CBD for ADHD (Research & Dosage Guide)

CBD FOR ADHD (RESEARCH & DOSAGE GUIDE)

WHAT IS ADHD?

ADHD is the medical abbreviation for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopment disorder that is frequently diagnosed in children and often lasts into adulthood. 

Children with ADHD may have trouble focusing and paying attention, be overly active, or may act without thinking things through.

There are three types of ADHD, depending on the types of symptoms your child displays the strongest, including predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ADHD?

Attention deficit children may have trouble focusing and behaving, similar to other children. However, children with ADHD don’t really grow out of these behaviors and fuzzy focus. The symptoms do continue, may be severe, and can make completing school difficult, interacting at home, or hanging out with friends. 

An individual with ADHD may show signs and symptoms, such as:

WHAT IS THE USUAL TREATMENT FOR ADHD?

ADHD is typically treated with traditional treatment options, including pharmaceuticals. Common medications used to manage signs and symptoms of ADHD include non-stimulants, stimulants, or anti-depressants. These conventional options may be accompanied by harmful side effects, such as lack of appetite, sleeplessness, psychiatric issues, and potential addiction, to name a few. 

Many parents who have children with ADHD are concerned about the adverse effects of these medications. More parents than you’d imagine are slowly becoming open to trying different, holistic alternatives.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has continued to gain massive attention in the last 5 - 10 years, with various research studies supporting the natural therapeutic effects of this compound for anxiety, heart health, seizures, and more. 

HOW CAN CBD HELP ADHD?

Cannabidiol is almost always referred to as CBD oil. It is the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, meaning, it won’t get you “high” or “stoned”. It’s very different than compounds that are also taken from the cannabis plant. For instance, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a well-known psychoactive compound in the cannabis world, exerting euphoric effects in users. 

CBD oil can be derived from both the marijuana and hemp plants. The biggest difference for where CBD is extracted from? The amount of THC. Hemp-derived CBD oil contains little to no THC, 0.0% - 0.3% to be exact. However, if you have marijuana-derived CBD oil, this may contain 0.3% - 25% THC. Big differences here!

So what does CBD oil as a holistic alternative contribute to ADHD symptom management?

Some experts may claim that cannabidiol can be used in managing ADHD symptoms, whilst others say it’s too soon to know. There is limited research supporting CBD oil in the treatment of ADHD, but the research is a promising start in the right direction. Research is still much needed. 

CBD oil for ADHD may help alleviate symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. 

WHAT RESEARCH HAS BEEN DONE ON CBD & ADHD?

CBD for ADHD has come a long way in a short amount of time, so to speak. Though the ADHD and CBD research is well in its infancy stages, the results are more than noteworthy. 

A 2017 randomized-controlled trial investigated the role of cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 30 adults. Researchers suggested that preliminary evidence supports the use of cannabinoids in ADHD. 

Adults with ADHD may represent a subgroup of individuals who experience symptom reductions with no cognitive impairment following cannabinoid use. 

CBD has also been shown to help enhance cognitive functioning, including learning, mood, attention, and memory. 

A 2017 CBD study looked at the effects of CBD on the mesolimbic dopamine system. Researchers discussed the power of CBD and its modulatory effects on dopamine activity states.

CBD may help normalize affective and cognitive deficits, representing a promising approach, acting through novel mesolimbic factors. 

CBD oil has also been investigated as potential treatment for anxiety disorders. 

Existing preclinical evidence points to CBD as a strong treatment for anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders when administered acutely. Current evidence may indicate that cannabidiol has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders in relevant clinical populations. 

CAN CBD HELP TREAT ADHD IN KIDS?

CBD and ADHD has been in the development stages pretty in-depth these last few years. 

A 2018 CBD and ADHD study reported parents’ experiences of administering CBD to their children diagnosed with ADHD. 

Researchers reported that CBD administration in children with ADHD improved their rage and self-injury by 68%, with 68% also reporting lessened symptoms of hyperactivity. 

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?

Studies have looked at CBD administration in children as young as 4, up to 22, and for years beyond. There isn’t necessarily a “starting age” for those with ADHD looking to try CBD as a therapeutic option. 

Talk with your primary care physician prior to starting your child on any new supplements or CBD oil regimes. CBD is not intended to cure, treat, prevent, or diagnose any ailment, condition, disease, or health concern.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD FOR ADHD?

There may be numerous benefits of individuals who have ADHD while taking CBD oil. 

It has been suggested that CBD could help 

Normalize social deficits

Behavioral problems

Cognitive impairments

Protect against hippocampal death

Improve cognition

Improve memory

Improve mood

It has been demonstrated, in both human and animal studies, that CBD may have an anxiety-reducing effect, with non-toxic, non-addictive, generally safe attributes. 

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD FOR ADHD?

Potential side effects for individuals with ADHD who are taking CBD can range for little to no side effects, as reported thus far. 

CBD, as like any other form of drug, may have a potential for side effects or other drug interactions, especially if they are metabolized through the liver. However, minor side effects have been reported for those taking CBD, such as: 

If the side effects from any traditional medication come with a whole slew of concerns, CBD oil may be a less frightening option for your child. Again, talk with your doctor before starting any CBD regime, as CBD may interact with your child’s current medications. 

WHAT DOSAGE OF CBD HELPS WITH ADHD?

CBD dosage for ADHD isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach really. Animal and human trials have assessed various doses of CBD on various ailments, conditions, and health concerns, and their consensus? More research is warranted. 

If you have talked with your child’s physician and they have encouraged you to explore the avenues of pure CBD oil, then it’s best to talk about dosage recommendations as well. 

We highly encourage you to start off “low and slow” with your administration dosage. It’s always better to start with too little than to start with too much, right?

WHAT OTHER CBD PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Nanocraft offers other CBD products including:

• CBD Oil Pills
• CBD Lotions
• CBD Powders
• CBD Drops

Regardless of what your goals and intentions are with CBD products, our wide array of products are sure to align with your desired CBD type. 

We have CBD for athletes, whether you’re a professional, amateur, recreational or a newbie athlete, here, at Nanocraft, designed for the athlete in all of us. 

If you’re wanting a quick absorption, our CBD Oil Drops are a great option. Sublingual application allows for the CBD to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream via your tastebuds. 

If you want to alleviate pain or reduce inflammation in certain areas, our CBD Salve Stick are a great choice, with 200 - 500 mg of hemp-derived CBD in each stick. Just a swipe or two will get you closer to feeling relaxed and relieved fast buy CBD online. 

 Wanting a more incognito method to take your CBD? CBD Oil Pills and CBD Powders are a great alternative for your daily dose. CBD capsules are easy to incorporate right into your daily vitamin routine, with one capsule being 25 mg of CBD. CBD powders are a perfect workout boost drink to power you through your exercise. 

*DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not exploit or provide medical advice of any kind. Therefore, any reliance you place on the information below is strictly at your own risk. Please check with your medical provider before starting or changing a CBD routine.

 

Kirsten Thornhill, MS

Nanocraft Sciences

Human Performance Researcher | Lifestyle Medicine Advocate

Kirsten Thornhill was born and raised in a small farm town in Stanislaus County, California. Kirsten graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from CSU Stanislaus and her Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. She is currently in pursuits of a PhD in Health Sciences: Human & Sport Performance at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Northern Utah, specializing in Cardiology and Rehabilitation. She is very passionate about human physiology and the metabolic and nutritional adaptations that occur during exercise in athletes. Kirsten enjoys educating and informing people about the importance of lifetime movement, plant-based eating, and health research and development. Her passion for natural, lifestyle medicine enables her to strive when promoting health and education.

Sources:

Barchel, D., Stolar, O., De-Haan, T., et al. (2018). Oral cannabidiol use in children with autism spectrum disorder to treat related symptoms and co-morbidities. Front Pharmacol, 9, 1521. 

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Cooper, R. E., Williams, E., Seegobin, S., Tye, C., Kuntsi, J., Asherson, P. (2017). Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomised-controlled trial. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 27(8), 795-808. 

Hurd, Y. L. (2020). Leading the next CBD wave — safety and efficacy. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(4), 341–342. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.4157

Renard, J., Norris, C., Rushlow, W., Laviolette, S. R. (2017). Neuronal and molecular effects of cannabidiol on the mesolimbic dopamine system: Implications for novel schizophrenia treatments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 75, 157-165.

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