Marijuana for ADHD
In today’s society, cannabis consumers aren’t exactly models of concentration and cognitive performances. Therefore, when a small group of people began researching and exploring cannabis as an alternative treatment for attention deficit disorders, there was a lot of pushback and criticism. Regardless, with numerous medical marijuana patients confirming its ability to promote focus, instead of taking prescription stimulants, doctors wanted to take a closer look at the benefits of medical marijuana in Orlando that could provide for someone who had ADHD.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, has been a controversial diagnosis that due to its connection to distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. On the other hand, more than one in 10 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, and that number has exponentially grown over the past 50 years.
How Is Medical Marijuana Beneficial for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Having to live with ADHD at times can be paralyzing and stressful. Fortunately, many people who struggle with ADHD have found relief and peace when using medical marijuana. A study conducted in 2014 showed that people who are impulsive and hyperactive are more willing to turn to weed, instead of prescription stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin.
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Medical marijuana helps people suffering from this condition by allowing them to pay attention, focus their attention on a particular subject, and formulate their thoughts like they couldn’t before. Research has shown cannabis genuinely helps people with ADHD stay on task and helps them keep their lives on track. Medical marijuana in its purest form is one of the safest and therapeutic substances we know today.
The benefits of medical marijuana for ADHD are undeniable. Especially, as acceptance of this form of medicine increases nationwide, with more people being able to take advantage of its beneficial effects. In ADHD patients, the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme needed to break apart anandamide, becomes insufficient. When someone experiences this kind of imbalance, they run out of their dopamine supple too quickly, which makes it hard for them to focus. However, marijuana regulates their dopamine supple and their mood.
ADHD Symptoms Treated by Medical Marijuana
Some symptoms of ADHD that can be treated with marijuana include:
Hyper-impulsivity: You have CB1 receptors that lower and modulate activity and produce a peaceful mindset.
Panic attacks: THC, the chemical compound in marijuana, deconditions CB1 receptors.
Anxiety: CBD works as an anti-anxiety agent, which binds to your CB2 receptors.
Lack of attention: THC slows down the overactivity of your brain which allows you to stay calm and focused on what you’re doing.
Hyper-sensibility to situations that are stressful: CBD and THC help relieve fear and anxiety.
Insomnia: Given the fact THC slows down your mind, it helps promote healthier sleep cycles.
Depressive tendency: When THC makes its way to CB1 receptors, it enables the release of serotonin.
In addition, here are some other ways marijuana can be beneficial.
Stimulates appetite: Keeping your appetite high with marijuana is a great way to ensure your nutrition levels don’t suffer due to the effect of an anxiety-related disorder.
Treats nausea: Some medications for ADHD can lead to nauseousness for extended periods, which is a big factor in people turning to marijuana instead. There have been numerous studies that provide evidence on how beneficial medical cannabis is for nausea.
Releases dopamine: Marijuana also assists your body in releasing dopamine, which helps regulate your mood. This becomes crucial for patients that struggle with mood disorders. Dopamine is a chemical that’s also connected with the processes that control appetite, attention, sleep, and learning.
Even though there have been small cases on researching the effects of marijuana for ADHD, researchers still feel confident that the benefits of medical marijuana serve an effective treatment for ADHD patients. Specifically, those who don’t respond well to standard treatment methods.