Can CBD help control ADHD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in marijuana. It can be derived from hemp or from non-hemp plants. Hemp is any part of the cannabis sativa plant with 0.3% or less THC, the mind-altering substance in marijuana. CBD is non-impairing which means that it does not cause a person to get “high”.

In 2018, the US Congress passed a law legalizing CBD derived from hemp, but CBD legality still varies from state to state. In states where it is legal, CBD can be found many consumer products such as foods, oils and lotions, capsules, and cosmetics.

Benefits of CBD
CBD acts on opioid and glycine receptors. These regulate pain in the body. It also acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps us feel good in general. Research has shown that some of the benefits can include:
• Reducing seizures
• Reducing inflammation
• Reducing pain
• Regulating the immune system
• Reducing anxiety

It is this last one that has recently fueled the idea that CBD can be an effective treatment for ADHD since one of the common symptoms of this neurological disorder is anxiety.

How does CBD help those affected by ADHD?
Some people who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have reported that CBD helped with their symptoms, but this has yet to be shown in controlled research. ADHD’s symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating. Common treatments include therapy, behavior management, and/or medication. The problem with medications is their side effects. These same side effects do not occur in CBD use. That is why many people are now looking into CBD as a possible way to manage their ADHD.

The problem is that there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of CBD on ADHD. Though there are stories of people who feel that their ADHD symptoms improved when using CBD, there is no scientific research to back them up. However, there is significant research to show that CBD is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Since anxiety is often a companion to ADHD symptoms, the idea that CBD can help is logical.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorder and mood disorders like depression. Many of the medications prescribed to treat anxiety and depression have side effects such as mood swings and sleeplessness. CBD seems to cause fewer side effects in most people. Furthermore, a 2014 study showed that CBD has a positive interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin impacts a person’s emotional state. Keeping its levels balanced is a key component in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Another study showed that individuals with ADHD often have lower levels of dopamine. CDB has been shown to partially regulate the dopamine system which may, in turn, enhance cognitive processes such as learning, memory, mood, and attention.

CBD for ADHD
CBD is marketed in many forms. CBD topicals like oils and lotions do not enter the bloodstream. For ADHD this is probably not going to be very helpful. Edibles may be a better option. If you want to try CBD, be sure to find a trusted dispensary and opt for products that have been tests by outside labs. These products will come with certificates of analysis (COAs).

About Hemp Joi
It all started back in 2019, we set out to change the way the world deals with chronic aches and pains. Having a background in functional medicine and a passion for entrepreneurship, we set out to bring quality products to the greater SW Florida area and beyond.

We were inspired by family members, in the massotheraphy industry, that kept getting requests from clients to use CBD oils because of their natural healing properties.

We felt this was a great and underserved need, so we began our search for the most natural most authentic CBD oils and lotions.

Please visit us at hempjoi.com, stop by, or call us to find out more at (239) 676-0915.