People across the neurodivergent spectrum have shared that cannabinoids help them feel more comfortable in the neurotypical world, but that doesn’t mean it is all good. There are precautions to consider for ADHD and weed, including mixing THC with medications.
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Still, ADHD cannabis successes have been supported by researchers working to understand how the endocannabinoid function or “tone” might play into the neurodivergent brain. One self-reported study solidified the theory that people with ADHD are self-medicating with weed.
Most of the almost 2000 online survey respondents also shared that their chosen cannabinoids helped curb impulsivity and hyperactivity. Interestingly, those who enjoyed weed often better mitigated executive dysfunction compared to less frequent consumers. Lastly, respondents shared that pot helped offset irritability and anxiety that may come with prescribed ADHD medication.
These results are interesting and somewhat supported by neuroscientist and board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Dave Rabin. Dr. Rabin agrees that THC may help ADHD in the short term, but he has reservations about mixing ADHD and cannabis for a long time.
“Cannabis use, in a publication over the last 10 years, was shown, in adults, to increase the risk of hospitalizations in people with ADHD diagnoses,” Dr. Rabin said. “So this is something to keep in mind, that it doesn’t necessarily make symptoms better long term, and can actually make them worse if used regularly, especially in place of ADHD medication and without therapy.”
Red flags for ADHD and weed
The study Dr. Rabin refers to does indicate that ADHD and long-term cannabis use disorder combined led to more in-patient care and lengthier hospital stays. However, the earlier survey indicated better executive function in the long term. The cohorts in each situation are separated by two distinct factors. Long-term weed consumption does not always equate to cannabis use disorder (CUD). Those who were hospitalized had CUD. That was not the case in the survey.
Dr. Rabin also cites the use of cannabis instead of, or without, medication or therapy. Though it is different from traditional pharmaceuticals, most people need guidance to find the right cannabinoids and products when attempting to unlock therapeutic potential. That is no different for people with ADHD.
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Working with a therapist to talk through life while also consulting with a cannabinoid-informed medical professional is the best way to monitor weed consumption as an ADHDer. It could also assist patients in dialing in the right cannabinoids and products for the job.
THC is a distractant, which in the medical world means it can divert attention. This is helpful for patients needing to get their minds off of pain but could go either way for sometimes easily distracted ADHDers. Dr. Rabin suggests training awareness to offset distractions before attempting to consume cannabis for ADHD symptoms.
If the mind is not exercised regularly, cannabis may exacerbate a low attention span. Those with ADHD who consume cannabis may find peace in regular meditation practice, reducing screen time, engaging with nature, and more. This may offset the distracted nature of THC, and Dr. Rabin believes it should be off the table for ADHD altogether.
Cannabinoids for ADHD
Aside from the fact that THC may work against ADHD symptoms, it might interact with the stimulants regularly prescribed for the disorder. Mixing medications like Ritalin and Adderall with cannabinoids may not be wise.
“Because the dissociative effects of cannabis with stimulants can increase the risk of delusional beliefs and psychotic disorder and bipolar disorder. And while it’s rare, we do see it in the clinic. And so we do not recommend the use of amphetamines with THC,” Dr. Rabin warned.
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This is why CBD is encouraged for ADHD over THC. The cannabinoid is believed to increase focus rather than divert it. Dr. Rabin recommends adding CBN into the mix for bedtime. Though this advice is valid and regularly echoed among medical professionals, many longtime consumers prefer some THC in their weed. For that camp, moderation and check-ins are essential.
Cannabis may have the power to do many things, but the answers remain gray until more research is published. Until then, those navigating the world of cannabis and ADHD might seek guidance from their doctor, budtender, and therapist before engaging with THC or any other cannabinoids. While much research shows the plant can help mitigate symptoms, keeping CUD in check is essential for the ADHD camp.
