- Though much scientific evidence is still on the horizon, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence show that cannabis has the potential to treat ADHD.
- The community itself has several proponents who claim marijuana has helped with emotional regulation, concentration, and anxiety.
- If you’re interested in trying cannabis for ADHD, consider starting with strains like Sour Diesel, Harle-Tsu, or Black Jack.
As someone who lives with ADHD, you understand its challenges intimately. You’re likely also familiar with how complex the path to treatment is and how draining it feels to figure out which tools and methods work best for you.
Cannabis for ADHD has recently gained attention as a popular treatment in patient communities, with anecdotal evidence supporting its benefits. This is where TeleLeaf comes in. We connect you with medical professionals who are well-versed in the potential benefits of marijuana. You can use them as a bridge to apply for your medical marijuana card and enjoy those benefits yourself.
Of course, knowing which strains of medical cannabis to try is important for those starting on their cannabis journey. Read on to learn how marijuana can help with ADHD symptoms and which strains are best for people living with ADHD.
Life With ADHD
ADHD manifests uniquely in every patient and takes different forms in adults and children. Unfortunately, this leads to underdiagnosing and late diagnosis in adults (especially people assigned female at birth), as well as a lack of research into adult presentations of ADHD.
The variety of symptoms is a major reason why ADHD diagnoses are sometimes overlooked. The public has a stereotypical image of ADHD, while the reality is often different.
ADHD In Kids and Teenagers
Since ADHD is a developmental disorder, the bulk of studies focus on children and teens. In fact, the symptoms typically associated with ADHD appear more often in younger people.
Some physical manifestations of ADHD in this age group are:
- Constant fidgeting or being unable to sit still, especially in quiet situations
- Excessive physical movement or talking
- Interruption of conversations
- Impulsivity, or taking actions without thinking them through
On the other hand, mental symptoms often manifest as:
- Being easily distracted and having a short attention span
- Losing things or seeming forgetful
- Struggling to listen and carry out instructions
- Struggling with organization
- Making careless mistakes
Children assigned female at birth tend to exhibit fewer physical symptoms than children assigned male at birth, and the severity of any symptom differs from person to person. This can make getting a diagnosis difficult.
ADHD In Adults
Unfortunately, with most of the focus staying on kids and teens, adults with ADHD have fallen through the cracks in the medical field for years. However, it’s thought that adults diagnosed with ADHD later in life had symptoms when they were kids or teens that were simply missed by their parents, teachers, or healthcare providers.
Signs of ADHD in adults are often harder to spot and may include:
- Lack of attention to detail
- Never or rarely finish tasks before starting new ones
- Speaking out of turn or having trouble keeping quiet
- Extreme impatience, irritability, and a quick temper
- Limited stress coping techniques
- Higher than average risk-taking behavior
Mental health counseling and pharmaceutical medications are two of the most common treatment routes for both adults and children living with ADHD. But whether you’re diagnosed in adulthood or childhood, therapy and medication don’t always offer complete solutions for everyday management.
Fortunately, there are more options for coping with ADHD now than ever before.
The Benefits of Medical Marijuana for ADHD
Marijuana offers one potential path to healing that you may not have considered. But why is it such a divisive subject in healthcare?
In short, studies on the healing benefits of marijuana are behind the times due to a variety of factors, like negative media portrayals of cannabis and anti-drug sentiments. Previous government studies also only focused on the potential risks of marijuana use without paying any attention to the benefits, creating a strong bias.
Despite this, marijuana has a long history of use in the field of medicine. In the past, marijuana was used to:
- Deal with digestive problems
- Help to anesthetize patients in painful situations
- Reduce pain during labor
- Manage chronic pain disorders
- Help combat mental health disorders like anxiety
So, can you get a medical card for ADHD? In some states, yes. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to TeleLeaf; we understand each state’s unique policies and can streamline the process of applying for your medical marijuana card.
Understanding Cannabinoids
Marijuana plants have over a hundred cannabinoid compounds. Each strain has a unique mix of them, and these mixes create different effects when someone consumes the plant.
The two main cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC
This is the part of the plant that creates the feeling of being “high.” People using THC may experience:
- Heightened sensory perception
- An altered perception of time
- A feeling of mental relaxation
Though some people focus on CBD-only products for medicinal applications, anecdotal evidence points out that products with balanced levels of CBD and THC can help those with ADHD.
CBD
CBD doesn’t have the same “high” effect as THC—while THC is psychoactive, CBD is not. Instead, the effects of CBD are sometimes referred to as “body highs” because of the physical relaxation it induces. People using CBD products often experience:
- Muscular relaxation
- Feelings of peacefulness and potential drowsiness
- A reduction in pain perception
CBD is a sought-after tool for people with chronic pain in particular, but some people with ADHD claim that it helps with concentration, reduces brain fog, and dulls feelings of anxiety.
Though studies are still underway, the early promise of improvement and positive effects found in marijuana use for ADHD are not to be ignored.
Which Strains Are Best for ADHD?
A strain is a subtype of the Cannabis sativa plant; strains are carefully cultivated by growers to fine-tune concentrations of THC, CBD, and other compounds.
Finding the right strain is a trial-and-error process for everyone using medical marijuana, no matter their diagnoses or symptoms. A strain that works well for a friend with ADHD may not work for you, and that’s something to understand at the start.
Still, there are some strains that reportedly help people with ADHD hit that perfect state of relaxation and focus.
- Cinex: Cinex is a THC-dominant strain that mimics the effects of caffeine. It provides a strong boost of energy, creativity, and focus, but can be a little too strong for people who struggle with anxiety or THC sensitivity.
- Sour Diesel: Another highly popular THC-dominant strain, Sour Diesel is potent and best used in smaller doses. It can help unlock concentration and creativity, lending to a sense of euphoria as well.
- Green Crack: This THC-dominant strain is named for its intensely stimulating effect and accompanying cerebral high.
- Harle-Tsu: This CBD-dominant strain is a cross between Sour Tsunami and Harlequin. It has little to no intoxicating effects and instead creates a clear-headed sense of calm and focus.
- True OG: Despite being a high-THC strain, users of True OG state that it helps cut down on distraction and stress. It often slows the mind and makes concentrating easier, all while still leaving energy to get tasks done.
- Black Jack: This THC-dominant strain combines Jack Herer and Black Domina. It results in a full-body mellowness combined with an energetic and creative cerebral high.
Take care as you experiment with different strains and start with low doses. As you go, you can find your tolerance levels and what combinations work best for you.
Hone Your Focus With TeleLeaf
Starting your medical marijuana journey to help treat ADHD may feel overwhelming. What strains do you try? What doses of THC and CBD will work best? Do you have any sensitivities to watch out for?
Fortunately, TeleLeaf is here to help. We give you the tools and resources you need to take control of your healing journey by connecting you with medical professionals who can guide you through the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and trying medical cannabis.
If you’re eager to consider a new option for ADHD treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out and get started on your application.
Sources:
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is ADHD?
https://www.cdc.gov/
News Medical Life Sciences. What are Cannabinoids?
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Cannabinoids.aspx
Open Access Government. CBD oil for ADHD: What the research shows.
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbd-oil-for-adhd-what-the-research-shows/106875
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