Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, affecting 3-4% of adults in the UK. Medical cannabis is sometimes considered as part of a wider, specialist-led treatment plan for adults with ADHD who have not found adequate symptom control with conventional options. If you’re struggling with ADHD symptoms, our specialist doctors at Medicann Clinics can assess your eligibility for cannabis treatment. Read on for information.
ADHD is recognised as part of neurodivergence, a term that describes natural differences in how the brain functions and processes information. This includes conditions such as ADHD, autism and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
In adults, ADHD may present differently than in childhood. Symptoms are often more internalised and can affect work performance, relationships, emotional wellbeing and mental health. Many adults are diagnosed later in life after years of struggling without clear answers. The condition is generally less recognised in women than men, as women are more commonly predominantly inattentive than hyperactive.
ADHD is not caused by lifestyle choices or lack of effort. It is associated with differences in brain development, structure and neurotransmitter activity, particularly involving dopamine and norepinephrine.
Symptoms usually start before the age of 12 and include:
The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood but it likely involves a number of genetic and environmental factors that alter the structure and neurochemistry of the brain. It is thought to be caused by genetic differences that often run in families. There are also environmental factors that can increase risk such as premature birth, epilepsy and smoking or alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
Before medical cannabis is considered, most patients will have tried conventional treatment options. Typical first-line treatments include:
While many people benefit from these approaches, some experience limited symptom relief, unwanted side effects, or difficulty tolerating long-term use.
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) are not currently available through the NHS but they may be prescribed by a specialist doctor in the UK. These products can contain cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), or a combination of both.
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD interact with a system in the human body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is involved in regulating functions that are often challenging for people with ADHD, including:
Research into cannabis for ADHD is still ongoing but a 2018 study in Finland found cannabinoids helped to relieve symptoms for an ADHD patient. This included reduced hyperactivity and improvements in focus and impulse control.
Any potential benefit must be weighed carefully against possible risks, which is why specialist assessment and monitoring are essential.
There isn’t a single ‘best’ medical cannabis option for ADHD. As symptoms, co-existing anxiety, sleep patterns and medication history vary widely, the most appropriate product and format is decided case-by-case by a specialist doctor.
Both THC and CBD are thought to reduce anxiety and help with insomnia, which are two symptoms many adults with ADHD struggle with. If you’re new to cannabis, your clinician may recommend starting with CBD rather than THC for ADHD. THC is psychoactive meaning that it can impact memory, potentially worsening ADHD symptoms. CBD isn’t psychoactive and is non-intoxicating so it doesn’t cause a ‘high’.
Medical cannabis is not intended to replace standard ADHD treatments and it can be dangerous to take alongside ADHD medication. Combining cannabis with stimulant medication, for example, can lead to cardiovascular issues. Patients should not change or stop ADHD medication without medical advice.
However, medical cannabis can be paired with non-pharmacological approaches, such as mindfulness strategies or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
“Fantastic service and every bit as professional as you would expect, they have a huge catalogue products to choose from, I have tried both their most expensive and cheapest products and the prices for what you actually get are outstanding, the more you pay the higher quality you get but even the cheapest stuff is still better than any black market products, medical gets a bad press but I’m not exactly sure why as it is considerably better than anything you can get without a prescription…the staff are super friendly and professional, Dr Sunny Nayee is a pleasure to talk to and clearly very highly educated when it comes to cannabis as a medicine, I wish more doctors in the UK were half as professional as the team at MediCann, thank you all.”
If you are living with ADHD and feel that standard treatments have not met your needs, a specialist assessment may help explore whether medical cannabis could be appropriate for you.
With no repeat prescription fees and same-day UK dispatch, Medicann Clinics aims to make receiving your medication as convenient as possible. You can start your medical cannabis journey today by checking if you’re eligible.
