prescribed for weight loss.
Combining weed and Adderall may also increase the risk of experiencing cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS). Both cannabis and Adderall can be addicting substances if misused and abused. Once your brain becomes dependent on high levels of brain chemicals like dopamine from the drugs, it can start to produce less on its own.¹²
Removing these dopamine-producing substances may trigger symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms of this CWS include irritability, cannabis cravings, headaches, and feelings of depression.
Users taking both medications, sometimes referred to as “weederall,” report different experiences, limiting the conclusions we can draw from anecdotal evidence. One Reddit thread offers some insight into the unique effects the combination of drugs can have on consumers. One user disclosed that taking incremental dosages of THC while on Adderall made them feel “fantastic” but were wondering if others had remedies for the feelings of restlessness and headache they were expiring. Another user said it caused feelings of anxiety. While a third reported no negative side effects, simply saying, “it’s the best.”
The diverse experiences of users is all the more reason that more research is needed on how the substances interact together.
Precautions When Using Adderall and Weed
Like many other controlled substances, it is vital to take precautions when consuming Adderall or cannabis (and even more so when combining the two).
It is generally recommended that individuals who are taking Adderall consult with their physician before mixing the prescribed dosage with even small amounts of cannabis. Both substances can positively affect the mind and body, and many consumers report they have helped with issues like ADHD. However, cannabis and Adderall can each produce unwanted side effects, and mixing them may exacerbate adverse effects like cardiovascular issues, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Conclusion
Self-reports from users who combine Adderall and cannabis are mixed: some report a balancing of side effects and feelings of extreme euphoria, while others experience headaches and insomnia. If you are considering cannabis while taking Adderall (or vice versa), it may be best to detox from one substance before trying the other to get the best experience from each.
Some reports suggest limiting caffeine and fruit juice intake (two ingredients that may be found in some cannabis edibles) when taking Adderall.
If you plan on taking both cannabis and Adderall recreationally or as a medical marijuana patient, consider consulting with your doctor first, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions related to blood pressure or cardiovascular issues. Both drugs can have different effects depending on the consumer, and a qualified doctor can provide educated, informed advice based on your individual health status.
References
¹ del Campo, Natalia, et al. “The Roles of Dopamine and Noradrenaline in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” Biological Psychiatry, vol. 69, no. 12, June 2011, pp. e145–e157, 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.02.036.
² Lakhan, Shaheen E., and Annette Kirchgessner. “Prescription Stimulants in Individuals with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Misuse, Cognitive Impact, and Adverse Effects.” Brain and Behavior, vol. 2, no. 5, 23 July 2012, pp. 661–677, 10.1002/brb3.78.
³ “Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic.” www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dextroamphetamine-and-amphetamine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20071758?p=1.
⁴ Bloomfield, Michael A. P., et al. “The Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on the Dopamine System.” Nature, vol. 539, no. 7629, Nov. 2016, pp. 369–377, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5123717/#R69, 10.1038/nature20153.
⁵ De Gregorio, Danilo, et al. “Cannabidiol Modulates Serotonergic Transmission and Reverses Both Allodynia and Anxiety-like Behavior in a Model of Neuropathic Pain.” PAIN, vol. 160, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 136–150, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6319597/#!po=41.2500, 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386. Accessed 12 Aug. 2019.
⁶ Fitzgerald, Paul J. “Elevated Norepinephrine May Be a Unifying Etiological Factor in the Abuse of a Broad Range of Substances: Alcohol, Nicotine, Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine, and Caffeine.” Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, vol. 7, Jan. 2013, p. SART.S13019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3798293/, 10.4137/sart.s13019.
⁷ Kollins, Scott H., 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, vol. 48, no. 1, Jan. 2015, pp. 96–103, 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.07.014. Accessed 24 June 2020.
⁸ Sichilima, Tangu, and Michael J Rieder. “Adderall and Cardiovascular Risk: A Therapeutic Dilemma.” Paediatrics & Child Health, vol. 14, no. 3, 2009, pp. 193–5, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690554/, 10.1093/pch/14.3.193.
⁹ Abuse, National Institute on Drug. “What Are Marijuana’s Effects on Other Aspects of Physical Health?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-effects-on-other-aspects-of-physical-health.
¹⁰ Poulton, Alison S., et al. “Stimulants for the Control of Hedonic Appetite.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 7, 25 Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843092/, 10.3389/fphar.2016.00105. Accessed 8 Dec. 2020.
¹¹ Medicine (US), Institute of, et al. The Medical Value of Marijuana and Related Substances. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Academies Press (US), 1999, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230711/#:~:text=In%20controlled%20laboratory%20studies%20of. Accessed 6 Sept. 2022.
¹² US Department of Health and Human Services. “THE NEUROBIOLOGY of SUBSTANCE USE, MISUSE, and ADDICTION.” Nih.gov, US Department of Health and Human Services, Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424849/.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
