Can CBD Help with ADHD?

There’s a new potential treatment option on the market for ADHD, and it comes from cannabis! When you think about it, it really does make sense. What better to combat the hyperactive nature of ADHD than with a chilled-out, cannabis-derived compound?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition characterized by high levels of energy, impulsive behaviors, and general hyperactivity.

Before being diagnosed, kids with ADHD tend to be ones getting scolded in class for being unable to sit still or focus on a task. But these kids aren’t deliberately being naughty - their brain chemistry and structure make self-control, emotional responses, and decision-making much harder to manage (1, 2).

There isn’t a ton of research on CBD’s effects on ADHD yet, but what we do know is promising. Researchers have looked into the effects of cannabis use on people with ADHD and found that cannabis does seem to offer some medicinal benefits for ADHD symptoms. Cannabis users surveyed in one study reported that their ADHD symptoms were more pronounced when they stopped using cannabis (3). 

While more research is needed to fully understand how CBD might affect patients with ADHD, the known effects of CBD could make a real difference to ADHD patients. 

CBD has been found to:

• Encourage feelings of calm by reducing stress and anxiety (4)
• Improve brain health (5)
• Improve mood (6)

All of these are symptoms common to those with ADHD. CBD could, therefore, offer some hope for patients struggling to get their ADHD under control.

CBD has some exciting potential as a treatment for ADHD. While more research is needed to properly explore the effects of CBD on ADHD, what we know now offers us some optimism.

The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements on this website. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your health care provider before use.