CBD for ADHD

 

ADHD is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder that is most often diagnosed during childhood. It can cause symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Many patients with ADHD turn to CBD for the benefits rather than using traditonal medications. Those who advocate for CBD over other medications for ADHD say it could be more effective than other treatments and it may have fewer side effects than traditonal medications. Many patients have said that they would rather avoid the negative side effects that traditional medication is known for. Also, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests it may actually help with ADHD symptoms as well as have other mental health benefits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that between 70 and 80% of kids who were diagnosed with ADHD have experienced a reduction in symptoms after taking stimulant ADHD medication. They are known to cause side effects including sleep issues, decreased appetite, and mood changes (VeryWellMind).

So the real question is can CBD truly be effective for treating ADHD?  Unfortunatley, research on the effectiveness is very limited at this time. At this time, most of the research focuses on the use of inhaled or ingested cannabis and not soley on the effects of CBD, CBD oil or other CBD products. In addition, many of the result findings are reliant upon  self-reported data; which does not provide as much support as a clinical study.

Back in 2017, a small controlled trial discovered that adults with ADHD treated with the cannabinoid medication, Sativex (which contains both THC and CBD) showed a minor reduction in their ADHD symptoms. It is important to mention, said improvements were small and not enough to prove that cannabinoids were more effective than treatment with a placebo. In 2020, a study discovered that higher doses of medical cannabis were associated with a decreased use of ADHD medication in adults. The products containing a higher dosage of CBD were associated with lower ADHD scores (VeryWellMind).

Before you decide to try CBD oil to treat ADHD, it is important to consult with your medical provider. Your medical provider will be able to suggest the most effective and safest ways to help you better manage your symptoms. As with all medications, there is the potential risk of side effects. Side effects of CBD are listed as drowsiness, appetite change, mood change, headache, nausea and upset stomach. Before trying CBD as treatment, it is necessary to research the various products that you are considering. Not all CBD products are created equally. If we at PG Organix can answer any questions for you, please let us know!