Cannabis for ADHD: Can Weed Help Symptoms of ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by an ongoing pattern of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Historically, ADHD was first recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1968, with the second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) under “hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.”

The diagnosis was modified in 1980 with the third DSM, changing the name to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and classifying symptoms into two categories: ADD with hyperactivity and ADD without hyperactivity.

The name was changed seven years later to ADHD, combining the categories, and in 1994, three subtypes of ADHD were listed: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. ADHD occurs in roughly 9% of the population, and the standard treatment involves behavioral therapies and pharmaceutical stimulants, although non-stimulant medications for ADHD are available.

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD is primarily assumed to be associated with genetics; however, the environment may also play a role. For example, brain injury, environmental risks such as lead exposure, and tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy could be potentiating factors in the development of ADHD in individuals. No research supports theories that ADHD can be caused by excess sugar intake, too much TV, or family socioeconomic status.

ADHD Signs & Symptoms

Symptomatic presentation of ADHD can be categorized as the following:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation. Individuals with an inattentive presentation of ADHD may likely find difficulty finishing a task, paying attention to details, or following along in a conversation.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation. Individuals with a hyperactive-impulsive presentation of ADHD may often fidget, find it hard to sit still, wait their turn to talk, and overall feel restless.
• Combined Presentation. Individuals who have a combined presentation of ADHD typically have an equal presentation of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and inattentive symptoms.

Individuals diagnosed with ADHD often have higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to neurotypical individuals. Individuals with ADHD also have high comorbidity with learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder. Symptoms in childhood and adulthood can differ; some childhood symptoms evolve while others go away. Over 50% of those with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD experience symptoms after transitioning into adulthood.

Can Cannabis Help Alleviate ADHD Symptoms?

Limited clinical data exists surrounding cannabis and the treatment of ADHD symptoms. However, there are extensive anecdotal reports from medical cannabis users that cannabis can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, inability to focus, fidgeting, anxiety, etc. You may have even heard the idea that a “Sativa” is more calming for those with ADHD than those without ADHD. This claim is not entirely without merit, as users report strains high in certain terpenes to enhance focus or relieve anxiety.¹

While many cannabis consumers claim that it helps with their ADHD, and some studies indicate cannabis may help with symptoms, other studies suggest that the use of cannabis may exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.²

Another small survey-based study found that medical cannabis patients with ADHD were supplementing their doctor-prescribed pharmaceuticals with cannabis to help alleviate symptoms. The researchers noted that whole-plant cannabis use was indicated to be better at alleviating symptoms than a purified 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC and that cannabinol (CBN), in particular, was also helpful in relieving symptoms of ADHD.³

In an online survey study, a total of 1,738 responses from college students were collected. The researchers found that 28.25% of participants had adult BAARS-IV scores above the threshold for having mild symptoms of ADHD. A majority of participants using cannabis for ADHD, over 91%, stated that their use of cannabis improved the ADHD symptoms they were experiencing. Users reported that, overall, cannabis improved the following symptoms: hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, and mental frustration.⁴

A more recent study from the UK reported that in 68 patients with ADHD, cannabis use improved anxiety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life. The median doses were 15mg CBD and 208.75mg THC per day.⁵ Other studies demonstrate that CBD, CBC, CBG, and CBN may also play a role in mediating the symptoms of ADHD.⁶

If an individual chooses to use cannabis to alleviate symptoms of ADHD, they should begin with a low dose containing no more than 2.5mg to 5mg of THC. Individuals taking prescription ADHD medication should not combine their prescription dose with cannabis, as it may cause strain on the heart.⁷ Potential side effects an individual may experience with cannabis use include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite
• Memory loss

Overall, more clinical research on cannabis for the treatment of ADHD symptoms is needed before making a conclusive statement about what types of cannabis or methods of administration may be best for treating the symptoms of ADHD.

Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation

To determine if attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a qualifying condition in your state, you can head to our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.

If you find that your state recognizes ADHD as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program.

How NuggMD Can Help

NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half the United States. We’ve connected over 2,000,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. 

We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.

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What terpenes might help with symptoms of ADHD?

Patients using cannabis for ADHD report using strains high in the terpenes pinene, limonene, myrcene, linalool, caryophyllene, and humulene.³ However, clinical research on terpenes and ADHD is needed to determine a causal relationship.

Does cannabis help with symptoms of ADHD?

While anecdotal reports from cannabis users with ADHD state that cannabis may help alleviate their symptoms, more clinical research is needed to confirm a causal relationship. However, pre-clinical data and the limited clinical data we do have seem to be promising.⁵

Can CBD treat ADHD?

Some evidence does indicate CBD may help reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, but more research is needed.⁶

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References

1. Lewis MA, Russo EB, Smith KM. Pharmacological Foundations of Cannabis Chemovars. Planta Medica. 2017;84(04):225-233. doi:10.1055/s-0043-122240 ↩︎
2. Gujska JH, Silczuk A, Madejek R, Szulc A. Exploring the Link Between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Review. Med Sci Monit. 2023;29:e939749. Published 2023 May 6. doi:10.12659/MSM.939749 ↩︎
3. Hergenrather JY, Aviram J, Vysotski Y, Campisi-Pinto S, Lewitus GM, Meiri D. Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients. Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2020;11(1):e0001. Published 2020 Jan 30. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384 ↩︎
4. Stueber A, Cuttler C. Self-Reported Effects of Cannabis on ADHD Symptoms, ADHD Medication Side Effects, and ADHD-Related Executive Dysfunction. J Atten Disord. 2022;26(6):942-955. doi:10.1177/10870547211050949 ↩︎
5. Ittiphakorn P, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Rucker JJ, Sodergren MH. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: An analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology Reports. 2023;43(4):596-606. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/npr2.12400 ‌ ↩︎
6. Dawson DA, Persad CP. Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in the Treatment of ADHD. Genetics & Molecular Medicine. 2021;3(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.33425/2689-1077.1006 ↩︎
7. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎

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.