Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can make life feel a bit like an arcade. Loud, brightly colored, and hard to choose one game from the next. Unfortunately, those with ADHD struggle to focus on much of life’s tasks, which can make daily functioning exceedingly difficult. With cannabidiol (CBD) being touted for its abilities to help you focus, you may be wondering if it will also help your ADHD. But should you?

Here is what research says about CBD and ADHD.

What is CBD?

CBD is everywhere these days, from gas stations to boutique wellness stores, but what is it? Cannabidiol is a product of the cannabis sativa plant known as a cannabinoid [1]. There are over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp, though the ratios differ depending on the species. CBD is similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but it is not identical. Where THC will give you a high, due to its psychoactive abilities, CBD gives you calm.

There are a number of benefits that you can experience when taking CBD, though the most well known benefit is anti-inflammation [2, 3].

Can CBD Help With ADHD?

No one—even researchers—has yet to claim that CBD can be used for ADHD. According to Dr. John Mitchell from Duke University, there has been little to no research on the effects of CBD oil on ADHD symptoms, meaning that most of what is out there serving as proof is anecdotal [4]. Therefore, if you wish to try CBD for ADHD, know that there simply is not enough research to say for certain if it will help.

That being said, here is a look at some of the studies that may impact your decision on whether to try CBD:

In a study of 30 adults who were diagnosed with ADHD, a 1:1 CBD/THC oral spray had slight improvements in ADHD symptoms, namely hyperactivity and impulsiveness [5]. The researchers stated that the CBD did not provide significant changes in brain function and that results were inconclusive.

One study from 2020 had a group of 59 patients who used high doses of cannabinol (CBN), not CBD, to check for ADHD improvements [6]. A majority of the patients reported less disruptive ADHD symptoms.

This may point to other cannabinoids affecting ADHD more than cannabidiol, but, again, there needs to be more research.

In a systematic review of cannabidiol from 2020, the researchers pulled evidence from 23 studies that suggested CBD had a moderate effect on ADHD symptoms [7].

A case study of 3 young adult males from 2022 suggested that medical cannabis could be used as a complementary treatment for ADHD when paired with other modalities [8].

Is CBD Safe To Take For ADHD?

When considering CBD for anything, you need to also keep in mind that there are side effects involved. Generally, CBD is well-tolerated, but there is a possibly of:

• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Stomach upset, including diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth

Furthermore, CBD can interact with a number of prescription drugs, including those for heart problems. If you are taking any medication that has a grapefruit warning on the label, avoid CBD. As always, speak to a medical professional before you add anything to your routine. Doctors will be able to help you weigh the risks and benefits and even recommend alternatives if CBD is unavailable to you.

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Which Type of CBD is Best for ADHD?

If you have been cleared by a medical professional and want to give CBD a test run, then the next step is to choose what kind of CBD to use. Being that research on CBD for ADHD is severely limited, there is no recommended type or dose of CBD.

Here are a couple of tips to help you choose your CBD:

• Tinctures and oils. Portable and easy to take, CBD oils and tinctures are quickly absorbed by the body, so you feel the calming effects quickly.
• Pills. Another convenient method for taking CBD. Pills and capsules come pre-dosed, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out how many to take. Plus, they are flavorless.
• Edibles or gummies. Just like pills and capsules, gummies and other edibles are a tasty way to get a small amount of CBD. Keep in mind that anything digested will take longer to be absorbed into the body.

Whenever you take CBD, always start with the lowest dose available. Gradually work your way up to a dose where you can feel the effects and maintain that. Certain CBD products may not work for you right away. Be patient, and if you do not like the way something makes you feel, stop.

Looking For High Quality CBD?

Presently, the research needed to say whether CBD will help with ADHD is limited. There is not enough evidence to declare if CBD is going to work on ADHD symptoms. However, what we do know is that CBD can help people relax and that it counteracts inflammation, which may be beneficial to you. Plus, being that CBD is a low risk substance, you can give it a try without many adverse effects. Just remember to speak with your doctor before giving it a whirl.

If you are looking for CBD, always choose products from reputable manufacturers who use only the best ingredients, like Sugar Bottom Hemp. Our CBD is extracted from organic hemp and minimally processed, so you get pure CBD in high quality tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more. There is something for everyone, even your pets, in our store, so check it out today. If you have questions, send us a message.

Resources

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
2. Sugarbottomcbd. (2022, November 24). CBD Oil: 9 science-backed benefits. Sugar Bottom Hemp. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://sugarbottomhemp.com/cbd-oil-9-science-backed-benefits/
3. Henshaw, F. R., Dewsbury, L. S., Lim, C. K., & Steiner, G. Z. (2021). The Effects of Cannabinoids on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 6(3), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0105
4. Jackson, D. (2022, January 5). CBD oil for ADHD? despite scarce research, patients are trying it. ADDitude. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.additudemag.com/cbd-oil-adhd-symptoms-natural-treatment/
5. Cooper, R. E., Williams, E., Seegobin, S., Tye, C., Kuntsi, J., & Asherson, P. (2017). Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomised-controlled trial. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 27(8), 795–808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.05.005
6. Hergenrather, J. Y., Aviram, J., Vysotski, Y., Campisi-Pinto, S., Lewitus, G. M., & Meiri, D. (2020). Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients. Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal, 11(1), e0001. https://doi.org/10.5041/rmmj.10384
7. Khan, R., Naveed, S., Mian, N. et al. The therapeutic role of Cannabidiol in mental health: a systematic review. J Cannabis Res 2, 2 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-019-0012-y
8. Mansell, H., Quinn, D., Kelly, L. E., & Alcorn, J. (2022). Cannabis for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Report of 3 Cases. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 5(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1159/000521370