According to the 2016 parent survey, 6.1 million American children received an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. The standard treatment for most of these patients is often Adderall, an FDA-approved drug containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. This stimulant helps increase focus among schoolchildren and young adults, resulting in better academic performance.

Despite its medical benefits, there have been some growing concerns from parents regarding the long-term use of Adderall. This is mainly because the drug falls under the DEA’s Schedule II classification due to its “high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.” This drug also comes with a list of potential side effects like:

Exacerbating other mental health conditions like depression
Restlessness
Paranoia
Sleep problems
Hallucinations
Dizziness
Seizures

It’s for this reason that some parents look for an alternative solution in the form of prescription medical marijuana for their children. There has been anecdotal evidence over the years regarding weed’s benefits, including increased focus and improving the symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. But is it safe to combine the two? Let’s find out.

Why Do People Combine Adderall And Weed?

You might be wondering why people would mix the two in the first place. Here’s the thing: Weed has been around for some time now. So, it’s no surprise that users have experimented by combining it with other drugs. And in the case of Adderall, this combo is nothing new; there’s even a term for it, “Madderall.”

Some people taking Adderall have reported experiencing appetite loss, sleep and stomach problems, as well as lethargy. That’s why they resort to weed as they claim it balances out these distressing side effects.

Read Also [Cannabis for ADHD]

Can You Replace Adderall With Weed?

During an interview with Insider, Elizabeth Spaar, a family medicine physician, stated that she had started prescribing medical marijuana to her ADHD patients, including her children. So far, they were all responding well to this treatment. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much research to support the effectiveness of medical marijuana on its own. Therefore it’s always best to consult a licensed physician for advice regarding ADHD treatment using alternative drugs.

How Do Adderall And Weed Impact The Brain’s Chemistry?

Weed is a psychotropic drug that may alter your perception of reality. It’s also a depressant, meaning it could help you feel calm. As a stimulant, weed may boost your energy or lead to a burst of emotions like paranoia and happiness.

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that heightens the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain. The latter is the neurotransmitter responsible for improved concentration among users. In comparison, dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in your brain when expecting a reward. With long-term use, your brain may develop a link between dopamine and Adderall. That’s why some people become addicts.

Weed also stimulates the release of dopamine. So the combination of the two leads to high dopamine concentrations.

Is It Wrong To Mix Adderall And Weed?

Reports show that the recreational use of weed on its own is relatively safe. However, there are extreme risks associated with combining Adderall with weed. Mixing both could lead to drowsiness and a heart attack. This is because Adderall may raise the heart rate.

Weed could also have the same effect on users with underlying heart conditions. Furthermore, extended use may weaken your immune system. Let’s not forget the potential for addiction. Some “Madderall” users have said that the combination increases the marijuana’s high. This effect has seen an increase in doses, which has resulted in higher tolerance. It also means that users need larger quantities of this mix to experience the high.

Read Also [What Are THC Pills?]

How Does One Get Adderall And Weed Out Of Their System?

The answer isn’t so simple. For Adderall, your body metabolizes it in the liver so you can get it out of your system through urine. Some people can eliminate Adderall in 48 hours. However, depending on the test, this drug may still be detectable. Here’s what you need to know about Adderall’s half-life:

In a blood test, Adderall is detectable 48 hours after ingesting.
A urine test will indicate a larger Adderall dose up to 72 hours after taking this drug.
A saliva test may also indicate Adderall use (20 to 50 hours after use).
While hair tests are uncommon, this examination could detect Adderall three months after use.

You, therefore, have to let your body metabolize it naturally. However, if you’re an addict, the best and safest way to wean off Adderall is to detox with guidance from an addiction specialist. This will ensure you minimize the possible withdrawal effects and limit the risk of relapse.

Weed may be detectable in the tests mentioned above for about 30 days after use. Similar to Adderall, it could be present in hair several months after your last use. The period it takes to get weed out of your system depends on frequency, mode of use, and the amount you take. Like Adderall, there isn’t anything you can do to get it out of your system more quickly. You have to let the metabolism process occur naturally.

Final Remarks

Now you know: It’s not safe to mix weed and Adderall. If you have ADHD and are experiencing side effects from Adderall, it’s best to consult your doctor for advice. Also, talk to them about using alternative medication like CBD or cannabis. With a prescription, you could visit any licensed online dispensaries listed on the 420DC website to treat your condition safely.