Artin (Art) Shoukas, PhD, a Johns Hopkins University professor emeritus, would have in no way dreamed he’d be employing marijuana each individual night in his retirement decades. He melts the medicinal variety – generally cannabidiol (CBD) with just a touch of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – under his tongue ahead of supper.
Tag: Benefits
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Winter Health Tips: 5 Nutritionist-Approved Health Benefits Of Turnip (Shalgam)
What is that just one point we really like the most about winters? A popular reply will certainly be the fruits and vegetables the season delivers along. From fresh cauliflowers and carrots to methi and mustard greens – we get an intensive variety of fresh new and crunchy vegetables in the course of the winter season. Another these common wintertime produce is turnip, or as we contact it ‘shalgam’ in Hindi. This ivory white (with a hint of purple) root vegetable retains a regular posture in virtually each and every Indian kitchen area through this time of the yr. It is versatile and super simple to cook dinner. You can contain turnip in salads, soups and also make sabzi with it. In most North Indian households, turnip is teamed with other winter season veggies – specially cauliflower – to make the well-liked gobhi-shalgam achaar. Other than staying versatile, this vegetable will come loaded with numerous critical micro-nutrition. Turnip is loaded with nutritional vitamins A, B, C, E and K, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium et al that support nourish us from inside of throughout the winters.
Celeb nutritionist Lovneet Batra took to her Instagram take care of to further more describe the benefits of which includes turnip in our everyday eating plan. She elaborated on the gains of eating turnip and reported, “A single factor I really like about winters is the bounty of veggies that it presents, among which TURNIP (Shalgam) absolutely stands out! Milder than a beet, heartier and more multipurpose than a radish.” Her post more go through, “So, this is your turnip 101: The wellness added benefits of turnip will make you like this veggie.” Let’s check out them out.
Also Go through: Canada Male Breaks Document Of Developing Heaviest Turnip In The Globe
Here’re 5 Well being Benefits Of Turnip, As For each Nutritionist Lovneet Batra:
Decreases Cancer Chance:
Turnip has glucosinolates – plant-dependent substances – that may possibly support protect against all varieties of most cancers, from breast to prostate.
Lowers Blood Tension:
Foods that contains dietary nitrates, such as turnips, may possibly provide a number of benefits for the health and fitness of the blood vessels. These contain cutting down blood pressure and inhibiting the sticking with each other of platelets in blood.
Guards Eye Health:
Turnip is wealthy in the antioxidant lutein. This retains your eyes nutritious and wards off problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Soothes Intestinal Problems:
Turnip is a fibre-wealthy food stuff that can assistance decrease the prevalence of diverticulitis flares by absorbing water in the colon and building bowel movements easier.
Aids In Pounds Management:
Turnip has lipids that are known to enhance your metabolism. It inhibits the accumulation of unwanted fat in the overall body, and maintains blood sugar levels as perfectly.
Now that you know the gains of turnip, we recommend include it in your wintertime food plan for overall benefit. And if you are pondering how to cook dinner with turnip, then right here we have some amazing recipes for you. Simply click in this article for some of our favorite turnip-based recipes.
Enable us know which one you appreciated the most.
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/GettyImages-1312756371-f2fd2bafcab14f6b824432cec90b3d91.jpg "Natural Supplements For ADHD: Benefits and Side Effects")
Natural Supplements For ADHD: Benefits and Side Effects
There has been a great deal of interest in the use of natural supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, herbal preparations, and vitamin and mineral supplements, in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—but do they really work?
The research is inconclusive, at best, about most of these supplements, but there is evidence to show they may help people with ADHD who have nutritional deficiencies.
This article will discuss nutritional supplements for ADHD, including what works, what doesn’t, and what we are still learning.
tatyana_tomsickova / Getty Images
Stimulant medication is the most supported treatment for ADHD. Over 70{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of children with ADHD respond to psychostimulant medications.
Still, there is interest in the use of supplements as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for ADHD. These are treatments used instead of or in addition to traditional treatments.
Current Research
Current research does not support the use of supplements as a stand-alone alternative to medication and/or behavioral therapy for ADHD. But some supplements may help people who have vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient that you must get from your diet since your body doesn’t produce them. Dietary sources include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, seeds such as flax and chia, and nuts such as walnuts.
Health Benefits
Research is inconclusive about the efficacy of omega-3 supplements in treating ADHD.
A 2018 systematic review (answering a research question by collecting and summarizing evidence) and meta-analysis (using statistical methods to summarize results) of eight studies involving a total of 628 participants indicated that children and adolescents with ADHD tend to have a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. The review suggests omega-3 supplements improve clinical symptoms and cognitive performance in children and adolescents with ADHD.
A 2017 systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials (trials in which participants are randomly assigned into one of two groups) showed inconclusive results. It found about half of the studies reported some beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on ADHD symptoms, but the other half of the studies reported negative results.
Numerous other studies and reviews have been conducted on the use of omega-3s in treating ADHD, but differences in the studies make them hard to compare. Results from these studies vary.
Overall, it is unclear if omega-3 supplementation is helpful for ADHD symptoms, but it may be worth looking into if the person has a deficiency. Omega-3 supplementation is known to be less effective than stimulant medication.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects of omega-3 supplements tend to be mild. They may include:
- Unpleasant taste
- Bad breath
- Bad-smelling sweat
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea
Omega-3 supplements may interact with medications that affect blood clotting.
People with seafood allergies should be cautious taking omega-3s as it is unclear if it is safe for them to take fish oil supplements.
Dosage and Preparation
According to some preliminary research, fish oil supplements may be more beneficial than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Current evidence suggests supplementation with a dose of 1–2 grams of omega-3 daily with a substantial content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) within the omega-3 formulation.
Check with your healthcare professional before taking omega-3 supplements or giving them to your child, especially if there is a blood clotting disorder or seafood allergy present.
Iron Supplements
Iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen to nourish your tissues. Dietary sources include meat (especially red meat), tuna, and dark leafy greens.
Health Benefits
A 2014 study found an association between iron deficiency and ADHD symptoms in children. The study did not conclude that iron deficiency causes ADHD, but suggests that it could lead to ADHD symptoms in relationship with genetics, environmental risk factors, absence of iron supplementation, and diet.
A 2013 study indicated that Iron deficiency increased the risk of psychiatric disorders, including ADHD.
A 2012 meta-analysis found that people with ADHD tended to have lower iron levels than participants without ADHD. With these results in mind, people with ADHD may wish to be tested for iron deficiency.
Get Advice Before Starting Iron Supplements
Do not start taking iron supplements without first talking to your healthcare professional to see if it is necessary and safe. If a person is not deficient in iron, too much iron can cause significant problems.
Possible Side Effects
Too much iron can be dangerous or even fatal, especially for children.
Side effects of iron supplements can include:
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fainting
High doses of iron may decrease zinc absorption. Iron supplements can interact with other medications and supplements, as well. Consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about possible interactions.
Dosage and Preparation
The dosage for iron supplements depends on factors such as age, sex, how deficient the person is, and other considerations.
The maximum amount of iron daily from all sources, including food and supplements, is:
- Birth to 13 years: 40 milligrams
- 14 years and over: 45 milligrams
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that you need to get from your diet for the proper functioning of your body. Vitamins are produced by plants or animals, while minerals come from soil and water and then are incorporated into plants and animals that we eat.
Health Benefits
Vitamins have not been conclusively shown to directly affect ADHD, but they can correct deficiencies that may be associated with ADHD symptoms.
A small study of 20 participants found deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, and copper in children with ADHD. The study found that magnesium and zinc deficiencies correlated with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. This correlation was not found with copper deficiencies.
A 2018 study indicated the possibility that low levels of certain vitamins may contribute to ADHD symptoms. The researchers suggested it may be beneficial for people with ADHD to be checked for deficiencies.
Possible Side Effects
Two of the commonly studied supplements for ADHD are magnesium and zinc.
Side effects of magnesium supplements include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
Very high doses of magnesium may cause magnesium toxicity, which is serious and can be fatal.
Too much zinc can cause side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
Both magnesium and zinc can interact with other medications and supplements. Consult your healthcare professional and pharmacist before use.
Dosage and Preparation
How much magnesium, zinc, or other vitamin and mineral supplements to take is highly variable depending on the person.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you or your child needs vitamin or mineral supplements, and what dosage to take.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone secreted primarily by the pineal gland (located deep in the brain). It regulates your sleep-wake cycles.
Health Benefits
People with ADHD commonly experience problems with sleep.
The medications used to treat ADHD can also affect sleep.
Melatonin taken by children and adults with primary sleep disorders has been shown to:
- Decrease sleep latency (how long it takes to fall asleep)
- Increase total sleep time
- Improve sleep quality
While melatonin hasn’t been shown to improve ADHD symptoms directly, it can help people with ADHD improve their sleep.
Possible Side Effects
Melatonin is considered safe for short-term use, but there are no studies to determine safety for long-term use. No significant side effects of melatonin use in children have been reported.
Side effects of melatonin are uncommon but can include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Dosage and Preparation
Typically, 3–6 milligrams (depending on the child’s weight) of melatonin is taken about a half an hour before bedtime.
Supplements That Have Not Been Proven Safe or Effective
There is insufficient evidence on the safety and efficacy of these supplements to support their use in the treatment of ADHD:
- Pycnogenol (extract of French maritime pine bark)
- Ginkgo biloba
- Saint-John’s-wort
What to Look For
So many CAM treatments are suggested for ADHD that it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.
The organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) offers some advice for vetting these options.
Ask yourself:
- Have clinical trials been conducted to prove this treatment works?
- Is information about this treatment available from a trusted source?
- Is there a respected national organization of people who practice this therapy?
- Does the person administering the treatment need a state license?
- Does my health insurance cover this treatment? (Insurance carriers usually won’t cover unproven treatments)
CHADD suggests some red flags to look for that indicate the treatment is suspicious and should be avoided, including if:
- They claim that the treatment works for everyone with ADHD, even though no single treatment is effective for everyone.
- There is a lack of credible research and studies and only anecdotal evidence (derived from stories people tell).
- No directions are given for using it properly or the contents are not listed on medication containers
- There is no information about side effects.
- They claim that the product is natural without acknowledging that “natural” does not necessarily mean safe.
- There are bold claims such as the treatment is “a secret formula,” “astonishing,” “miraculous,” “an amazing breakthrough” or a “cure.”
- You learn about it through infomercials or a book an author is trying to sell.
- The “medication” comes by mail order instead of through a healthcare professional.
- They claim that doctors unfairly talk down the treatment or won’t tell the public about it.
Summary
Stimulant medications are the treatment most supported by evidence in the treatment of ADHD, but other treatments are sometimes suggested. While dietary supplements may not help ADHD symptoms on their own, they can help manage deficiencies that affect ADHD symptoms.
Before starting any treatment for ADHD, talk to your healthcare professional. It is important to determine if there are any deficiencies in you or your child before treating with supplements.
A Word From Verywell
Living with ADHD can be challenging, so it is natural to look for ways to address its symptoms. But be aware that supplements are not without risks for side effects, toxic overload, or interactions with other medications. Because a product is “natural” does not mean it is safe. Be sure to discuss any supplements with your healthcare professional before taking them.
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/GettyImages-1293810084-c26f7fc8882f45e7ac7c68b533bdee97.jpg "CBD for ADHD: Benefits, Considerations, and Uses")
CBD for ADHD: Benefits, Considerations, and Uses
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopment conditions among children, affecting an estimated 11{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of U.S. children. The condition is characterized by having trouble sitting still, an inability to focus, forgetfulness, and disorganization.
Adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD, and about 75{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of kids with ADHD will continue to have ADHD symptoms as adults.
These days, more ADHD patients and parents of children with the condition are curious about whether cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive extract of the cannabis plant, can be beneficial in managing ADHD symptoms.
CBD has shown promise for treating some health experts, and many experts believe its calming effects could help those with ADHD. However, research is still emerging and caution should be used.
This article will review the potential benefits of CBD for ADHD, the side effects, and how to source the best CBD products.
Vanessa Nunes /iStock/ Getty Images Plus
Using CBD for ADHD Symptoms
The federal prohibition on all cannabis products, including hemp, prior to 2018 has limited research on CBD and ADHD. However, there are some studies about the effects of CBD or cannabis on ADHD symptoms. Here’s what they’ve found:
- A 2020 scientific review gave a grade B, or moderate, recommendation supporting CBD for ADHD treatment.
- A small 2020 study of 112 adult medical cannabis patients with ADHD found that those who took a higher dose of CBD took fewer other ADHD medications.
- A small 2017 study involving 30 individuals found that those who used a CBD nasal spray had a small reduction in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. However, the improvement was not big enough for researchers to definitely say that CBD spray was more effective than a placebo. The researchers called for further investigation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one prescription CBD medication, which is used to treat epilepsy. Research is ongoing for CBD formulate to treat other conditions.
Benefits of CBD
Unlike THC, which acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain, CBD acts on opioid and glycine receptors. These receptors regulate pain and the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps us feel good. Unsurprisingly, then, research has shown that CBD can have lots of benefits. These include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Regulating the immune system
- Reducing pain
- Providing antipsychotic effects
- Reducing seizures
- Reducing anxiety
CBD products sometimes claim many additional benefits. However, those listed above have been scientifically proven, while other benefits are often anecdotal or overstated.
Potential Side Effects of CBD
A perk of CBD is that it has very few side effects. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and it doesn’t have any risk of addiction or abuse. A 2020 scientific review of 22 research studies found no reports of serious adverse side effects.
However, some people who take CBD will experience minor side effects including:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Changes to appetite
- Stomach pain or nausea
Things to Consider Before Using CBD
Although many CBD products make claims about treating ADHD, there is no definitive research that shows CDB will help most people with ADHD. It’s best to keep your expectations realistic and remember that even if CBD worked well for someone you know, it will not necessarily improve symptoms for you or your child, and it is not a replacement for treatments recommended by your healthcare team.
You should also consider the legality. It’s important to only use a CBD product that contains less than 0.3{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} THC, in order to comply with federal law. If you are considering CBD for a child, consult laws in your state and consider using an isolate that contains no THC, which is illegal for people under 21 even in states that have legalized cannabis. Be sure to purchase your CBD products from a reputable dispensary or drugstore so that you know exactly what’s in them.
How to Use CBD
There are no guidelines on how to use CBD for ADHD. CBD oil is widely available and is usually consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue or stirring into coffee or tea. There are also many CBD products available, ranging from supplements to gummies to packaged drinks.
There is also no known dosage for treating ADHD. Many people find they need to experiment to find the right daily dose to manage their symptoms.
If you’re curious about using CBD to treat ADHD, you should talk with your healthcare provider. Although CBD is generally considered safe, it is still a chemical compound that can interact with other supplements or medications.
Remember that CBD oils are mostly unregulated, so there’s also no guarantee that a product is safe, effective, or what it claims to be on its packaging. Your healthcare provider should be able to offer dosage and product recommendations that work with your individualized treatment plan.
Summary
CBD shows some promise for helping to manage ADHD symptoms. However, the research is limited and more research needs to be done to confirm effectiveness, dosage, and safety. CBD is generally considered safe and has few if any side effects. If you are considering trying CBD, talk with your healthcare provider and seek out a quality product for the best results.
A Word From Verywell
The symptoms of ADHD can have a big impact on your life, so it’s normal to look for alternative treatments to supplement your medical treatment plan or manage minor symptoms.
While early research on CBD for ADHD is promising, there are no definitive conclusions yet. If you want to try CBD for ADHD, talk with a trusted healthcare professional. They’ll be able to answer your questions without judgment and craft a treatment plan that is right for you.
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/5AFAAT6JEBBR7G7GJOBRCP7HAY.jpg "These Philadelphia women share the benefits of group exercise and tips to help you find your fitness community")
These Philadelphia women share the benefits of group exercise and tips to help you find your fitness community
Staying regular with your workout routine is essential to attaining your objectives. And the finest way to do that is to find men and women who inspire you and maintain you accountable.
First, determine an activity that you delight in, this kind of as dancing, gardening, going for walks or biking. After you opt for your exercise, search for a pal, spouse and children member or group of like-minded people today who also delight in that sort of exercising. You can obtain them as a result of social media, these types of web-sites as Fulfill Up and Subsequent Door, or even at a area health and fitness center.
At my gym, Fergie’s Tutorial Education, a group of area ladies meet every single Saturday early morning for an outside boot-camp course. They contact themselves “Fergie’s Suit Mates.” Ages, races, sizes and backgrounds vary. What they do have in widespread is their need to continue being functionally in good shape (in other words and phrases, to be self-ample and equipped to take pleasure in routines that have to have actual physical endurance), even though engaging in fulfilling, noncompetitive social conversation.
Through the pandemic, with lockdowns, freezing temperature, mask mandates, company closures, and all the limits we have confronted, these women of all ages hardly ever wavered in their commitment to on their own and their well being targets. Worry, despair, cabin fever, loneliness, bodyweight get, and lack of determination all afflicted the team at some time throughout the previous 20 months but continuously, doing exercises performed a main job in maintaining sanity.
I not long ago requested some of the team associates what stored them going. Here’s what they stated:
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“It’s the a person working day a week I do one thing just for myself.” — Yovna Destin
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“Being out in nature with other individuals who are also pushing their restrictions recharges me. We sweat, we chuckle, and we aid each other in our fitness objectives.” — Gina Donato
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“My ‘why’ when I initial started out was all about my body weight, but my ‘why’ has modified over time. This is my time for me to enjoy my mates and aim on what I require physically and mentally.” — Donna Biddle
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“My fellow boot campers are inspiring and make me want to force myself more difficult each week. Because becoming a member of this wonderful group of fitness buddies, I have successfully operate two digital 5k races.” — Robin Vadel
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“I appear for the reason that performing exercises with the course has aided me to get better time and yet again. I get pleasure from emotion like I am component of a group.” — Sharon Benjamin
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“We thrust ourselves to enhance our energy, go hard and feel the melt away. When we are completed it feels great.” — Mary Santarelli
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“My Saturday early morning Healthy Close friends are much more than just exercise routine buddies they have develop into buddies. I especially cherished this through COVID. Being exterior and performing out with this group of fantastic men and women aided me get by way of a difficult time.” — Barbara Keck
If you’d like to begin your possess out of doors exercise session group or join an founded boot camp, commence with flexibility routines to help safe and sound, all-terrain motion. When working out outdoors, you deal with variable surfaces with inclines, declines, potholes, rocks and stones to stage above, damp leaves and even puddles and mud.
The following physical exercises prepare the joints of the reduce system for your out of doors workout:
1. Ankles. This physical exercise increases the versatility in the ankles and provides much more blood circulation to the toes.
Sit upright in a sturdy chair with your back again supported. Maintain the sides of the chair while pulling your belly muscular tissues into the spine and lengthen each legs in entrance of you. Rotate the ankles to the left 20 repetitions, then repeat to the correct. Make positive that you are not tense in your shoulders, and you are respiration for the duration of this exercising. Now stage and flex your toes for 20 reps. Repeat every single set two times.
2. Calves. These exercise routines extend the calves, make improvements to array of motion in the ankle, and loosen the Achilles tendons.
Superior: Stand upright driving a chair and location your hands on the back of the chair. Slide your still left foot again about two toes, pressing your left heel to the ground and gradually bending your proper knee right until you sense a extend in the calf muscle of your remaining leg. Maintain for 4 deep breaths, then repeat on the other aspect.
Starter: If your calves and hamstrings are definitely limited, use a large towel or stretching strap to accomplish an assisted calf stretch. Sit upright with legs prolonged out in front of you. Position the strap loop or middle of the towel all around your foot (hold it closer to the ball of your foot for a extra effective stretch). Gently pull your toes towards your shin until eventually you sense the extend in your calf. Maintain for 4 deep breaths. Repeat on the other facet.
3. Knees. This exercising loosens the knee joint and supporting tendons, which will help to lower your threat of tears or accidents.
Lie on your again on the ground, applying your elbows and forearms to prop you up. Bend your still left knee — this is your supporting knee. Bend and straighten your suitable knee 10 to 20 times by letting your foot to slide forward and back. Repeat twice on just about every leg.
4. Hips. This training lubricates and loosens the hip joint, defending in opposition to accidents and enabling far more fluid motion as you maneuver.
Lie on your back with your knees tucked into your chest. Place your arms on your knees. Draw extensive circles with each and every knee 10 instances in a clockwise route and then repeat in a counterclockwise course.
Come across your “birds of a feather” and get shifting. Know that wanting support is not a signal of weak spot. It is a purely natural benefit of getting human, and we are in this article for every single other.
Yvonne Ferguson Hardin (Fergie) is the operator of Fergie’s Tutorial Coaching in Germantown, where by she specializes in academic movement plans for exercisers aged 55 and older. For much more information and facts, go to TransformURlifetoday.com.
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/GettyImages-678861909-1483bc6e5f624a61a11e875a56d9d428.jpg "Can Cannabis Help With ADHD? Benefits vs. Risks")
Can Cannabis Help With ADHD? Benefits vs. Risks
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects 11{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of school-aged children and an estimated 4.4{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of adults.
ADHD is characterized by an inability to sit still, trouble focusing, and impulsive behavior. Because cannabis (Cannabis sativa) has been linked to relaxation, many people are curious whether the medicinal herb can be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms.
The research on whether cannabis can provide short-term relief of hyperactivity in people with ADHD is mixed. And researchers are still trying to learn more about cannabis and ADHD. Here’s what you should know about the effects of cannabis on people with ADHD.
Sharon Mccutcheon / EyeEm / Getty Images
How Cannabis Could Help With ADHD Symptoms
To understand how cannabis might provide relief for ADHD symptoms, it’s important to understand the two components of cannabis, which are:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is a psychoactive component that gives the “high” associated with cannabis. It acts on the areas of the brain that control focus, coordination, and reaction time.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a nonpsychoactive component in cannabis and hemp (a type of cannabis plant that contains 0.3{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} or less THC). It acts on different areas of the brain and can counteract the effects of THC. CBD has been shown to help regulate brain activity.
When you smoke or consume cannabis, you take in both THC and CBD.
Cannabis for ADHD: What Research Says
There isn’t much research on using cannabis for ADHD because federal research on cannabis has been restricted by the drug’s schedule 1 status (drugs not currently accepted for medical use that have a potential for abuse). However, the research that is available gives a mixed answer to the question of can cannabis help with ADHD, including:
- A small 2020 study of 112 adult patients with ADHD who used medical cannabis found that those who took a higher dose of medical cannabis components, like CBD, took fewer other ADHD medications.
- A 2019 medical review of 83 studies found that there was “scant” and “insufficient” evidence on the effectiveness of cannabis to treat mental health conditions, including ADHD.
- A 2021 study of 1,700 students found that those with ADHD self-reported that using cannabis improved their ADHD symptoms and lessened their side effects from their ADHD medication.
- A 2016 study that analyzed online posts mentioning cannabis and ADHD found that 25{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of those posts stated a positive impact of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, as opposed to 8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} that said it was harmful.
More research is needed to determine if cannabis can have benefits for adults with ADHD. However, at this time, most states with medical cannabis programs do not include ADHD as a qualifying condition for getting a license.
Cannabis and Kids
Although ADHD is most often diagnosed in children, cannabis should not be used by most young people. Even states with recreational cannabis laws don’t allow people under 21 years old to purchase or consume cannabis. Medical cannabis programs for children are extremely limited, and ADHD is not a qualifying condition.
Using Cannabis With ADHD Medications
There’s limited research on how cannabis interacts with ADHD medications, such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine–amphetamine). A small 2015 study of adults without ADHD found that when Adderall and marijuana were taken together, they produced unique effects (neither positive nor negative) compared with either medication taken alone.
If you’re on ADHD medications, it’s important that you be upfront and honest with your healthcare provider about your cannabis use. Cannabis use is becoming mainstream and is legal in some places. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the benefits and risks of using cannabis with ADHD medications.
Cannabis Effects by Strain Type
Some people believe that different strains of cannabis produce different effects. Strains are different varieties of the cannabis plant. Common marketing distinguishes between these two strains:
- Sativa is believed to energize.
- Indica is believed to have calming and pain-reducing effects.
However, research shows the differences between strains are not necessarily accurate. The effects of cannabis are dictated by its levels of THC and CBD, with each having different effects on the brain and body. Most Indica strains are thought to have a higher proportion of CBD, which lends them their calming effects.
Most research in favor of cannabis for ADHD shows benefits of CBD, so you may want to choose a cannabis strain with a higher proportion of CBD (such as an Indica product) or try CBD oil (or other CBD-only product) instead of cannabis.
When Does Cannabis Use Become a Substance Use Disorder?
About 30{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of people who use cannabis will develop a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder occurs when substance use begins to interfere with a person’s day-to-day functioning.
Research shows that CBD alone, without THC, is not addictive. So, if you are concerned about developing a substance use disorder, you may want to choose a product with only CBD as opposed to both CBD and THC.
Summary
There’s little research on whether cannabis can help with ADHD. The research that exists is mixed: Some studies have found that cannabis can help with ADHD symptoms, while others conclude there is insufficient evidence to make that conclusion.
In most cases, ADHD doesn’t qualify for state medical cannabis programs, and cannabis should never be used to treat ADHD in people under age 21. It’s best to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about using cannabis if you have ADHD.
A Word From Verywell
It’s normal to wonder whether cannabis can treat your ADHD symptoms. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer. Luckily, researchers are continuing to explore the medical potential of cannabis. Hopefully, within a few years, we’ll have a better idea of the impact of marijuana on people with ADHD.