ADHD is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions among kids. It affects around 11% of kids in the United States of America. The signs of ADHD include an incapability to focus, disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty sitting still. Adults can develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, too, and around 75% of children with it will keep having its symptoms as grown-ups.
Nowadays, more kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their parents are considering CBD and ADHD. According to numerous experts, cannabidiol has calming effects. For that reason, cannabidiol is potentially effective in treating ADHD symptoms. Here, we will discuss cannabidiol for ADHD: its potential advantages and side effects.
Using Cannabidiol For ADHD
The federal ban on cannabis derivatives, including hemp products, before 2018 limited research about cannabidiol and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, the 2018 hemp bill has lifted the said ban, which has enabled many pieces of research about cannabidiol and various health conditions. Here, we will discuss the findings of some pieces of analysis on cannabis or cannabidiol effects on ADHD’s symptoms.
- A recent review offered a B grade or moderate recommendation on the consumption of cannabidiol as an ADHD treatment option.
- A small study from 2017 with 30 participants discovered that cannabidiol nasal spray users could reduce impulsivity, hyperactivity, and lack of focus. However, those researchers did not find the improvement big enough to conclusively claim that cannabidiol was a more effective treatment option as compared to a placebo.
- A small piece of research from 2020 involving 112 ADHD patients who consumed higher doses of cannabidiol took fewer medications for ADHD.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved only one cannabidiol item as a prescription medication type and that too for rare forms of epilepsy.
Potential Negative Effects Of Cannabidiol
A good thing with cannabidiol is that consumers have not reported any major side effects. Cannabidiol lacks intoxicating effects and is not an addictive substance. A recent scientific analysis of 22 studies did not discover any reports of major cannabidiol side effects. Nevertheless, some cannabidiol consumers have experienced headaches, drowsiness, nausea or stomach pain, appetite changes, and other minor adverse effects.
Cannabidiol can also interact with prescription medication, which can mitigate the potential primary effects of both products and can cause some complications. Therefore, you should speak to a pediatrician or another medical professional before using cannabidiol for this disorder.