Jump to a section:
- What is ADHD and How is it Typically Treated?
- Cannabis Strains for ADHD
- Is Sativa or Indica Better for ADHD?
- Can Edibles Help ADHD?
- CBD Strains for ADHD
- Best Edibles for ADHD
Are you searching for a natural alternative that may help manage ADHD symptoms? Look no further than cannabis. With its growing popularity, cannabis is being explored for its potential role in addressing the challenges of ADHD. In this blog, we’ll delve into the research surrounding cannabis and its effects on individuals with ADHD. What are the recommended cannabis strains for ADHD? How about the best edibles for ADHD? Keep reading to find out!
What is ADHD and How is it Typically Treated?
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by difficulty in focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, ADHD can have a significant impact on an individual’s academic and professional life. While traditional treatments like medication and therapy are effective for many, lots of folks are turning to cannabis as a potential solution.
Traditional treatment methods for ADHD typically involve stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. Behavioral therapy is also commonly used to teach individuals with ADHD strategies to manage their symptoms.
However, these traditional treatment methods may not work for everyone, and some individuals experience unwanted side effects from their meds. As an alternative, some people have found cannabis to be potentially helpful for lessening ADHD symptoms.
Cannabis Strains for ADHD
Research suggests that cannabis may help manage ADHD symptoms by enhancing concentration, reducing hyperactivity, and improving mood. Cannabinoids (chemical compounds found in cannabis) interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates various bodily functions including attention and executive functions of the brain.
One of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is known for its psychoactive effects and is responsible for the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use. There is vast anecdotal evidence from people with ADHD who attest to the positive effect THC has on their symptoms. There are also a few clinical studies that have shown that THC may help improve focus and reduce impulsivity in individuals with ADHD.
Is Sativa or Indica Better for ADHD?
Whether you opt for a sativa or indica strain depends on the ADHD symptoms you’re hoping to address. Sativa strains are often associated with increased focus and energy, potentially making them the best strains for ADHD. The best cannabis strains for focus and productivity tend to fall into the sativa category, and are rich in the terpenes limonene, alpha-pinene, and/or beta-caryophyllene (BCP). An Illicit sativa strain like Dawg Lemons fits the bill!
On the other hand, indica strains are known for their relaxing and calming effects, which may help reduce the hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD and promote better sleep. If you are looking for strains that offer potential insomnia relief or anxiety relief, an indica strain with soothing terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and nerolidol is your best bet. Try Strawberry Float from Illicit for relaxation.
Keep in mind that when it comes to trying cannabis strains for ADHD management, it’s important to consider other factors besides their sativa or indica classification. Different strains of cannabis contain varying levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, which can result in different effects. From The Earth budtenders are experts at recommending the ideal flower strain for your goals!
Can Edibles Help ADHD?
While smoking cannabis flower helps some individuals with ADHD, many people opt for edibles as their daily way to consume. Edibles have a slower onset than smoking cannabis, but longer-lasting effects. Also, edibles have accurate and reliable dosing, while smoking weed does not. Cannabis edibles are probably the easiest, most discreet, and most reliable cannabis consumption method for potentially easing ADHD symptoms throughout the day.
Like selecting a cannabis strain, choosing the best edibles for ADHD also depends on which ADHD symptoms you potentially want to target. If lack of focus is your main issue, try a sativa edible customized for daytime focus, like Have a Grape Day Gummies from Illicit.
On the other hand, if it is ADHD’s anxiety and/or insomnia that troubles you, an indica edible meant for nighttime with potential relaxing and sleep-aiding effects may be a great choice. Try Slaughtermelon Nighttime Gummies from Illicit.
When it comes to microdosing THC for ADHD, gummies are the preferred option for many people. They have reliable dosing, are easy to accurately cut in halves or fourths, and they’re delicious!
CBD Strains for ADHD
Another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), has also gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD is non-psychoactive and has been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. While more scientific studies are needed, some individuals with ADHD have reported that CBD helps them feel calmer, more focused, and less anxious.
Is There a CBD That Helps With ADHD?
Because there is a lack of evidence that attributes ADHD symptom relief to CBD, there are no CBD products specifically formulated for ADHD symptoms. However, there are studies that demonstrate CBD’s potential in easing anxiety, which often co-presents along with ADHD.
CBD has also been shown to help temper the paranoia and anxiety that can be caused by THC. So using them together could be a way to take advantage of the benefits of THC while avoiding the anxiousness that can sometimes be an unwelcome side effect of cannabis use.
How much CBD is good for ADHD? There is no specific CBD dosage that is recommended, but in general, people who use CBD for any reason tend to take a much larger daily dose than they would of THC. While a good starting dose for THC is 5 mg or less, a dose of CBD might be 5-10 times that. Mango Anytime 10:1 CBD:THC Gummies from Illicit Gardens are a nice option– each tasty gummy contains 100 mg CBD + 10 mg THC.
Best Edibles for ADHD in Missouri
If you are interested in trying cannabis as a potential aid in managing your ADHD symptoms, make sure to talk with your doctor first. Be especially careful about not combining cannabis with ADHD meds.
Whether you’re seeking the best strains for ADHD or the best edibles for ADHD, the insightful and well-informed budtenders at the From The Earth dispensary in Missouri will be happy to help match you with the right product for your needs. Come on in and chat!
Or if you prefer, you can stay home & browse our menu– it’s conveniently organized by effects. Shop cannabis products for focus, calm, sleep, and other personalized effects from the comfort of your home and pick up at your closest From The Earth dispensary!
About the Author:
David Craig is the VP of Marketing for Illicit and From The Earth. Craig has been on the ground floor of developing multiple lifestyle and retail brands in the cannabis, fitness, and entertainment industries from Las Vegas to New York City.
