Cannabis can help to reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through two of its main cannabinoids, THC and CBD as well as the terpene α-Pinene.
Preliminary studies have observed a connection between these compounds and a reduction of symptoms associated with ADHD such as; hyperactivity, impulsivity, lack of focus and learning difficulties. Even though not yet fully understood, it seems a 1:1 ratio of THC: CBD has a positive effect on emotional stability, memory, focus, learning ability and stress. This is possibly due to the interaction of these cannabinoids on the CB-1 receptor of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in adult human brains, which in turn, regulates the Dopamine (DA), Serotonin (5-HT), Mu- and Delta-opioid receptors, who are all involved with the negative symptoms of ADHD. The terpene pinene seems to positively influence memory and helping the effectiveness of THC and CBD through the Entourage Effect.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that typically affects children, but can also affect adults. ADHD can have a severe impact on emotions, behaviours, and learning. While this condition is typically associated with children who struggle with paying attention and focusing, ADHD in adults is more common than might think. It is said that 4.4% of American adults and as many as 1 in 10 children have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is divided into three different types:
The Inattentive type – People who experience inattentive behaviour are often characterised by an extremely short attention span and an inability to focus. This type (previously known as ADD) shows symptoms of inattention (or is easily distracted) but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive.
The Hyperactive type – This type of ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, but not inattention.
The Combined type – A version of ADHD in which the subject shows symptoms of both types.
Conventional treatments for ADHD are typically stimulant medications, including dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. The exact cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not yet fully understood, however, it is thought a number of factors including genetics and brain function are likely causes.
However, like many medical treatments today, ADHD treatments come with several side effects which have led more people to consider some more natural alternatives, including marijuana for ADHD.
Indeed, recent studies have shown medical cannabis could be an effective alternative method of treatment for ADHD, by helpìng to boost concentration levels, productivity and focus. One piece of research on the benefits of marijuana for ADHD resulted in most of the patients who had consumed cannabis ditching their synthetic ADHD medication.
As such, there is now good reason to believe that medical cannabis could provide an alternative potential treatment for people who live with ADHD.
Before we look at how the symptoms of ADHD could be reduced with cannabis, let us first understand the forms of the condition that are most common in those diagnosed with ADHD.
Scientific research has established a link between ADHD/ADD and low dopamine levels. People with ADHD tend to have fewer dopamine receptors than the average person. The most commonly accepted theory explaining ADHD is said to lie in the brain’s inability to regulate itself, thus being overwhelmed by too much information at once.
So how can medical cannabis provide a potential treatment for those who have ADHD?
Cannabis is made up of hundreds of different Cannabinoids and terpenes which, through the ‘Entourage Effect’ on our endocannabinoid system (ECS), can stimulate dopamine receptors – leading to increased levels of dopamine in the body.
They can also help to slow the mind sufficiently for better focus and to level out mood swings. Various concoctions of cannabinoids and terpenes can be more useful for different symptoms. Pinene is a terpene mainly known for improving focus, attention and memory. Limonene is also thought to produce similar effects.
Finding the perfect strain does require a little trial-and-error, so it is really important to know what effects and experience it is you are looking for.
THC-dominant strains can be beneficial in improving focus for some and distracting for others. If you find THC strains are causing your mind to be overly racy or cloudy, try a different strain or experiment with a smaller dose.
A CBD dominant strain usually contains far less THC and is unlikely to produce a euphoric high but could be helpful for someone looking to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
A more balanced THC/CBD strain is known to offer only mild psychoactive effects, making it an ideal choice for someone who just wants a little bit of increased cerebral activation and focus.
If you´re looking to treat ADHD or you know people diagnosed with the condition, we have compiled a list of some of the best medical marijuana strains that could help to provide relaxing effects and help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
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