Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.
Symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention may continue.
- Inattentive: easily distracted but don’t have much trouble with impulsivity or hyperactivity. Also called attention-deficit disorder (or ADD).
- Hyperactive-impulsive: struggle with impulse control. Typically they don’t have much trouble with inattention.
- Combined: show significant problems with both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention.
- Genetic
- Pregnancy problems
- Exposure to dangerous chemical
- A dysfunction within the body’s endocannabinoid system
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
- Impulsiveness
- Disorganization and problems prioritizing
- Poor time management skills
- Problems focusing on a task
- Trouble multitasking
- Excessive activity or restlessness
- Poor planning
- Low frustration tolerance
- Frequent mood swings
- Problems following through and completing tasks
- Hot temper
- Trouble coping with stress
- 2-5% of adults have ADHD
- 25–50% of children with ADHD continue to experience ADHD symptoms into adulthood
Cannabis Benefits
Research and numerous doctors suggest that cannabis increasing the availability of dopamine and may assist with reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity, which in turn may boost focus and decrease restlessness.
Although cannabis may be a potential treatment for ADHD, its use needs to be considered on an individual basis. People experiencing ADHD are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders, and the use of cannabis raises the possibility of addiction and the use of other substances. So, small doses may help users to increase their focus, without taking a dose so large that it decreases productivity and functionality.
Exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition are also recommended to those diagnosed with ADHD as a way to manage symptoms. Mindfulness meditation, time in nature, and yoga may help to achieve similar results as well.
Best Strains
- CBD helps with focus
- Sativa-dominant strains may serve to boost focus and attention
- Indica-dominant varieties may help to calm down hyperactivity
What Women Say
“I am a 49 yr old female I have ADHD and have been self medicating for years with cannabis, not knowing why it made me feel normal, I have a uni degree that I could not have achieved without the use of pot.”
“I am ADD and have self medicated for 14 years, but my ADD diagnosis was only 6 months ago. Cannabis saved my life. I have been able to graduate a master degree. Since January I am involved in IACM. I recommend everybody who would be interested in ADD/ADHD and cannabis to join.”
