There is a preponderance of evidence – anecdotal and clinical – showing that cannabis for ADHD can help children and adults manage ADHD. However, there is relatively little awareness that the concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), strain of cannabis, and presence of terpenes will affect the treatment.
Simply, like traditional medication, there is no one-size-fits-all CBD treatment for ADHD. Read on to find out how CBD for kids and adults alike is helping manage hyperactivity and other symptoms.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a condition in which a person finds it difficult to focus on tasks. Other signs/characteristics of ADHD are fidgeting, restlessness and an inability to stay quiet.
ADHD is usually first diagnosed in children. The condition shows a decline into adulthood for some people. Statistics indicate that up to 9% of children and young adults and 5% of adults around the world are affected by ADHD (according to statistics from the Center for Disease Control in 2020, the number of children with ADHD is closer to 11%). According to CHADD, a leading non-profit in ADD and ADHD, that means more than 100 million children in 2020 suffer from ADHD.
Conventional treatments and cannabis/hemp oil for ADHD
There is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the way ADHD has been treated traditionally. ADHD medication is disliked by parents and adult sufferers alike. It is considered too invasive an approach to treating ADHD. Worse still, traditional medication is associated with irritability, disturbed sleep and weight loss. No wonder so many parents and patients look for alternatives.
Healthline reports “patients believe that cannabis helps their symptoms better than conventional therapy.” Cannabis for ADHD has shown a great deal of promise in controlling the symptoms. Couple this with a lack of side effects of cannabis and patients have found a win-win.
There are numerous reports from adults and parents saying CBD for their kids has helped address hyperactivity and restlessness. As promising CBD treatment for ADHD is, its potential is not being reached because there is still lack of awareness about the need to find the right strain of cannabis.
European, British, Australian, Canadian and American drug authorities have accepted the medicinal properties of CBD, especially for treating epilepsy in children.
Can CBD treat kids with ADHD?
The biggest hurdle that faces CBD for kids is misinformation among parents. CBD is not marijuana – it does not get you high. In fact, doctors in Europe, the UK and the USA have been given the green light to prescribe CBD treatments for certain types of epilepsy in children.
In the case of ADHD, studies have shown that CBD and hemp oil for ADHD reduce anxiety and sleep problems in children.
CBD oil is not marijuana. It does not get you “high”.
The state of clinical studies into CBD for treating ADHD in 2020
A 2016 study, Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Marijuana Use: The Role of Depressive Symptoms, published in Sage Journals, assessed the relationship between CBD, ADHD and depression in university-age students. Researchers determined that though more studies were needed, there was a link between alleviation of depression and ADHD symptoms from CBD.
In 2013, the Subtypes of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Cannabis Use study determined promising results. It showed that ADHD sufferers who regularly used CBD treatment for ADHD reported lower hyperactivity-impulsivity than when they were not being given CBD.
Ease of CBD treatment for ADHD
One of the biggest problems that faces the medical industry is how to make patients adhere to regimen. Medicines may be effective but if the pill is too big, the syrup too foul tasting or, in the case of ADHD, the patient too restless, their effect is reduced due to irregular doses.
That’s where CBD is so helpful CBD treatments are available in a variety of forms, which makes it easy for patients to find a convenient and desirable treatment method.
- Tinctures (drops)
- Syrups
- CBD edibles
- Creams
- Analgesics
CBD edibles in particular are available in a variety of flavours and textures. For treating children with ADHD, this goes a long way to persuading consumption.
Right CBD strain to treat ADHD
Is there just one type of CBD for ADHD? Absolutely not! CBD oils differ in concentration, THC concentrations, cannabis strain and terpenes. Basically, there are millions of permutations. To think that any CBD oil will work for you is simply wrong!
You need to find the right CBD formulation for you. That’s why it’s so important to consult with a CBD physician. They will guide you to the right CBD treatment; and refine the formulation to make it perfect for you.
Also, not all CBD oils are the same. Buy your CBD treatment for ADHD from a reputed seller. Only then can you be sure that you are getting the right CBD and THC doses in the right concentrations.
