Can Cannabis Help with ADHD in London?

There has been a longstanding link between ADHD and increased cannabis use and abuse of other drugs such as alcohol and nicotine. According to many doctors, this has led them to assume that treating ADHD with cannabis might be harmful rather than helpful. However, some patients say that cannabis gives them a feeling of being more in control of their symptoms, raising important questions. Is cannabis useful for ADHD patients? Does it mean that combining cannabis with other ADHD medications is safe in this situation?

What is ADHD?

ADHD, also known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common mental disorders that affect children. Many adults have ADHD as well. ADHD affects various ways of living, including inattention (the inability to keep a focused mind), hyperactivity (an excessive movement that does not fit a given setting) and impulsivity (acting wrongly or impulsively in the heat of the moment).

According to estimates, there are 8.4% of children with ADHD and 2.5% of adults with ADHD. ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children when it contributes to disruptions in the classroom or problems with schoolwork. Boys are more likely to suffer from ADHD than girls. Symptoms common to young children in general, such as a high level of activity, difficulty remaining still for an extended period, and limited attention spans, are often associated with ADHD. When a child has ADHD, they have hyperactivity and inattention that are noticeably greater than expected for their age, resulting in distress or problem functioning at home, at school, or with friends.

Can cannabis help with ADHD?

It has been found that many patients with ADHD report positive effects from cannabis use. However, there has been little systematic research done on the subject. According to ADHD patients, cannabis signals to their systems that they feel normal daily, just like how normal people think regularly. 

In a study that examined online forum posts about cannabis and ADHD, it was found that 25 percent of the posts indicated that the use of cannabis caused therapeutic benefits – with statements like “When you are high, you will be able to concentrate much, much better than usual” and “(Cannabis) helps me greatly with my ADHD.” Only 8 percent reported that the use of cannabis caused worsening of symptoms.

There have been published case reports of doctors successfully treating severe ADHD symptoms with marijuana, claiming that it eased behavioural symptoms, eased emotional distress, and even improved driving performance.

According to researchers, this improvement in symptoms could be due to the stimulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by cannabis. In clinical studies, ADHD patients have been found to have an impaired ECS, leading to dopamine and serotonin deficiencies that are associated with the disorder.

Nevertheless, many argue that marijuana use combined with ADHD can be harmful, citing studies showing that it can worsen symptoms and increase in cannabis use disorders. Some claim that the higher cannabis use is simply self-medication, as indicated by studies that show improved symptoms due to cannabis consumption. Based on large-scale systematic studies, it is still unclear if cannabis is more likely to help or harm patients with ADHD.

How Cannabis Interacts With ADHD Medicines

Cannabis use and drug and alcohol abuse have long been associated with ADHD.

Cannabis is often used in conjunction with other ADHD medications, which is a big question for those who choose to use it. Most ADHD patients take prescription medications like Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), Ritalin, and Concerta (methylphenidate), but little is known about how these drugs interact with cannabis. 

In one review of previous studies, minimal evidence was found, but it was hypothesized that there would be major problems if there were strong contraindications given the high rates of the combination. Cannabis users shouldn’t be denied ADHD medication, the researchers concluded. However, since evidence cannot exclude a rare negative reaction, patients using both should be aware that a response can occur, especially if either substance is taken in large doses.

The use of cannabis and ADHD medications in combination has also been found to have some benefits. Cannabis use has been associated with reduced ADHD medication, reduced ADHD symptoms, and reduced anxiety, according to a small survey of 59 patients.

An additional study found that ADHD patients and those with cannabis use disorders used less medication and behavioural therapy. In addition, cannabis use disorder led to longer inpatient stays and higher healthcare costs - an unintended consequence. According to the study, adolescents with ADHD and CUD are also more likely to consume alcohol.

Do All ADHD Drugs Interact With Cannabis The Same Way? 

Even though we looked at cannabis and medications more generally in the research above, we must not forget that there are different types of ADHD medications. As an illustration, some stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin can help increase focus and alertness, but sadly can lead to adverse reactions such as insomnia, racing heartbeat, and anxiety - and in some cases can lead to physical dependency and addiction to the drug. 

Although stimulants are the most commonly prescribed form of treatment for ADHD, individuals who are not tolerant of their side effects may be able to try non-stimulant ADHD medications. These include drugs that are more similar to medications for high blood pressure and antidepressants. A non-stimulant medicine, Strattera, has even been developed specifically for people with ADHD. Compared to other options, these are likely to cause fewer side effects and have fewer addiction potentials. Using cannabis while taking medication may have different effects on you based on your medication.

Cannabis And Other ADHD Medications

Unlike many other drugs prescribed for ADHD, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) have not been studied for their interactions with cannabis. Therefore, if you are currently using these options and considering cannabis, you need to exercise extra caution. They all carry similar risks, in general, so you may be able to view your options to be similar.

Combining a stimulant with THC could result in cardiac stress, resulting in a racing heart, changing blood pressure, or worsening heart problems. Furthermore, anxiety can be a real problem with the wrong dose of stimulants or cannabis. You can get away from being too high by taking deep breaths, getting fresh air, and remembering these tricks.

Final Thoughts

The one thing to remember when using cannabis in addition to your ADHD medication is to consult with your healthcare provider. There is not enough research to give a simple answer to this question. There are benefits and problems associated with it. If you want the best indica, sativa, and hybrid strains, get in touch with us, and we will help you out. Always buy cannabis from a trusted online weed dispensary that never compromises quality.