You’ve seen the advertisements, but can CBD help with ADHD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many naturally occurring cannabinoids that is made by the cannabis plant. Since most CBD is extracted from hemp plants, the medicinal compound is legal federally unlike its more popular sister marijuana. Cannabis has a wealth of medicinal benefits and is believed to be helpful in treating chronic pain, sleep disorders, seizures, stress, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, and even acne, so is it possible that CBD works for ADD and ADHD? Scientific research into cannabidiol for ADHD is few and far between. Most studies regarding cannabis and ADHD focus on THC or a combination of THC and CBD as a treatment. This article outlines everything you need to know before starting a conversation with your doctor about cannabidiol for ADHD.
CBD for ADHD
There are many reasons people are interested in using cannabidiol for ADHD instead of traditional medications like Adderall. Switching to a natural treatment and eliminating negative side effects and the potential for addiction are a few of the most common reasons. In 2018, the World Health Organization released a report stating that CBD is “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile” and goes on to say that adverse effects were probably from an interaction between CBD and other medications, not from CBD itself. Cannabidiol also tested negative for abuse potential (addiction).
Can CBD help my ADHD?
One randomized controlled trial of adults found that CBD improved core ADHD symptoms over six weeks and participants showed no negative effects on cognitive function. Despite this, much more research needs to be done in order to conclude that CBD does indeed work as a treatment for those with ADHD. Many patients suffering from ADD or ADHD experiment with CBD to treat their disorder themselves and the reviews are mixed, though the worst that happens is no change at all. When making the decision to switch to CBD, it’s important to note that almost no patients who use CBD for ADHD symptoms experience side effects. Those who swear by CBD to help manage their ADHD symptoms have reported:
- Reduced hyperactivity
- Less manic behavior
- Relaxation and higher levels of calmness
- Reduced anxiety and stress
Is it okay to give a child cannabidiol for ADHD?
Many parents are hesitant to give their children strong amphetamines and stimulants such as the commonly used ADHD medication, Adderall. This drug has some very serious side effects and is known to cause weight loss and stunted growth in children. Adderall is also addictive and it is possible to overdose on this medication, which is not the case for CBD. While there is hardly any research into the effectiveness and safety of giving children CBD, the FDA has already approved a prescription cannabidiol drug called Epidiolex for anyone aged one year or older. This potent CBD oil has been considered safe for children and is used to treat epilepsy and seizures. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception when it comes to treating children with CBD, always check with your child’s pediatrician prior to starting them on any new regimen.
CBD oil for ADHD
There are many types of CBD products and figuring out what works the best for your needs may take some trial and error. Patience is key. If you want to begin your CBD journey, we recommend the following products:
Hemplucid CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest CBD product available. Unlike other types of CBD oil, CBD isolate has no other cannabinoids or terpenes, just pure cannabidiol and nothing else. While some people believe in the entourage effect, where all naturally produced compounds work together to improve its therapeutic quality, CBD isolate could be a good option for you if you want to see how CBD alone affects your ADHD symptoms. Hemplucid CBD Isolate comes in a 16oz bottle with 1000mg or 1500mg strength.
Hemplucid Soft Gel CBD Capsules
If counting drops and calculating dosage sounds annoying, try CBD capsules or pills filled with high quality CBD oil. The Hemplucid CBD capsules are available in 20mg, 50mg, or 75mg potency depending on your needs.
For additional CBD products for ADHD such as full spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD oil, capsules, pre-rolls, dermal patches, CBD gummies, and more, visit our online CBD shop.
