September 2019

The use of Cannabis is becoming common in the medical field. Cannabis is being used as a natural therapy for several health issues like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, etc.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a medical condition that affects a person’s attention, self-control, control over impulsive behavior. This is a very complex neurodevelopmental disorder. It can affect both children and adults. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity.

 

Conventional Medicines for ADHD

 

Generally, Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin or similar types of medicine are used to treat ADHD. These are conventional medicine which works by stimulating and make people excited. It suppresses inhibitions, tiredness, inhibits appetite. It also increases short-term physical performance. It works by restricting the function of noradrenaline and dopamine transporters. These characteristics can be compared to cocaine.

These medicines have many side effects. Long term use can cause weight loss and reduced growth. It can also cause decreased appetite, nervousness, sleep problems, stomach pain, anxiety, agitation and many more. Massive use or overdose of these medicines can cause over-stimulation of the central nervous system. This might make people experience cramps or even coma. When the effects of the medicine are gone, a person’s ADHD symptoms return. Expert mention this effect as rebound effect.

 

Cannabis For ADHD

 

A Cannabis plant has over 100 components. Active components in the cannabis plant are called Phytocannabinoids. The most popular phytocannabinoids are CBD(Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
ADHD patients face crankiness, hyperactivity, aggression in their daily lives. These symptoms cause problems in the patient’s social life. The traditional prescribed medicine mentioned above comes with several side effects. These medicines can cause these symptoms to get worse or they might cause additional health problems. These are the reason why researchers started examining cannabis as an alternative. Both CBD and THC are capable of reducing anxiety and anti-depressive effect. CBD doesn’t contain the psychoactive element. Which means CBD doesn’t produce “high” feeling as marijuana does. So CBD can be used as a treatment for ADHD. Because CBD has anti-anxiety, antipsychotic effects. Cannabis can make a patient feel more relaxed and have a sense of calmness. It also lets ADHD patient have a better sleep. Fear and hyperactivity can be reduced by Cannabis.

 

CBD oil can be used to manage specific symptoms of ADHD. ADHD patient suffers from anxiety the most. There is some evidence that CBD oil can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Doctors might recommend CBD for children in certain circumstances. Normally, it is better not to use CBD for children. Children brain is still in the development process. So it is wise to avoid CBD for children. As it might get addictive to them.

 

However, there is multiple CBD infused product which can be used for treating specific ADHD symptoms like anxiety or restlessness. CBD infused Coffee, CBD infused cookies are also available. Which is an easy solution for feeling relaxed and getting calmness.

The research is ongoing and there is no specific negative effect of Cannabis for ADHD treatment. However, cannabis can be used to treat specific ADHD symptoms without any side effects.

Tanvir Hossain
Author: Tanvir Hossain

I am a desired content writer.

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