I've been getting more and more questions about whether or not CBD is a good treatment for ADHD and, since it's considered a supplement, it is often one that adults are thinking about adding to their treatment regimen without talking with their doctor. Is that a good idea?
A recent article published by the Harvard Medical School on CBD provides a good overview of what is - and is not- known about the effectiveness of CBD. Here is what stands out to me as relates to ADHD:
- A PLUS - It may help with both sleep and anxiety, both of which are a struggle for many with ADHD
- A BIG MINUS - it interacts with other meds in the same way that grapefruit juice does - il.e changes the rate at which your body absorbs medications). This is an issue with ADHD meds, since taking vitamin C with ADHD meds is known to change their effectiveness for the worse
- A MINUS - as an unregulated supplement, you don't know what you are getting - and when you are basing your life (and relationship) on regular, predictable dosing and effectiveness of your treatment, this poses a problem.
- A 'SORT OF' A MINUS - its regulatory status is up in the air amnd varies state to state - though not much enforced
Bottom line - so far, to the best of my knowledge, CBD has not been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD, though it may impact co-existing conditions. It has, however, been shown to interfere with stimulant medications. If you wish to consider trying it, please make sure to talk with your doctor first.
P.S. On a related topic, there is no research so far that suggests that marijuana (vs. CBD) is a good treatment for ADHD, either (in spite of what the marijuana industry would have you believe.) its addictive potential outweighs its benefits and, for kids, additional side effects (such as stifling growth, interfering with medications, etc.) SIGNIFICANTLY make using marijuana a bad idea. See this article for a brief overview on marijuana and ADHD.
- MelissaOrlov's blog
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Comments
typo in '... SIGNIFICANTLY make using ADHD a bad idea.'
Melissa, I think you have a typo in '... SIGNIFICANTLY make using ADHD a bad idea.' I assume it should read '... SIGNIFICANTLY make using marijuana a bad idea. '
Reply
I think that using Cannabis as a treatment for anything depends on the person. (And their condition.)
Agreed
I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal. I suffer from a very painful nerve condition affecting nerves in my face. The standard treatment for this condition is one specific daily medication which requires ever increasing dosing because its effectiveness drops and the side effects make the user feel like a zombie. I declined to take this medication and since the neurologist who prescribed it was a big arrogant jerk I looked for someone more compassionate to help me.
My new neurologist is a DO rather than an MD and is much more open to trying alternative treatments. I have tried acupuncture, physical therapy, sport/therapeutic massages, and topical medications which have offered some relief. We discussed medical marijuana and my condition would qualify me for approval but I have not gone through the state process because I am not willing to allow my state to be involved in my personal medical life. I was not deterred by this since there are plenty of other ways to obtain marijuana. Last summer I started using it at night to help me sleep. I smoked weed in the 70s during my youth so I was well aware of its sedating effects. I do not have ADD or any other psychological disorders so I can only address marijuana's effects relative to my condition. I get tremendous pain relief and I am able to relax enough to sleep longer than 2-3 hours per night. It is not a miracle cure and there are down sides too. It is sedating and dulls my senses so I only use it at night after the day is finished. I was unable to volunteer at a local hospital because I don't have an official state marijuana card and a drug screening is required for volunteers. I found other places to volunteer that do not require drug screenings and they are glad to have the help. If I were younger and still working all of this would be a big problem but at this age and stage of my life I don't care.
CBD regulation
You say that with CBD, "as an unregulated supplement, you don't know what you are getting". That depends on where you are. In Washington state, for example, cannabis products are legal but highly regulated, tested, and quality controlled - you know exactly what you are getting.
(Whether or not it's safe and effective is another question.)
Since there is not much known
Since there is not much known about using CBD to treat anything, even if "you know what you're getting", you still don't know what strength/dosage is right for you. Its trial and error.