Cannabis/CBD: How it Affects ADD/ADHD

First off, ADHD is a form of ADD. While they are similar, they are slightly different. You see, attention deficit disorder (ADD) causes a lack of focus, poor memory, and distraction. With attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), all those symptoms are present along with an overflow of energy and impulsive behavior. Now, the thing we want to know is whether cannabis, or cannabidiol, can curb these symptoms or not. Well, let’s look at what we know as of now.

What public forums say

In online forums, observations show that 50% of those who use cannabis to treat ADD symptoms say it works well. But, of contributors to the forum, 8% report ​“harmful” effects from the use of cannabis in treating this condition. With this vague ​“harmful” statement, we cannot gauge just how negative the effects were. 

To get it out of the way, we do know that some side effects of cannabis are:

• “Munchies” or increased appetite

• Smoking or vaping can cause coughing if too quickly or deeply inhaled

• Red eyes, which isn’t harmful, only embarrassing

• Some strains or the amount you use can cause sleepiness

While there may be other side effects, when associating cannabis with ADD and ADHD, like other research, information is limited. And this leaves 42% unsure about how they feel or just making other comments in the forum about cannabis. These are online health forums, not just random meeting places.

“Many adolescents and adults with ADHD are convinced that cannabis does help them and has fewer side effects than other ADHD medications.”

-Jack McCue MD, emeritus professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco

However, McCue did say that cannabis may be quite a bit more effective for hyperactivity and impulsivity than with inattentiveness. And although information found in forums is not based on research by a professional, it’s still interesting and promising for cannabis as a solution.

Benefits from all cannabis components

More research MUST be done. And I say must because it’s time that the full benefits of cannabis or CBD are shared with the public. Now, if positive test results proved success for cannabis, what health benefits could it provide?

• Cannabis de-conditions CB1 receptors and may prevent panic attacks

• Insomnia is decreased when THC calms the brain

• For depression, THC binds with CB1 receptors to release more serotonin

An emphasis on CBD

Aside from the psychoactive components of THC, there are mostly positive opinions about cannabis. With CBD, cannabidiol, absent of THC, symptoms of ADD and ADHD can be tempered without the euphoric effect enjoyed by many. And this seems to be the problem Cannabis, to some, just doesn’t seem as attractive without its mind-altering effects. However, CBD is said to have these notable effects on those who deal with ADD:

• CBD binds with CB2 receptors and may decrease anxiety symptoms

• CBD may relieve fear in those who are hyper-sensitive

Advocates for CBD oil say that it does help some symptoms of ADHD and even mental health symptoms as well. But again, research is limited. In a study in 2017, adults with ADHD, treated with Sativex, a cannabinoid medication, had a decrease in symptoms of ADHD. And there were no cognitive impairments. Sativex, however, has a combination of CBD and THC. In a more recent study in 2020, products with a higher dosage of CBD showed a decrease in ADHD symptoms.

Is CBD legal everywhere now?

The legal status of CBD varies depending on the individual state laws. While CBD is permitted in all states, there are restrictions. Even though medicinal solutions are mainly cannabidiol, there are always trace amounts of THC included in CBD cannabis products as well. Any of these CBD products with more than 0.3% THC is illegal as put into place by federal laws.

So, what’s the last word?

Well, unfortunately, at this moment, there is no clear consensus about CBD for ADD or ADHD, just as there is a lack of information for THC benefits as well. However, researchers continue to study the present findings and provide as much information as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you’ve witnessed great benefits, go ahead, and continue to enjoy the experience. Here at LucidaClub, we can find a cannabis product that’s right for you. Try a fun cannabis-infused fruit snack or warm comforting cookie. Just remember, stay informed, and make wise decisions. It’s ultimately your choice.