Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects over 15 million adults in the US. Symptoms often include trouble focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, or both, and Adderall is one of the most common prescriptions.
If you’re prescribed Adderall and also considering using cannabis, you might wonder if it's safe to combine the two.
It’s essential to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness routine. Everyone experiences ADHD differently, so treatments that work well for some patients may not work well for others.
What is Adderall?
AAdderall is a prescription stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. It helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Adderall comes in two main forms:
- Immediate-release (IR): Lasts about 4-6 hours; often taken twice daily.
- Extended-release (XR): Lasts 8-12 hours; typically taken once a day for longer coverage.
Like all prescription medications, Adderall should only be used under the care of a doctor. Common side effects might include:
- Headache.
- Irregular or fast heartbeat.
- Lower back pain.
- Bladder pain.
- Stomach ache.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Decreased appetite.
- Nervousness.
- Dizziness.
In more severe cases, it may affect growth in children or trigger other health issues in vulnerable individuals.
Though effective when taken as prescribed, Adderall is also one of the most commonly misused prescription drugs, especially among college students. This has led to its reputation as a so-called “study drug,” despite real risks when used without a prescription.
Combining Cannabis and Adderall: What the Latest Research Says
There’s currently no direct research on how Adderall and THC interact, so the effects of combining them are not fully understood.
However, there have been studies on how methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Ritalin (another medication commonly administered to treat ADHD), and THC interact.
A 2016 study observed vital signs, performance, and subjective effects in subjects with no diagnosis of mental impairments after consuming cannabis and methylphenidate. A 10mg 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 simultaneously consuming weed and methylphenidate can cause an increase in cardiovascular stress.
The researchers of this study believe that the majority of the effects that were experienced were due to THC use. These researchers also made it clear that their study did not predict the effects of combining methylphenidate with smoked cannabis.1
The issue with mixing Adderall and weed is that the effects are based on unique body chemistry, experience with each drug, and the dosage consumed. Most available insights come from indirect studies and anecdotal reports, which can’t be considered reliable medical evidence.
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.
Since both drugs can increase the heart rate, it is crucial to be mindful of mixing Adderall and cannabis. This remains especially true for people with pre-existing heart conditions. Likewise, Adderall can be an appetite suppressant, while cannabis is known for its ability to increase appetite in some individuals.2,3
Users taking both medications, sometimes referred to as “weederall,” report different experiences, limiting the conclusions drawn from anecdotal evidence. Some people report that they have desirable effects from taking this combination, while others believe that it increases their anxiety. When it comes to understanding someone’s reaction to this substance, it’s essential to consider factors such as dosage, tolerance, age, weight, use history, and other relevant variables.
The diverse experiences of users are proof that more research is needed on how these substances interact.
There hasn’t been much research on the potential benefits of combining Adderall and weed. One study did report that some individuals with ADHD said cannabis helped manage their symptoms, but more research is needed to understand why.4
While it’s possible that cannabis may help with the adverse side effects that come from Adderall, that doesn’t mean that this is a safe combination. It’s important to speak with your doctor about all your options and make sure you’re making an informed choice specific to your health.
What About Adderall and CBD?
While there hasn’t been much research to understand combining THC and Adderall, there also has not been research to understand combining Adderall and CBD. Since CBD may also affect appetite or interact with medications, it's best to speak with your doctor before using the two together.
If you’re taking Adderall currently and considering combining it with CBD, make sure that you reach out to your doctor and confirm that they’re okay with this combination.
References
- Kollins SH, Schoenfelder EN, English JS, 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. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2015;48(1):96-103. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2014.07.014 ↩︎
- Poulton AS, Hibbert EJ, Champion BL, Nanan RK. Stimulants for the Control of Hedonic Appetite. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:105. Published 2016 Apr 25. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00105 ↩︎
- Farokhnia M, McDiarmid GR, Newmeyer MN, et al. Effects of oral, smoked, and vaporized cannabis on endocrine pathways related to appetite and metabolism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human laboratory study. Translational Psychiatry. 2020;10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-0756-3 ↩︎
- Stueber A, Cuttler C. Self-Reported Effects of Cannabis on ADHD Symptoms, ADHD Medication Side Effects, and ADHD-Related Executive Dysfunction. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2021;26(6):108705472110509. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547211050949 ↩︎
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.
