Can You Get Medical Marijuana for ADHD?

Cannabis rules in America are determined by each state’s government, which, for medical cannabis, will create a list of approved medical conditions for which the plant can be used. These conditions, their symptoms, and medical needs are determined by available research and other factors. 

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)  is a common condition in today's society, affecting over 3 million adults in America.¹ For those looking to use medical marijuana for ADHD or its symptoms, it’s essential to know the laws in their state.

What are Qualifying Conditions?

A qualifying condition is a term used for a medical condition or symptom recognized by a state's medical cannabis program.² 

If included on the state’s list, patients with one or more qualifying conditions are eligible to apply for access to legal medical cannabis. These lists are different in each state and can note more than several conditions that cannabis can help alleviate. 

To obtain a medical cannabis license to purchase and consume medical marijuana for ADHD and its symptoms legally, patients must first follow the steps provided by the state's medical cannabis board. These rules can be found on each state's medical cannabis website. They can include requirements like a doctor's recommendation and fee payment.

Getting a medical cannabis card isn’t necessary for all states, as adult use legislation is spreading to additional states. Still, many states offer several perks and benefits to having a medical cannabis card. From potential discounts to preferred access to higher potency servings, some states have more than one reason to keep their medical cannabis program operating for its residents.

How Can I Find My State's Qualifying Conditions?

Ideally, state government websites would clearly lay out their cannabis rules and processes for medical and adult use laws, making them easily accessible for their residents. While some states do, many others don't. 

From a lack of information to a convoluted browser experience to inaccessible web pages, there can be shortcomings when accessing clearly listed cannabis rules and regulations from government sources. 

NuggMD can be a reliable source for finding up-to-date cannabis laws and regulations. In addition, advocacy groups like NORML, the Marijuana Policy Project, and Americans for Safe Access regularly update their websites with the latest cannabis news and regulations.

Which States Have ADHD as a Qualifying Condition?

ADHD affects a significant number of individuals across the world. In the U.S., those numbers reflect over 3 million people who deal with the condition and its symptoms. 

Despite its relatively common prevalence, no state explicitly lists medical marijuana for ADHD treatment for management. That said, some states may offer access to medical cannabis for ADHD treatment or management. The list of states that allow doctors to recommend cannabis at their own discretion include:

• California: This state allows medical access for patients with chronic or persistent symptoms that limit their major life activities and/or cause serious harm.
• Massachusetts: Medical access is approved for individuals with physician-approved debilitating conditions.
• Maryland: Medical is approved for severe chronic conditions that are not improved by other treatments.
• Virginia, New York, Oklahoma: Each state allows medical access for any condition where a physician believes cannabis could provide therapeutic benefit.
• Florida: Permits medical access for patients with conditions comparable to those listed on the program's website. For example, PTSD may extend to ADHD.
• Washington, D.C.: The U.S. capital allows medical cannabis access to individuals with a debilitating condition who are recommended by either a licensed doctor or self-certified by the patient.

Patients in states like Utah and Arizona can petition for their medical condition, like ADHD, to be included on their state's list. For example, Iowa rejected petitions for ADHD's inclusion in 2018 and 2019.

If My State Doesn't Have ADHD as a Qualifying Condition, Can I Still Get a Medical Card?

For those looking to use medical marijuana for ADHD, finding out it isn't listed on your state's medical qualifying conditions list can be frustrating, but there are additional ways to qualify. Some states list broader categories on their qualifying lists. Patients may be eligible based on these other symptoms or conditions. 

For example, some states provide medical cannabis access to conditions like chronic anxiety, insomnia, depression, and PTSD, which may be part of a person's ADHD symptoms. 

There are also appeals processes in select states which may get you access to medical marijuana for ADHD. This route has the patient or advocates lobbying the state medical cannabis board for inclusion on the qualified conditions list. Meanwhile, in other states, doctors have broad discretion to determine if a person may benefit from medical cannabis. A person may only have legal access to low-THC or CBD products in more restrictive legal cases but may still find benefit from microdosing THC or CBD.

As the relationship between medical cannabis and ADHD continues to be researched and debated legislatively, access to legal medical cannabis will continue to evolve. Check NuggMD, read the local news, and/or check your state's medical cannabis website for developments.

Do Any Symptoms of ADHD Count as Qualifying Conditions?

Patients may still be able to access the best strains for ADHD in their state if their state does not have it on its list of qualifying conditions. Many of ADHD's regularly experienced symptoms may qualify for medical cannabis access in certain states. 

The likelihood of finding one or more of these symptoms inclusion on a state's medical cannabis qualifying conditions list varies. In some cases, chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and others are often included in most state’s list of qualifying conditions for their medical cannabis programs. Autism is frequently listed, which could allow individuals with comorbid diagnoses of ADHD/Autism to qualify for a medical cannabis card. 

To find out if your state lists ADHD or its symptoms, visit your state's website for a breakdown of the laws. If their website doesn't provide a complete answer, try calling or emailing the state medical cannabis board for further clarification. Some states are responsive, but others may not be so helpful. 

If your state has legalized medical cannabis, then you could also set up a consultation with a medical professional for an assessment of your conditions and any clarification needed about the state's cannabis program. If your ADHD or its symptoms do qualify for the program, you may be well on your way to receiving a medical cannabis card. 

In addition to NuggMD, cannabis advocacy groups also have relatively up-to-date information that may prove helpful. Visit groups such as NORML, Marijuana Policy Project, and Americans for Safe Access for additional information.

References

1. Song P, Zha M, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Li X, Rudan I. The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health. 2021;11:04009. Published 2021 Feb 11. doi:10.7189/jogh.11.04009 ↩︎
2. Boehnke KF, Gangopadhyay S, Clauw DJ, Haffajee RL. Qualifying Conditions Of Medical Cannabis License Holders In The United States. Health Affairs. 2019;38(2):295-302. doi:https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05266 ↩︎

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.