CBD For ADHD
Can CBD Treat the Symptoms of ADHD?
CBD For ADHD
Researchers See Promise in CBD as a Treatment for ADHD
New therapeutic applications for cannabidiol (CBD) continue to be explored, and early evidence is indicating that this versatile cannabinoid may ease symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
And that’s great news because…
An estimated 8 million adults have been diagnosed with ADHD and 6 million children. And commonly prescribed medications for ADHD can lead to side effects that include —
- Trouble Sleeping
- Decreased Appetite
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Moodiness and Irritability
- Facial Tics
- Hallucinations
- Extreme Behavior Changes
But CBD is showing promise as a new treatment option that offers no serious side effects.
Ready to try CBD?
We’ll share our pick for top-of-the-line, pure CBD oil in just a minute.
But first, here’s why CBD works so well…
Our Bodies Are Built for CBD
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an internal system that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis.
Some of the functions ECS regulates are mood, appetite, temperature, sleep, and pain.
This important system, which exists in all mammals, consists of receptors located throughout the brain and body. These receptors are known as CB1 (located largely in the brain) and CB2 (located largely in the immune system).
CBD interacts with these CB1 and CB2 receptors and produces therapeutic effects.
One of the main benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety and hyperactivity, which is why it is so attractive as a potential treatment option for ADHD.
But perhaps it’s not surprising that CBD is being studied as a treatment option for ADHD. After all, you’re probably aware that CBD has been used to treat many different conditions like —
- Acne
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anorexia
- Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Arthritis
- Bipolar Disorder
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Inflammation
- Multiple Sclerosis
That’s not all…
In laboratory research, CBD and other cannabinoids have inhibited the growth of tumors. CBD is also used to ease cancer-related symptoms, like nausea and pain.
And when it comes to ADHD…
Here’s What Early Research Says About CBD for ADHD
To date, research on CBD as a treatment for ADHD has been thin – but the limited data that has emerged is fueling hope that CBD may offer a treatment breakthrough.
Here’s a look at what we know so far:
In 2013, a review of self-reported data collected from 2,811 active cannabis users with a subtype of ADHD, found that those participants who used cannabis daily, reported symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity when not using cannabis. Hyperactivity-impulsivity is a form of ADHD that is characterized by a feeling of restlessness and the need to squirm or fidget. These findings indirectly support CBD’s ability to impact symptoms of ADHD.
Researchers in Germany conducted a study in 2015 that examined the effects of cannabis (both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC) on people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Of the 30 participants, all reported better sleep, improved concentration, and reduced impulsivity while using cannabis.
In 2017, researchers examined reports from adults with ADHD who self-medicate with cannabis. Some of them preferred cannabis over conventional ADHD medications. They concluded that these adults and others like them may represent a subgroup of individuals with ADHD who experience a reduction of symptoms when using cannabis.
While these studies are not definitive, they provide preliminary evidence that CBD may be able to ease the symptoms of ADHD.
But a word of caution…
CBD Interacts With Other Medications
CBD is non-toxic and non-addictive and generally considered safe for humans. However, CBD can interfere with other medications that are metabolized in the body by the same type of liver enzymes. This enzyme competition affects the metabolism in a way that increases the level of certain drugs in your blood and may make a dose adjustment necessary.
Some of the drugs that may be affected by CBD include:
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Steroids
- Antihistamines
Common medications for ADHD include Vyvanse and Concerta, both of which have the potential to be impacted by CBD in a way that causes them to be less effective.
People taking medications that are processed through the liver should exercise extra caution when using CBD and anyone considering taking CBD should consult a doctor first.
You may be wondering, is CBD safe for kids?
Is CBD Safe For Kids? Here’s What You Need to Know
Since ADHD and ADD are so prevalent among children, you may be wondering – is CBD safe as a potential treatment option for them?
If you’re like most people, the idea of giving a child CBD probably seems highly irresponsible. And the reality is, any medication has the potential to harm developing bodies that need to learn how to operate without supplements to be healthy.
However, there are extraordinary stories of parents with sick children finding relief with CBD.
Here’s what I mean…
What we know about how CBD affects kids comes largely from the treatment of epileptic seizures in children.
One notable case is that of Charlotte Figi who had her first seizure at just 3-months old. Over the following months, she continued to have seizures lasting 2-4 hours and was repeatedly hospitalized.
At age five she was having 300 grand mal seizures a week. The doctors had run out of options for the family, and the family turned to medical cannabis. Charlotte’s seizures were reduced from the very first dose.
Before the cannabis Charlotte was having 3-4 seizures an hour, once she began taking cannabis, her seizures completely stopped for seven days.
Charlotte, now six, still has seizures but they happen only 2-3 times a month.
More research is desperately needed before we’ll know for certain how CBD affects children, but stories like Charlotte’s are becoming more common and continuing to fuel interest and hope.
And of course…
You Should Always Consult a Doctor
CBD is classified as a medicinal substance and should not be given to children without the recommendation of a doctor. This is especially important because finding the right CBD dose to give a child can be challenging – it’s challenging even as an adult!
Luckily, we’ve made it just a bit easier…
Discover Your Ideal CBD Dose
How Much CBD Should You Take?
Again, you should always start by having a conversation with your doctor, who can advise you how much CBD to take for your specific circumstances.
Discovering your ideal CBD dose usually takes a little experimentation. But to give you some idea how much CBD is right for you, we’ve created a CBD dosage calculator. With some basic information, it calculates a dose you can use as a starting point.
It considers your prior experience with CBD, your age, and your weight.
And here’s what else you’ll need to know…
How to Choose a High-Quality CBD Oil
If you want to experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD, it’s important to choose a high-quality product. And while the overwhelming amount of CBD products on the market may seem confusing at first, high-quality brands share certain characteristics and are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Here are two important questions you should ask —
How was the cannabis grown?
High-quality CBD products will start with premium cannabis plants and natural growing conditions. Cannabis is a bioaccumulator, meaning it quickly absorbs the compounds in which it is grown. If it is grown in soil that contains heavy metals or harmful chemicals, those compounds will be present in the plant as well. Look for brands that adhere to natural, organic growing methods.
How was the CBD extracted?
CBD can be extracted from cannabis in a few different ways. Low-quality methods of extraction use toxic chemicals like butane and propane that can leave behind residue. High-quality brands often use a method that involves C02 and produces some of the purest CBD oil.
Of course, you’ll also want to consider…
Full-Spectrum Oil or CBD Isolate?
When shopping for a high-quality CBD oil, you’ll need to decide between a full-spectrum oil or a CBD isolate.
Here’s the difference —
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum oil contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the original plant. Due to the synergistic nature of these compounds (known as the entourage effect), many experts believe full-spectrum oil is more therapeutically beneficial. However, there is one drawback to full-spectrum CBD oil – it can contain trace amounts of THC. While trace amounts of THC in CBD oil is Federally legal up to .3%, many states have a zero-tolerance policy on THC. Meaning, depending on where you live, full-spectrum CBD oil may be against state law.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate oil is a pure form of CBD
And you should also know…
CBD oil, both full-spectrum and isolate use a carrier oil to aid in absorption. Choose a product that uses a carrier oil to suit your needs and preferences. Common carrier oils for CBD include:
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Olive Oil
- Grape Seed Oil
Ready to try CBD yourself?
Our Number One Pick for CBD Oil —
Here’s the bottom line —
If you are eager to try CBD to treat symptoms you’re experiencing, be sure to tell your doctor about supplements or medications you’re taking to avoid potential interactions. CBD is generally considered safe but may cause an imbalance in how other medications are absorbed.
The official verdict is still out on whether or not CBD is effective at treating the symptoms of ADHD – but the early research and anecdotal reports are promising. With a handful of preliminary studies fueling hope, the future of CBD research is sure to include more substantial studies on its effectiveness at treating ADHD.
