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What you will learn in this post:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that typically presents during childhood. It’s primarily characterized by difficulty remaining focused and keeping one’s attention on a single task. While childhood is typically when a diagnosis is made, symptoms can last into adulthood. It’s estimated that about 6 million children in the US have received this diagnosis, with boys more likely to be impacted than girls.
There are a variety of ADHD medications that are commonly prescribed today. One of the most popular medications is Ritalin. Another possible treatment option for ADHD that is being considered more frequently is cannabis. In this article, we’ll discuss Ritalin and weed, if this combination is safe, and things patients should keep in mind.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate or Concerta, works in the brain to manage various ADHD symptoms. It does this by changing the level of dopamine in the brain. Because of the effects that this medication has on the central nervous system, it can be a very effective option at treating symptoms.
While ADHD is the most common diagnosis for which Ritalin is taken, the drug can also be prescribed for narcolepsy. Off-label applications for this medication include fatigue treatment, apathy treatment in Alzheimer’s disease, and refractory depression.
Ritalin is classified as a stimulant.
Taking Ritalin only as prescribed is one of the best ways to limit potential side effects, which can include:
- Nervousness
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
More serious side effects of Ritalin can include:
- Chest pain
- Hallucinating
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Motor or verbal tics
Because Ritalin can be habit-forming, it’s important to follow the advice of your doctor. If you have concerns about your current dosage or habit formation, don’t hesitate to reach out to your prescriber and get their opinion. No medication changes should be made without specific instructions from your doctor.
Ritalin and Weed Interaction
If you use cannabis and have recently been prescribed Ritalin, you may be wondering about the potential interactions between these two. Each substance’s individual effects on the body play a major role in whether or not these two substances can be safely combined.
Mixing cannabis and Ritalin is typically not recommended for a few reasons. First, current research on the interactions between cannabis and Ritalin are sparse, making the effects of the combination potentially unpredictable. This means that someone could experience negative side effects of either substance – or new ones entirely – even if they’ve had a positive experience with one or both medications in the past.
Cannabis has the potential to act as both a depressant and a stimulant. Because of this, it could either lessen or increase the effects of Ritalin, depending on the cultivar and a variety of other potential factors.
A 2015 study examined the effects of combining methylphenidate and THC. It found that combining these two substances produced unique effects on the heart, as well as the brain’s ability to perform on certain tests.1 However, it is important to note that none of the study participants had an ADHD diagnosis, so it’s difficult to make claims about how that may have impacted results.
Combining Ritalin and medical marijuana is unlikely to produce extremely serious negative effects, but it’s still generally recommended to avoid it. For some, combining these two substances produces desirable effects, but relying on this combination of medications for euphoria can be dangerous. The best way to avoid habit formation is to use one or the other.2
If you’re struggling with Ritalin and cannabis use, there are options available to get help. It’s never too late to reach out for help and start your healing journey.
If you’re currently taking ADHD medication, avoiding other medications (including cannabis) is the only way to be sure that your medication will work effectively and without unexpected side effects. And if you have questions about substance use and any medications you’re taking, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor and get answers.
Are There Any Potential Benefits When Ritalin is Taken with Cannabis?
There has not been significant research to understand if there are any benefits when it comes to mixing Ritalin and cannabis.
A number of consumers have reported that cannabis increases the effects of their Ritalin. Others, however, have found that cannabis minimized the effects of Ritalin. Because cannabis can act as either a stimulant or depressant, and because the same product can affect two different consumers in different ways, it’s impossible to say for certain which effect you’ll experience.
Before mixing any substances, it’s always best to speak to a doctor. Be sure to be totally transparent so that your doctor can fully address your questions and concerns with specific information tailored to your unique needs.
While there may not be substantial research to understand the effects of cannabis and Ritalin together, there has been research to understand the effects of cannabis on ADHD. In fact, it’s possible that cannabis could have a positive impact on ADHD symptoms.
According to a 2018 study, the use of cannabinoids not only helped with a patient’s ADHD symptoms, but also helped with focus, impulse control, and the ability to tolerate frustration.3
Interestingly, there is the possibility that cannabis impacts individuals with ADHD differently than those without it. The findings in a 2017 study suggest that those ADHD sufferers who are self-medicating with cannabis may be onto something.4 It’s possible that individuals with ADHD not only get a significant amount of symptom reduction from cannabis, but they also don’t have the cognitive impairments many other consumers experience from THC.
The above 2017 study is not enough to make solid claims, but it does provide an intriguing thread to follow for future researchers. There is a large need for more research about the effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, but it’s possible that it’s a potential treatment option.
What Are the Risks or Side Effects of Combining Medical Marijuana and Ritalin?
In 2015 a team of researchers did look at the impacts of combining Ritalin with alcohol and drugs of abuse.5 This study noted no serious consequences, but that doesn’t mean that the combination of Ritalin and weed is recommended. While it may not always elicit negative effects, there are some risks to be aware of.
Potential side effects of combining medical marijuana and Ritalin include:
- Increased heart rate
- Cardiac distress
- Drowsiness
- Increased hyperactivity
Continuing to use Ritalin and cannabis together could impact both the short and long-term abilities of your medication. Because of this, it’s most likely best to refrain from using cannabis while taking Ritalin.
Another risk of using cannabis and Ritalin is becoming addicted to the potential high that it can induce. Ritalin itself can be habit-forming, and this can be magnified when it’s combined with cannabis. While this isn’t clinically proven, the potential risk is yet another reason why it’s not generally recommended to use these substances together.
The previously mentioned study on the effects of methylphenidate and THC also found that Ritalin decreased reaction times when working memory was tested. However, when cannabis was used concurrently, the reaction time effects were brought back to their baseline. These results indicate that changes in memory are a potential side effect that could arise from this combination.
Safety Precautions When Taking Weed and Ritalin
If you’re going to combine weed and Ritalin, there are a few things you should be aware of.
First, it’s important to speak with a doctor before you combine any substances. If you’re experiencing side effects, consider seeking medical attention. It’s always a good idea to get medical advice if you have concerns.
You should only ever take the amount of Ritalin you’re prescribed. Even if you feel like your current dose isn’t working, you should speak with your doctor before making any modifications to your medication routine.
Another important consideration is the amount of cannabis you’re going to consume. Even if you have lots of experience with cannabis, you should still start with a small dose. Your brain chemistry is altered in sometimes unexpected ways when you combine substances, even those you are familiar with individually, so it’s important to start small and understand your body’s reaction.
Finally, how long you should wait to use weed after taking Ritalin can depend on a variety of factors, including what dosage you take and your personal metabolism. If you’re not sure how to use your medication safely, consider speaking with your doctor and getting their advice.
Can Cannabis be a Substitute for Ritalin?
Cannabis has many different applications, and it’s possible that treatment of ADHD symptoms could be one of them.
While there is a need for more research in this area, some people do use cannabis to reduce their ADHD medications and have found success. A 2020 study demonstrated that using medical cannabis can reduce the need for ADHD medication.6 The same study found that using a high dosage of CBD was correlated with a lower score on an ADHD self reporting scale.
It’s possible that some symptoms of ADHD, such as restlessness, can be reduced with cannabis use.7 Cannabis may also help increase focus because of THC’s impact on the dopamine system.
Whether or not methylphenidate and weed are equivalent at combating ADHD symptoms depends on the individual’s preferences and symptoms. Some people find that cannabis is more effective than Ritalin, while others prefer traditional ADHD medication. If you’re considering using medical marijuana instead of Ritalin, consider speaking with your doctor about what the best options are for you.
References
- Kollins, Scott H., Erin N. Schoenfelder, Joseph S. English, Alex Holdaway, Elizabeth Van Voorhees, Benjamin R. O’Brien, Rachel Dew, and Allan K. Chrisman. 2015. “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 48 (1): 96–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2014.07.014.
↩︎ - Svetlov, Stanislav I., Firas H. Kobeissy, and Mark S. Gold. 2007. “Performance Enhancing, Non-Prescription Use of Ritalin.” Journal of Addictive Diseases 26 (4): 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1300/j069v26n04_01.
↩︎ - Hupli, Aleksi Mikael Markunpoika. 2018. “Medical Cannabis for Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Sociological Patient Case Report of Cannabinoid Therapeutics in Finland.” Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids 1 (2): 112–18. https://doi.org/10.1159/000495307.
↩︎ - Cooper, Ruth E., Emma Williams, Seth Seegobin, Charlotte Tye, Jonna Kuntsi, and Philip Asherson. 2017. “Cannabinoids in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomised-Controlled Trial.” European Neuropsychopharmacology 27 (8): 795–808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.05.005.
↩︎ - Barkla, Xanthe M., Paul A. McArdle, and Dorothy Newbury-Birch. 2015. “Are There Any Potentially Dangerous Pharmacological Effects of Combining ADHD Medication with Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse? A Systematic Review of the Literature.” BMC Psychiatry 15 (October): 270. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0657-9.
↩︎ - Hergenrather, Jeffrey Y., Joshua Aviram, Yelena Vysotski, Salvatore Campisi-Pinto, Gil M. Lewitus, and David Meiri. 2020. “Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses Are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients.” Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal 11 (1). https://doi.org/10.5041/RMMJ.10384.
↩︎ - Bloomfield, Michael A. P., Abhishekh H. Ashok, Nora D. Volkow, and Oliver D. Howes. 2016. “The Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on the Dopamine System.” Nature 539 (7629): 369–77. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature20153.
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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.
