Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, makes it challenging for a person to stay calm, attend to details without getting distracted, and weigh their options before making a decision. The condition comes with an intense urge to act (often without calculating risks) and inability to stay focused on one thing a person with ADHD has started.
Aside from this, it’s common for people with the condition to feel extreme stress, fatigue, and an innate inability to relax. As a result, they are more likely to be open to experimenting with holistic and medical options to find something that helps them manage the condition better.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a chronic and exhausting disorder that can affect a person in various aspects of their life. Neurodevelopmental disorders can impact a person’s academic, professional, and even personal aspects. The disorder also inhibits a person’s ability to engage in daily chores or even hobbies, often leading to low self-esteem along with a general lack of not knowing where their heart truly is.
Types Of ADHD
The impact of ADHD is not the same for everyone. Understanding the type of ADHD a person has (by analyzing their behavior) makes managing symptoms, staying focused, and finding a functional course of treatment easier. ADHD is categorized into three main types: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, depending on the symptoms exhibited by the person.
Here’s a complete breakdown of ADHD types:
Inattention
The inattention ADHD type shows up in the form of challenges to stay organized, aligned with a task for long, and stay focused.
Symptoms include:
- Problems paying attention to details.
- Staying focused on tasks that require time and attention (like reading)
- Difficulties in completing tasks that require repetitive detail filling (like filling forms)
- The person gets distracted easily
- Often losing or not remembering where everyday items have been kept.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity in ADHD refers to the inability to stay put, often resulting in the person becoming restless.
Symptoms include:
- The person with hyperactive ADHD may exhibit symptoms like fidgeting and having excessive energy.
- They can be excessively talkative.
- Inability to sit in one place for long.
- Always being on the go.
- Interrupting or talking over other people.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity in ADHD results in the person often not thinking through their decisions or actions. As a result, these people are quick to act and may not be prepared for the repercussions of their actions.
Symptoms include:
- Interrupting others during a conversation.
- Not being able to wait for their turn in a discussion.
- Engaging in unsafe and unpredictable behavior.
- Experiencing a reduction in emotional regulation
- Inability to analyse the situation at hand from an analytical perspective.
How Cannabis Can Ease ADHD Symptoms?
There are several reasons behind a person having ADHD, including neurodevelopmental issues or even genetics. Low levels of dopamine are also attributed to ADHD, as the neurotransmitter is responsible for transmitting signals between brain nerve cells. Inadequate levels of dopamine can affect memory and attention, a common symptom of ADHD.
The chemical substances present in cannabis promote levels of the reward system in the brain. As a result, the person with ADHD tends to feel calmer and more in sync with the activities they are participating in.
Cannabis used for ADHD management, specifically, usually has CBD or cannabidiol that can increase the production of dopamine without the harmful effects of cannabis (as THC is absent).
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in ADHD
Improper functioning of the endocannabinoid system is strongly associated with the risk of a person having ADHD. The imbalance also leads to struggles like sleep onset disorders and cognitive impairments, further making ADHD an exhausting disorder. The complex network of receptors, endogenous ligands, and metabolic enzymes often plays a critical role in governing ADHD related brain function.
For instance, the ECS helps regulate attention, impulsivity, and even functions like planning and working memory, which are often improperly functioning in a person with ADHD. The ECS also interacts with the neurotransmitter dopamine to regulate a person’s activity levels, thought processes, and even emotional balance.
Benefits of Cannabis for Focus, Impulsivity, and Anxiety
Cannabis is often opted for by people looking to manage their ADHD symptoms. The popular reason behind such selection is the effects cannabis has on the person. This is the result of the CBD and THC present in cannabis interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Here are some benefits of cannabis for focus, impulsivity, and anxiety:
- The calming effect of cannabis can help increase focus. This happens because the THC and CBD in cannabis attach to the brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- As the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine in the body increases, it becomes easier for a person to think before they act.
- With limited exposure to cannabis, the neurodevelopmental processes located in distinct brain networks slow down, lowering impulsivity.
- The calming effects of cannabis, CBD in particular, can help lower anxiety without the signature cannabis intoxicating aspect. It’s crucial to recognize that higher doses of THC can intensify anxiety.
How to Pick the Best Cannabis Strain for ADHD?
Cannabis strain refers to the monospecific genus Cannabis sativa L in use. Every strain offers a slightly variable set of benefits, making it crucial to find the cannabis strain that works best in helping you manage ADHD.
Here are some key considerations to have when choosing a cannabis strain for ADHD:
- THC-dominant strains: They are often used for recreational and medical purposes due to their intense relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception-inducing effects.
- CBD-dominant strain: The cannabis products in this range are often used for managing symptoms like anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation. They are also used to tackle complications like seizures.
- Balanced THC/CBD strain: The combination offers the benefits of pain relief, anxiety relief, and inflammation. They are popular for their psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits.
These are three popular types of strains that are available. The concentration of THC and CBD changes, giving the strain its effect.
Best Cannabis Strain for ADHD?
Here are some popular cannabis strains for ADHD management:
Sour Diesel
It’s a cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk. The THC content ranges from 17% to 26%, making it a favourite for people looking to feel energised. Many users abide by the strain’s ability to induce mental alertness and focus.
Jack Herer
If you are always exhausted managing your ADHD symptoms, Jack Herer can be helpful in restoring energy levels. The THC is present in the range of 15% to 24%. The strain gently induces cerebral stimulation and makes the body feel immensely relaxed.
Chocolope
With THC being in the range of 16% to 23%, Chocolope is an excellent cannabis strain to induce a strong sense of relaxation and calmness. The strain can be used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Green Crack
Despite its funny name, Green Crack is an effective cannabis strain known for its intense energising effects. With its 15% to 25% THC range, it works well to rejuvenate oneself. A key reason many people use this strain is its ability to boost mental performance without overwhelming stimulation.
Harlequin
If you are looking for clarity and calmness, then Harlequin is the ideal strain for you. Its high CBD content, combined with moderate THC levels, is immensely beneficial. The strain also offers mood stabilisation without lowering energy levels.
ACDC
The strain offers a high CBD-to-THC ratio, making it a popular choice for people looking for cannabis’ therapeutic effects. The strain also helps manage anxiety and impulsivity in individuals, making it a top choice for people looking to make the decision-making process easier and less stressful.
Blue Dream
If you are looking for intense mental invigoration paired with a complete body relaxation experience, then Blue Dream is a worthy investment. The strain enhances creativity without overwhelming stimulation. Its popular for its consistent performance, regardless of how many times you have consumed the strain.
Pineapple Express
With its signature pineapple and citrus flavours, Pineapple Express is a valuable option for those looking for mental stimulation and complete body relaxation. The strain can instantly uplift mood without overwhelming an individual.
Durban Poison
Often compared to a wholesome shot of espresso, Durban Poison is deeply energising, both mentally and physically. The strain works by increasing alertness, creativity and focus. The strain is also effective in reducing brain fog.
Tangie
The beautiful, juicy citrus notes in Tangie make it a popular choice for people looking to consume cannabis strains but have a distinct flavour preference. The strain is comparatively slow acting. It’s excellent for decreasing stress levels, increasing energy, and creativity.
Conclusion
If you are considering using cannabis for ADHD management, it’s essential to recognise which strain can help reduce the symptoms and help you achieve your specific goals. To make the best decision, consider outlining the symptoms you are most bothered by and check the range of cannabis strains that offer a solution to calming them. Know that you can possibly be experimenting longer than expected to find the perfect cannabis strain that works perfectly for you.
