Using Marijuana For ADHD

Republished By Plato

Followers: 0

Marijuana improves mood, memory, sleep and various other bodily functions. Studies say that its cannabinoids can help boost focus and control racing thoughts. That’s why most of the ADHD patients are preferring cannabis treatment for managing their symptoms.

Before you consider cannabis for ADHD treatment & apply for a medical card NY, it’s important to learn how exactly it works. Since federal law bans cannabis, can patients legally use it? Let’s learn.

What is ADHD & Its Causes?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, which is usually diagnosed in childhood & lasts into adulthood.

Patients with ADHD often talk too much, have trouble concentrating on work, getting along with others, and make careless mistakes.

Causes of ADHD are unknown. Some evidence suggests that genetics may play a role in developing ADHD. Common risk factors include—premature delivery, low birth weight, using alcohol & other drugs during pregnancy, and head injuries. In some cases, toxins in the environment may affect the behavior of children.

Medications For ADHD

For ADHD treatment, medical experts often recommend stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants. Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine—a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and pleasure.

However, non-stimulants are usually considered when stimulants don’t work or lead to unpleasant risks. Non-stimulant Strattera increases the levels of norepinephrine.

Some ADHD patients often experience mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. For managing these conditions, medical professionals usually prescribe antidepressants. They work by targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain.

Although the medications can help fight ADHD symptoms, they aren’t safe. Some of the common risks associated with stimulants include loss of appetite, mood swings, headaches, dizziness, and sleep problems.

Marijuana is known for its amazing medicinal properties. It can help ADHD patients alleviate their symptoms effectively and naturally.

Studies have found that cannabis chemicals (called cannabinoids) interact with the endocannabinoid system, thus changing various functions and improving wellness. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for managing sleep, mood, memory, etc.

In the cannabis plant, THC and CBD are the two important cannabinoids. THC is responsible for causing high effects associated with cannabis use. Research says that THC can accelerate the release of dopamine in the brain. This is true for short-term use while long-term use may result in blunting of the dopamine system.

CBD is beneficial in managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Some evidence suggests that CBD can reduce anxiety by impacting the levels of serotonin—a neurotransmitter linked to mood, sleep, and behavior. According to a 2011 study, CBD helped patients with social anxiety disorder manage their symptoms effectively.

Health Risks of Marijuana

While marijuana is helpful in fighting ADHD symptoms, it’s not without risks. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is one of the most dangerous risks. In fact, ADHD patients are more likely to develop this disorder.

In a large study published in Jama Pediatrics, regular marijuana consumers have a high risk of self-harm and death. Researchers examined 204780 youths aged 10-24 years suffering from mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc. They found that male participants had a higher risk than female participants.

THC can slow down the signaling process of the brain, thus affecting learning, information processing, etc.

Additionally, marijuana use is linked to memory impairment in people under 25, by altering the functions in the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex.

What about cannabis for children? Some scientific evidence suggests that marijuana may affect brain development processes in children. So, before considering cannabis treatment for children, parents should talk to licensed doctors for professional help. And, prefer buying cannabis from authorized sources. By getting a medical card NY from a medical marijuana card, you can legally access state-licensed dispensaries.

How to Use Marijuana For ADHD?

When using marijuana for ADHD, you need to consider various factors, such as strains, delivery methods and dosage.

Since each strain contains different levels of cannabinoids, their medicinal effects may vary. Also, different consumers may receive different effects. So, you should carefully select the strains. Some of the best strains for ADHD sufferers are—Sour Diesel, True OG, Harlequin, Harle-Tsu, and Blue Jack.

The amount of cannabis you consume influences the medicinal effects of marijuana. For instance, some studies show that low cannabis doses can reduce anxiety while higher doses may worsen the symptoms. So, always start with a low dose and increase in steps. Take your time to understand the effects of different cannabinoids on your system and adjust the dose accordingly.

Moreover, the consumption method matters. If you want to get instant effects, prefer smoking or vaping. But, if you are concerned about the health issues related to cannabis smoke, go for other cannabis consumption methods. Edibles are safer than smoking, but they have a delayed onset and deliver lasting effects.

So, how to use marijuana for fighting ADHD symptoms—the answer varies from patient to patient. Discuss your condition with a 420 doctor and get sound advice for cannabis use.

How to Get a Medical Card NY?

Despite federal ban, medical use of cannabis is legal in more than half of the US states. By getting a medical card NY, you can legally buy cannabis products.

At NYC Medical Card, you can apply for a marijuana evaluation in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-

Fill a form online
Talk to a medical marijuana doctor via video call
Receive your MMJ recommendation letter in PDF format via email

Final Words

Marijuana can be used as an effective treatment for ADHD. Its cannabinoids can help boost concentration, sleep, mood, etc. by interacting with the ECS. Some studies show that cannabis can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Along with all these health benefits, marijuana can also lead to some risks, such as cannabis use disorder. Thus, before using cannabis treatment, make sure you talk to a board-certified doctor for medical advice.

Want to use marijuana for medical purposes legally? Get your medical card NY today.

Source: https://www.nymedicalcard.com/blog/using-marijuana-for-adhd-all-you-should-know/

Time Stamp: March 3, 2021