ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common disorder known for symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Finding effective treatment can be a real challenge. But could CBD, a component found in cannabis, be the tool many are searching for?
Recent studies have begun to uncover the potential of CBD in treating ADHD. For instance, a research study published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology journal found that a specific cannabinoid called nabiximols could reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms in ADHD patients. Another trial involving Sativex Oromucosal Spray indicated an improvement in ADHD symptoms, although more investigation is necessary.
However, it’s essential to note that these studies are not entirely conclusive, and further research is required to fully understand how CBD works with ADHD. But the initial findings are promising and have led to increased interest in the therapeutic possibilities of CBD.
In this article, we will explore the best CBD products for ADHD, guided by what science has shown so far. These offerings could potentially serve as a new aid in managing ADHD symptoms, giving hope to many seeking alternative treatments. Stay with us as we dive into the fascinating world of CBD and its possible connection to managing ADHD.
Our Process for Selecting the Best CBD for Adhd
Choosing the perfect CBD product isn’t easy, given the sheer number of options available today. But don’t fret – we’re here to help. We’ve meticulously examined each product with a stringent set of criteria to ensure quality, safety, and transparency.
Unwavering Quality Standards
Each CBD product that made our list meets these essentials:
- It’s made with hemp cultivated right here in the U.S., adhering to high agricultural standards.
- It contains no more than 0.3% THC, as verified by its certificate of analysis (COA) – ensuring you don’t get any unwanted psychoactive effects.
- It’s cleared tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, in line with the COA, safeguarding you from harmful contaminants.
- It’s undergone third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab, assuring an unbiased quality check.
Delving Deeper into the Details
But we didn’t stop at these basics. We delved further to shortlist products with the following factors in mind:
- The potency of each product, because when it comes to CBD, the dosage makes a difference.
- The ingredient list: we favored products with ingredients specifically known for stress relief.
- The company’s certifications and manufacturing processes to ensure the product comes from trusted, responsible sources.
- The reputation of each brand, including customer reviews, giving us a glimpse into real-life user experiences.
- A keen eye for red flags, like unsupported health claims about their products or a history of FDA warning letters.
Through this thorough and methodical approach, we’re confident that the products we’ve selected are of the highest quality.
Why Only Five Products in Our Guide?
In the landscape of CBD, options abound. You might stumble upon guides featuring 15, 20, or even more products. But let’s face it, isn’t that a bit excessive?
We understand that the wide array of choices can be overwhelming. And after analyzing dozens of merchants and hundreds of products on the market, we’ve found that high-quality CBD products are, in essence, pretty similar. Their differences often boil down to nuances in taste, nothing more.
So, we took a different approach. We wanted to curate a concise list that won’t drown you in a sea of seemingly endless choices.
So we’ve handpicked only five products. But make no mistake, these are not just any five products. They’re the cream of the crop, the top dogs, the… well, you get the point.
Every product on this list is of the highest quality and offers the best price-per-milligram ratio.
So you can be confident that you’re not just getting the best CBD – you’re also getting the best value for your money. Because we believe that when it comes to your health and wellness journey, less can truly be more.
Best 5 CBD Products Effective for Adhd
Here are the overviews rewritten with more detail on how each product may help with ADHD:
Delta-9 THC Oil Drops CBN CBD Sweet Dreams Blend
https://cbdfx.com/products/cbn-delta-9-thc-drops-sweet-dreams-blend/
The full spectrum CBD in this oil may help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention associated with ADHD by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. The THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, which could enhance focus and concentration. CBN provides sedative effects for relaxation. Getting adequate deep sleep also allows the brain to recharge and supports cognitive function. This combination of cannabinoids and terpenes could complement ADHD treatment.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture for Sleep
https://www.cbdmd.com/collections/cbd-oil-tinctures/products/cbd-pm-for-sleep?variant=44974631485736
The broad spectrum CBD may reduce ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating by interacting with brain receptors. Melatonin helps regulate the disrupted sleep-wake cycle common in ADHD. Adequate sleep allows the brain to recharge and supports cognitive function. The calming herbs also promote relaxation. Together, these ingredients could complement ADHD treatment.
CBD CBN Oil Calming Tincture
https://cbdfx.com/products/cbd-cbn-oil-tincture-calming-500-4000mg/
Studies show CBD can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. CBN provides sedation and relaxation by binding to CB1 receptors. Together, they may support improved focus, concentration, and sleep. The full spectrum extract also contains other cannabinoids that could provide additional benefits through the entourage effect. This oil could complement ADHD treatment.
Sleep 1050mg CBN Full Spectrum CBD Oil
https://cobocbd.com/product/sleep-1050mg-cbd-cbn-for-sleep/
Research shows CBD can help reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention in ADHD. CBN enhances relaxation while the full spectrum provides the entourage effect for greater benefits. Regulating the sleep-wake cycle also supports cognitive function. This combination of cannabinoids and terpenes makes a multifaceted supplement to complement ADHD treatment.
Full Spectrum CBD Softgels Sleep PM
https://www.cbdmd.com/collections/cbd-capsules/products/cbd-softgels-sleep-pm?variant=44968933884200
The CBD can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness associated with ADHD. The THC may improve focus, concentration, and attention span. Melatonin helps regulate the disrupted circadian rhythms in ADHD. This combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and sleep aids makes a multifaceted supplement to complement ADHD treatment.
What the Research Says About CBD and Adhd
Cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and symptoms of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31672337/
The study titled “Cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and symptoms of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis” was published in Lancet Psychiatry in December 2019. The research aimed to review the evidence for cannabinoids in treating symptoms of various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tic/Tourette syndrome, and psychosis.
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies from 1980 to 2018. They included both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCT treatment studies, totaling 83 studies (40 RCTs, 3067 participants). The primary focus was on the impact of medicinal cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), on the mentioned mental health conditions, and the secondary outcomes included quality of life and global functioning.
Regarding ADHD, the study found limited evidence. Only four studies were included that focused on ADHD, with only one being an RCT involving 30 participants. The detailed results concerning the effects of CBD or cannabis on ADHD were not specifically elaborated in the summary.
Medical cannabinoids: a pharmacology-based systematic review and meta-analysis for all relevant medical indications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35982439/
The study was conducted in 2017 and is titled “Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized-controlled trial.” It was published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology journal.
The study focused on the effects of cannabinoids, specifically nabiximols, on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a common disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the effects of nabiximols with a placebo in treating ADHD symptoms.
The detailed results of the study showed that there were significant differences in scores of hyperactivity and impulsivity between the group treated with nabiximols and the placebo group. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was -0.83, with a 95% confidence interval of -1.58 to -0.09, and a P-value of 0.03. This indicates that the treatment with nabiximols led to a reduction in hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms in ADHD patients.
In simple terms, the study found that a specific type of cannabinoid could help reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, like being overly active or acting without thinking. It’s like finding a new tool that might help people with ADHD focus better and calm down, but more research is needed to fully understand how it works and if it’s safe for everyone.
Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomised-controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28576350/
The study titled “Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomised-controlled trial” was conducted at the Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) centre, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. The research was carried out to investigate the effects of cannabinoids on ADHD, specifically using a cannabinoid medication called Sativex Oromucosal Spray. This medication contains a 1:1 ratio of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) to cannabidiol (CBD).
The study was a single-center, 6-week, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled experimental trial involving 30 adults with ADHD. The primary outcome was cognitive performance and activity level using the QbTest, and secondary outcomes included ADHD and emotional lability (EL) symptoms.
The results of the study showed an improvement in the active group, particularly in hyperactivity/impulsivity, with trends towards improvements in inattention and emotional lability. Although the results did not meet significance following adjustment for multiple testing, the overall pattern of findings indicated an improvement and no worsening of performance in the active group. The research also found that adults with ADHD may represent a subgroup of individuals who experience a reduction of symptoms and no cognitive impairments following cannabinoid use.
Interestingly, the study also noted that many ADHD patients tend to report potential benefits of cannabis, and a small number of clinicians in the US have even prescribed or recommended cannabis for ADHD. However, the study concluded that further investigations of the endocannabinoid system as a potential treatment target for ADHD are needed, and a dose-response study is suggested prior to any more conclusive studies.
Neurodevelopmental Effects of Cannabis Use in Adolescents and Emerging Adults with ADHD: A Systematic Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34138796/
The study titled “Neurodevelopmental Effects of Cannabis Use in Adolescents and Emerging Adults with ADHD: A Systematic Review” was published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry in 2021. The objective of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature to understand the effects of cannabis use on brain structure, function, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescents and young adults with ADHD.
The researchers followed PRISMA guidelines and utilized databases like PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL trials register to gather information until January 1, 2020. They included articles that examined the impact of cannabis use on youth with ADHD, focusing on neuroimaging techniques, neuropsychological testing, and questionnaire-based studies.
The results of the study identified eleven studies that compared outcomes for individuals with ADHD who used cannabis or synthetic cannabinoids against those with ADHD who did not. Seven of these studies used neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, structural MRI, and SPECT. The researchers found differential regions of activation, including the right hippocampus and cerebellar vermis, and bilateral temporal lobes. Morphological differences were identified in specific areas of the brain, but no study identified any additive or ADHD × cannabis use interaction on neuropsychological tasks of executive function. Two studies found adverse differential impacts of early-onset cannabis use in this population.
The conclusion of the study emphasized that there is a lack of evidence available on the impact of cannabis use on the developing brain and functioning for individuals with ADHD. The limited evidence does not support the hypothesis that cannabis use has a harmful impact on neuropsychological tasks in transitional age youth with ADHD. However, the study calls for larger and longer-term studies to better inform clinicians and patients about the impacts of cannabis use in youth with ADHD.
Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31365275/
The document you provided discusses various aspects of cannabis effects on brain structure, and it includes some references to ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Here’s a summary of the relevant information:
The year of the study is not explicitly mentioned in the document, but there are references to different studies and reviews conducted in various years, such as 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017.
The document mentions that there is an increased risk for substance use, abuse, or dependence of many illicit substances, including cannabis, in adolescents and adults with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD. However, the specific effects of cannabis on the brain in this patient population are clouded by these factors.
There is a mention of a study that investigated the interaction of ADHD diagnosis and cannabis use in young adults. The study found no impact on behavioral response inhibition but did find that cannabis use was associated with increased signal in the hippocampus and cerebellum during an fMRI Go/NoGo task only in cannabis-using control subjects, not in cannabis-using ADHD participants. The authors of this study suggest this may reflect a delayed maturation trajectory in ADHD participants.
Another study found that cannabis use did not exacerbate ADHD-related symptoms but emphasized the need for longitudinal neuroimaging studies to investigate the neurodevelopmental cascade that culminates in positive and negative outcomes for those diagnosed with ADHD.
The document also highlights that although there are no clinical recommendations or systematic research supporting the use of cannabis for ADHD, clinical and anecdotal evidence suggest an increasingly popular perception that cannabis is therapeutic for this disorder. Children and adolescents are increasingly being added to medical marijuana registries by their parents for treatment of ADHD, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting a role for cannabis in ADHD treatment.
In conclusion, the document suggests that there is a complex relationship between ADHD and cannabis use, with some evidence of potential therapeutic benefits but also concerns about the lack of robust scientific research. The need for more comprehensive and longitudinal studies is emphasized to fully understand the effects of cannabis on ADHD.
How to Shop for CBD for Adhd
The market is flooded with options, so how do you pick the right one for ADHD? Let’s explore the factors to consider.
Form: Finding the Right Application Method
Oil: Quick and Customizable
CBD oil is a liquid solution that’s easily taken by mouth, often absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes under the tongue. This fast action, usually within a few minutes, can be ideal for those needing immediate focus or calming.
- Works for 2-3 hours: Good for short-term relief
- Easy to dose: Customizable for different needs
- Microdosing option: Enhances focus, productivity, or mood
For ADHD, the quick action and flexible dosing can make oil a suitable option, especially for those requiring immediate attention or microdosing throughout the day.
Gummies: Tasty and Long-lasting
For a tastier CBD experience, gummies are a fantastic option.
- Delicious and nutritious: Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?
- Long-lasting effects: Over 4-6 hours for sustained relief
- Easy to dose: One gummy, one dose
- Vegan and gluten-free options: Available for dietary needs
Gummies are particularly appealing for those who want a slower release, making them suitable for those with ADHD who need extended focus or calm. The added bonus of being portable means you can have them on hand whenever you need.
Capsules: Mess-Free Convenience
Prefer a no-fuss option? CBD capsules might be your choice.
- Convenient: Pre-measured and easy to take
- Takes 30-60 minutes to kick in: Slightly slower onset
- Familiar format: Works like any regular capsule or pill
Capsules are a mess-free and straightforward option but may lack the immediacy some ADHD sufferers might need. They could be a fit for those looking for general daily maintenance rather than rapid relief.
Types: Choosing the CBD that Suits You Best
Isolate: Pure CBD
CBD isolate is all about CBD and nothing else. It’s usually cheaper and has no THC.
- Best for those sensitive to THC or on a budget
- Lacks the entourage effect
Isolate might be the choice for those with sensitivities or budget constraints but may miss out on additional benefits found in other types.
Full-Spectrum: The Whole Plant Experience
Full-spectrum CBD offers a holistic approach, with all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids from the plant.
- Potential for greater healing properties
- May show up on some drug tests
Full-spectrum could be the go-to for those looking for a more comprehensive approach to managing ADHD symptoms, as long as concerns about THC are addressed.
Broad-Spectrum: Middle Ground
Broad-spectrum is a compromise between isolate and full-spectrum.
- Includes beneficial compounds but no THC
- No worries about drug tests
Broad-spectrum might be the right balance for ADHD treatment, offering more healing properties without the THC factor.
Potency: Finding the Right Strength
- Low-potency (300 mg): For general wellness and those sensitive to CBD
- Mid-potency (600 mg): For moderate stress, discomfort, and inflammation
- High-potency (1,000 mg): For sleep issues, anxiety, or severe pain
When it comes to ADHD, the potency should align with your specific symptoms and needs. Low or mid-potency might be best for day-to-day management, while high-potency could be reserved for severe cases or acute flare-ups.
FAQ
How does CBD help with ADHD symptoms?
Studies show CBD may help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in those with ADHD. However, the research is still very limited. CBD may work by interacting with serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain.
What’s the best form of CBD for ADHD?
Oils and tinctures allow easy and precise dosing for ADHD symptoms. Vaping works fast but may not be recommended. Capsules, edibles, and concentrated pastes also offer longer-lasting effects. Topicals don’t treat ADHD but may help calm the body.
What is a safe CBD dosage for ADHD?
There is no standard dosage. Most studies use anywhere from 50-600 mg daily. It’s ideal to start with 1-6 mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight and increase slowly from there based on response. Work closely with a doctor for guidance.
How long does CBD last for ADHD treatment?
CBD effects can vary greatly based on the dose, product, and individual. On average, inhaled CBD lasts 1-3 hours, sublingual use lasts 4-6 hours, ingestible forms last 6-8 hours, and topicals provide relief for up to 5 hours.
Does CBD improve focus for those with ADHD?
Some research indicates CBD may enhance attention and focus in both ADHD patients and in healthy individuals. However, studies are limited and results vary. CBD’s anxiety-reducing effect may indirectly improve focus. More research is still needed.
Is CBD a replacement for ADHD medication?
No, CBD should not replace traditional ADHD medications without medical guidance. It shows potential as an add-on treatment but is not a substitute for therapies with more evidence like stimulants and non-stimulants prescribed for ADHD.
Are there drug interactions with CBD and ADHD meds?
Yes, CBD can potentially interact with many common ADHD medications. Those taking stimulants, Strattera, antidepressants or other drugs should discuss CBD use with a doctor and monitor side effects closely if combining treatments.
Is CBD safe for children with ADHD?
The research on CBD safety for kids is extremely limited. Potential side effects include diarrhea, changes in appetite and fatigue. CBD may also interact with other medications. Work closely with a pediatrician if considering CBD for a child with ADHD.
Does CBD help with focus and concentration?
Some studies show potential benefits of CBD for attention, focus and concentration, both in healthy individuals and those with ADHD. However, data directly linking CBD to improved focus is limited. Seek medical guidance before using CBD to improve focus.
Can you build tolerance to CBD for ADHD?
It’s possible to build up a tolerance over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Make dosage adjustments only under medical supervision. Taking breaks, varying CBD products, and managing stress levels may help avoid tolerance buildup.