Marijuana and ADHD
Studies
Risks
Takeaway
Marijuana is known for its effects on mood and perception. Some people report that they get relief from ADHD symptoms with marijuana use, but current research is inconclusive.
Marijuana typically refers to the dried flower and leaves of a cannabis plant that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound that may affect sensory perception and cause a sense of euphoria known as a “high.”
Marijuana’s ability to affect mood and perception has made it an area of growing interest for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . For some people, marijuana may help get relief from ADHD symptoms, but more research is needed. Marijuana and ADHD
The relationship between marijuana and ADHD is complex and not well understood at this time.
Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) are prevalent among people living with (ADHD). According to a research review from 2024 , approximately 27% of people living with ADHD develop CUD at some point in their lives.Mainstream theories suggest there’s a neurobiological basis for this link. A study from 2022 , for example, notes an imbalance in dopaminergic neurotransmission underlies both ADHD and CUD . Dopaminergic neurotransmission refers to how the neurotransmitter dopamine is produced and used in your brain.Since ADHD is related to lower baseline dopamine levels and chronic cannabis use can alter dopamine signaling, long-term cannabis use may increase the risk of dependence and worsen ADHD symptoms over time.Symptom management may be another reason why people with ADHD are disproportionately affected by CUD. According to a systematic review from 2023, self-medicating with marijuana to manage ADHD is often the reason why marijuana use becomes a problem.Marijuana contains cannabinoids that can affect ADHD symptoms because they affect your body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Your endocannabinoid system helps to regulate mood, memory, learning, pain perception, and several other physiological functions.In a 2021 study using self-reported data, the majority of people living with ADHD reported that cannabis use helped relieve ADHD symptoms related to restlessness, hyperactivity, and mental frustration. More than half of the participants […]
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