Some people with ADHD may be interested whether or not marijuana may be helpful for them.
I think the answer is no.
Here is why I think so:
- People who smoke marijuana for ADHD usually are doing it on their own without the input of a doctor. Therefore, no one is advising on dosages. Medication management is an important part of treating ADHD.
- People with untreated ADHD have an increased risk of addiction so smoking something that can be addictive isn’t a wise choice.
- Some people in studies have reported being able to focus more in the short-term but there is evidence that marijuana may dull the system that releases dopamine in the long-term. We also know that marijuana alters our perspective so may it isn’t helping to begin with.
- Marijuana caused a slowing a cognitive development in children and teens since their brains are still developing. Some parent think it may be more natural but what some may have experienced 25 or more years ago is radically different from the stronger version now.
- Children and teen become addicted more easily than adults.
- More people who do take prescribed medication take a form of methylphenidate; studies show that there is a drug interaction which can increase strain on the heart. (tachycardia)
- There is no medical evidence that THC or CBD helps ADHD
Marijuana, in general, can affect your body, brain, and personality:
- It can damage your blood vessels.
- Can increase the risk of some cancers.
- Triples your risk of death from hypertension.
- Increases your risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Impacts your short-term memory.
- It can cause an increased risk of anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.
- It actually hinders creativity.
- Alters your judgment, sense of time, and senses
- Alters your personality cause people to become withdrawn from family and friends
- And many others
ADHD is a neurobiological disorder. Taking something that is not being monitored by a doctor and has these potential effects on the brain is probably not going to help your ADHD symptoms.
