How does marijuana affect people with ADHD?

Answer 1

The brain of somebody with ADHD works differently to the average person, as such; stimulants will calm them down while tranquilizing agents can stimulate them. Cannabis (marijuana) usually calms the average person, and so would most probably stimulate an individual who suffers from ADHD or ADD.

Answer 2

Answer (medical)Many people self medication with illegal or prescription drugs to treat a problem like ADHD. However marijuana (THC) does not have any significant evidence it treats or helps ADHD in any way. The research that is available (and there is not very much) indicates that using THC may worsen ADHD and it may reduce the effectiveness of medications to treat ADHD.

Many people think marijuana helps them but in reality it is a very poor substitute compared to FDA approved medications like Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), or Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). In fact the most recent studies have shown that stimulants when used alone are the most effective treatment although behaviour treatment may help some people.

If you are wondering if you can use marijuana with an ADHD medication then it is hard to say without knowing the exact medication. However it is typically safe with most medications but mixing a stimulant with THC greatly increases the risks of side effects, hospitalization, and major medical complications.

Answer 3

Yes. Research has shown that individuals with ADHD are more likely to try illegal drugs and develop drug addictions; some believe the use of drugs is a way of attempting to self-medicate while others believe it is related to poor impulses.

Answer 4

I would say so. I personally have AD/HD, have had it all my life. I have heard that for some suffering from AD/HD marijuana can be a god send. If the person is not on medication/does not want to take medication/sells medication for marijuana then marijuana can even the person out enough so that they can focus.

I have always imagined the brain like the engine of a car. And for this analogy, AD/HD is like the engine's timing being off, causing faulty firing. There is two ways to remedy this, which is to speed the timing up, which for the actual brain would be taking amphetamines. Or the other choice is to slow the timing down, which happens when a person with AD/HD smokes marijuana.

But say if the person is on medication for AD/HD and smokes it effects them in a different way. From my own personal experience:

I know that what I am about to write has no medical basis, but this is my own personal account.

Marijuana and Adderall is a strange combination. My mind is sped up by the adderall, which normally causes me to reach equilibrium. But when I smoke, my mind is sped up and then slowed down.

My mind races, which is normal for an AD/HD person, but with the mental illusion of time slowing that Marijuana causes it is pretty trippy. Time slows down, my brain speeds up. The end result is me always thinking I am a freaking super computer.

I hope this helps.

Answer 5

To my knowledge, smoking actually helps calm down someone with ADHD. However, due to physical health risks (cancer, etc), it is not a good idea for someone with ADHD to smoke, just like it is not a good idea for anyone to smoke.

Answer 6

better effects than any doctor prescribed medication with close to 0 side effects

Answer 7

Yes; however, this is in violation of law in most countries. Studies on adolescents with ADHD have found that people with ADHD are more likely to try and smoke marijuana.