Marijuana and ADHD: What the Research Says

Key Takeaways

• Marijuana is not recommended as a primary treatment for ADHD due to limited research and potential risks.
• Using marijuana may cause dependence and worsen ADHD symptoms in the long run.

Because marijuana is linked to relaxation, there has been a growing interest in how it might benefit certain ADHD traits like restlessness and impulsivity. There is a growing number of individuals who sometimes use marijuana as a self-treatment option for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They state that marijuana usage is therapeutic and particularly helpful in limiting distractions and helping with focus, anxiety, and ADHD medication side effects.

However, while it can be helpful for some individuals, much of the research online advises against its use as a primary treatment option. This is because the research into its utility as short-term relief has been mixed.

In addition, research is limited, and more clinical trials must be conducted before anything can be confirmed. Nevertheless, here is what we know so far.

What Is ADHD?

Understanding the connection between marijuana and ADHD starts with learning about ADHD. It’s a common neurobehavioral condition marked by varying levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Many people experience changes in energy and attention, but these are more pronounced in those with ADHD, affecting their daily life and achievements.

ADHD is often diagnosed in children but can continue into adulthood, affecting about 11% of school-aged children and 4.4% of adults.

ADHD is a form of neurodiversity, reflecting how the brain can function differently from the neurotypical norm. It’s considered a neurobehavioral condition because its traits are less supported in a society that favors neurotypical behaviors.

ADHD Symptoms

To understand how marijuana and ADHD may interact, it’s also essential to recognize the different forms of ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types:

• Predominantly inattentive type: This form is marked by difficulties in maintaining attention. Symptoms include getting easily distracted, chronic boredom, forgetfulness, trouble organizing tasks, difficulty staying on task, and frequently losing items.
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type: Known for impulsive and hyperactive behavior, this type often includes restlessness, disruptive behavior, excessive talking, difficulty remaining still, and a constant sense of motion.
• Combined type (ADHD-C): This type involves symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

People with hyperactive or impulsive traits may use marijuana to address restlessness and impulsivity. Those with inattentive traits might use it to aid their focus.

How Could Marijuana Help With ADHD Symptoms?

Two main compounds in cannabis might offer some relief for ADHD symptoms:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the high associated with marijuana. It works by binding to cannabinoid receptors, which are distributed throughout the brain and nervous system.
• Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a nonpsychoactive component in cannabis and hemp. It acts on different areas of the brain and has been found to counteract the effects of THC. It also doesn’t produce a “high;” therefore, it is not addicting. This is one reason it has grown in popularity over recent years.

While most people commonly believe that different strains of cannabis produce different effects, research has shown these differences may not be completely accurate due to extensive cross-breeding.

Nevertheless, indica strains are thought to have a higher proportion of CBD, which research has found to be the most beneficial component for those with ADHD. Also, CBD alone is not addictive; therefore, choosing products without THC may be the better route.

Does Cannabis Effectively Treat ADHD Symptoms?

As mentioned above, the perception that marijuana is therapeutic for ADHD is growing in popularity. For example, a 2016 qualitative analysis of online discussions around cannabis use and ADHD confirmed this trend, finding that overall online discussions indicated that cannabis is considered therapeutic for ADHD.

In addition, a 2020 study on adults with ADHD who took medical cannabis found that those who took a higher dose of medical cannabis components, like CBD, reduced their ADHD medication intake. However, this study was very small; therefore, its results can’t be seen as generalizable to the entire population.

Still, while this view may be gaining popularity over the internet, there is little clinical support for these claims. Research has shown that marijuana use is connected to worse executive function and greater IQ deficits. In addition, a 2019 medical review of 83 studies on the matter found that there was insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating mental health conditions, including ADHD.

So, where does this leave us?

According to Dr. Rebecca Siegel, a licensed psychiatrist, cannabis medical advisor, and author of “The Brain on Cannabis: What You Should Know About Recreational and Medical Marijuana,” caution is recommended.

“I have heard from people above the age of 21 that it can help with focus and limit distractions, but I still wouldn’t recommend it as a first-line treatment option,” she says.

She advises people to follow traditional ADHD treatment options until more clinical trials have been conducted on the issue. “Until then, I cannot draw any conclusions on the optimal ratio of CBD: THC,” she finishes. 

Can You Take ADHD Medication and Use Cannabis at the Same Time?

According to Dr. Siegel, the answer to this is complicated.

Rebecca Siegel, MD

I have heard that some adults with ADHD take a combined approach — they use cannabis in addition to other types of options such as medications and/or therapy, but I can’t stress enough the importance of seeking proper treatment before self-medicating.

— Rebecca Siegel, MD

This is because it can lead to people running the risk of suffering from unwanted side effects from mixing cannabis with other medications. For example, a 2015 study of adults without ADHD found the mixture of Adderall and marijuana produced a unique effect on cardiovascular function — that was neither positive nor negative — when compared with either medication taken alone.

While this study wasn’t conducted on people with ADHD, it does highlight the necessity to be cautious. In addition, it highlights the lack of research on whether this treatment method would be useful or practical. For example, using both could potentially limit the efficacy of the medications.

Can I Use Cannabis Instead of ADHD Medication?

Switching your ADHD treatment away from medication to cannabis is strongly unadvised.

This is because marijuana has not been researched extensively enough to be considered a safe and effective treatment option for ADHD.

However, should you be considering it, it is very important to reach out to your healthcare provider about your thoughts and concerns. Finding a healthcare provider with knowledge on the benefits and risks of using cannabis instead of ADHD medication could be very beneficial to your overall treatment plans.

Risks of Using Cannabis to Treat ADHD Symptoms

It has been estimated that around 30% of people who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.

Research has found that around 33% to 38% of teens with cannabis use disorder also have ADHD. ADHD is the most common comorbid psychiatric condition among those with ADHD, and the second most common comorbid condition among those with marijuana dependence. Among adults seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder, 34% to 46% also have ADHD. Therefore, the risks of using the drug can disproportionately affect those with ADHD.

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) — a diagnosis given to those with a problematic pattern of cannabis use linked to clinically significant impairment — is more likely to occur in those with ADHD. But why?

“Cannabis use for [the] treatment of ADHD symptoms can evolve into CUD if you stray from your initial intention of using cannabis to treat your ADHD symptoms and start to consume it more frequently for unrelated reasons,” says Dr. Siegel.

She states that this is likely due to frequent use evolving into a routine, which can lead to dependence. “Potentially, you may no longer see improvement in your ADHD symptoms if you are consuming it all day long,” she warns, which can lead to people using more cannabis to compensate. Or even an exacerbation of ADHD symptoms. 

Can Using Cannabis Make My ADHD Worse?

Cannabis works by activating the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine at higher levels than usual. People with ADHD tend to have low levels of dopamine, which is why THC can feel so rewarding. 

So, while using cannabis may make you feel better in the short term, it could lead to CUD and cannabis dependency. Therefore, it is best to stay away from cannabis (or THC products) to be safe, particularly if you are susceptible to substance abuse.

People with ADHD who misuse marijuana also experience higher levels of hostility, suspiciousness, and thought disturbances.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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2. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Diagnosis of ADHD in adults.

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4. National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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By Zuva Seven

Zuva Seven is a writer, editor, and founder of An Injustice!—an intersectional publication based on Medium—who writes along the intersections of race, sexuality, mental health, and politics. She has a Diploma in Health Sciences from the University of Leeds and has written for several publications, including Business Insider, Refinery29, Black Ballad, Huffington Post, Stylist, ZORA, Greatist, and many more.

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