Those who have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, know that it can be frustrating and exhausting. However, studies have been conducted that reveal a positive connection between ADD and medical marijuana used as a treatment option. Let’s explore the pros and cons, how medical marijuana might help with your ADD and what our patients recommend as the best delivery method.

How Marijuana can Help

Research on cannabis and ADD/ADHD is still pretty limited, but here’s what is known so far:

Potential Benefits (anecdotal & small studies):

• • Some people report that cannabis helps them feel calmer, less restless, and more able to focus.
•  
• • Small studies suggest cannabinoids may affect dopamine levels in the brain, which could theoretically help with attention and motivation (similar to how stimulant medications work).
•  

Risks & Concerns:

• • Cannabis can impair short-term memory, attention, and processing speed — which may worsen ADD/ADHD symptoms in some people.
•  
• • Regular use, especially in younger people, is linked with higher risk of dependence and may interfere with brain development.
•  
• • Anxiety, sleep disruption, or mood changes are also possible side effects.
•  

What the science says:

Most evidence so far comes from surveys and small preliminary studies. There aren’t large, long-term clinical trials proving cannabis is an effective or safe treatment for ADD/ADHD.

Doctors usually recommend evidence-based treatments first (like stimulant or non-stimulant medications, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle approaches).

Some adults with ADD/ADHD say cannabis helps them manage symptoms, but for others, it can make things worse. It isn’t considered a first-line treatment and, if it’s used, it should be carefully monitored by a physician who is well-versed in medical marijuana. If you’d like to try medical marijuana but your doctor is not supportive, please see “How to Talk to Your Doctor” for guidance on how make a case for adding it to your treatment plan.

Here are some tips to consider:

• • • Don’t replace first-line ADHD treatments that already work for you until there is more detailed results from research; if you try anything, do it in addition and discuss with your clinician. NICE

• • Screen for personal/family history of psychosis, or bipolar disorder —if these are present in your family history, THC could be problematic in your treatment. National Institute on Drug Abuse
•  

How to Get Started

The team at The Healing Clinics is ready to help you begin your healing journey. In addition to guidance, resources, and support, your physician will determine if medical marijuana is a good fit for treating your ADD or ADHD before you even step foot in the dispensary to purchase products. We offer a 100% money back guarantee if you don’t qualify. We are standing by to help, click the button below to get started!