ADD/ADHD And Marijuana As A Treatment

Is it the right option for you?

You can find the original post at the Medical News Today website by Jenna Fletcher Reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP

ADD/ADHD disorder is categorized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, symptoms include impulsivity, inattention and hyper activity. Some of the standards treatments include Ritalin or Adderall. However many ADD/ADHD patients surveyed said that use marijuana as a way of self-medicate and they prefer marijuana to help relieve the symptoms.

ADHD affects approximately 6% to 9% of kids and teens and 5% in adult’s world wide

Many people with ADHD have trouble staying focused, they seem to be constantly moving around, they also tend to blurt out inappropriate thing without regard (or so it would seem). It is said that many people with ADHD have a difficult time holding down jobs and many of us know the difficulties a child with ADHD faces.

Most scientist are in agreement that conditions seems to stem from a lack of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex region of the brain.

Think of Dopamine as a neurotransmitter, it is a chemical that transmits signals between the nerve cells of the brain. Dopamine has effects on memory, attention and the thought processes.

ADHD drugs like Ritalin or Adderall help to even out the dopamine levels in the same way it seems that marijuana can help. Use of the drug is controversial and highly debated.

ADHD and Marijuana

A lot of ADD/ADHD patients prefer the use of marijuana to standard treatments because they do not have to endure the side effects associated with standard treatment. Marijuana has the same effect on dopamines as the meds that are being prescribe without the side effects. Which is why it has become a viable treatment.

In the last few years, medical marijuana has made the news as an alternative treatment for a variety of health conditions, including pain and mental health problems. There is however still much controversy over the over effectiveness of medical marijuana.

Marijuana is Canada's number one recreational drug. It is popular among teens and adults alike. Most people smoke or eat the plant in order to get the "high."

Research

Unfortunately there is not enough research proving a connection between marijuana and positive therapeutic outcome. There are other limited studies that have suggested that marijuana would improve cognitive ability and impulse control, so in theory it can be useful to ADHD patients.

Is medical marijuana available for ADHD?

Even though a large majority of ADD/ADHD Patients to use marijuana as a form of treatment, if it has not been prescribe by a doctor it is considered illegal, at least until July 1St 2018 when the Treudeau government is set to legalize marijuana.

Can children with ADHD be treated with medical marijuana?

While there is evidence that show the potential side effects from weed in its smokeable and edible forms can be damaging to the young mind we still do not know the full benefits of marijuana oils CBD s the starting research shows promise.

Does marijuana interact with available ADHD treatments?

Marijuana may interact with other available treatments, but some people claim that it can enhance or eliminate the need for traditional medications.

Future studies may prove that marijuana alleviates symptoms, but more research is needed before doctors can start to feel more comfortable prescribing it as a viable treatment for ADH.

If you believe medical marijuana is the right form of treatment for you or your child then please speak to one of our compassionate doctors today. 95% of our patients are approved for treatment and it only takes a few minutes to get strated.