Medical cannabis has shown various positive effects in handling and managing symptoms of different diseases. But do you think this confidential seven-leaf plant can help patients with ADHD? Let’s find out more here!
How Cannabis Works for ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental illness that causes roughly 6–9% of children and adolescents worldwide, as well as roughly 5% of adults. An individual with ADHD may lose concentration on activities, fidget often, exhibit excessive behavior, and be unable to remain still or quiet at specific moments.
ADHD medicines can help regulate the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. There is a chance that the medicines will cause undesirable side effects. Some persons with ADHD use marijuana as a therapeutic option to prevent these side effects. Many issues regarding how beneficial it is and how safe it is, particularly for children and younger adults, remain unresolved.
Marijuana supporters frequently argue that cannabis is a harmless substance with no risk of addiction. However, some critics term it a “gateway drug,” implying that it might lead to the use of other drugs, and that it is more hazardous than many people think. To get a “high,” many individuals smoke or consume the plant.
Marijuana has gained headlines in recent years as an alternative therapy for a number of health issues, including pain and mental health issues. People who claim to use marijuana to treat ADHD symptoms leave comments on online health forums.
Similarly, those who identify as having ADHD claim they have little or no additional problems when they consume marijuana. They aren’t, however, providing the evidence on teenage marijuana usage. There are worries about the learning and memory abilities of the growing brain.
What Studies Says About Marijuana for ADHD
According to a 2016 research of 268 online discussion threads, 25% of participants felt marijuana had a beneficial function to play in the management of ADHD symptoms. The study points out that there is a scarcity of evidence linking marijuana to the treatment of ADHD.
According to some theories, ADHD is caused by a shortage of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex area of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which means it sends messages between nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine has the potential to influence mental processes such as memory and attention.
Substances included in recreational drugs like marijuana can cause the reward region of the brain to produce more dopamine. When someone uses marijuana or other drugs, the reward region of the brain gives them a good feeling. However, this cycle of recreational drug use and elevated dopamine can lead to addiction.
The dopamine-releasing effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an important chemical component in marijuana, and the cause of its pleasurable experience are discussed in a 2017 research. THC raises short-term dopamine levels, but it may weaken the mechanism that produces dopamine in the long run, according to the study.
Because of this variable impact, even if marijuana gives short-term symptom relief, improved attention, or drowsiness for persons with ADHD, long-term usage may do more damage than benefit.
Takeaway
Currently, experts say that addressing ADHD with cannabis can result in short-term symptom relief but may exacerbate the underlying disease. Before getting any therapy for a transgressions condition such as ADHD, patients should clarify the long-term consequences of the therapy.
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