If you’re seeking an alternative to traditional treatment options for ADHD, you may have heard of Delta-8 THC. This potent cannabinoid is derived from hemp and is said to offer a range of potential benefits.
Some people believe that Delta-8 can help with ADHD symptoms, but there is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, some early research suggests that Delta-8 could potentially help to improve focus and concentration.
In this article, we will explore some of the evidence for and against using delta-8 to help with ADHD. If you’re considering using Delta-8 for ADHD, it’s important to speak to your doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a medical condition that affects brain development and activity. It causes problems with attention, sitting still, and self-control. It’s one of the most common mental disorders in children and teens.
Signs of ADHD can show up at an early age. They may become more noticeable when a child starts school and has to sit still and pay attention for long periods of time.
Most people with ADHD have it because it runs in their family. It can also be caused by being born early, exposure to toxins, or drug use during pregnancy.
ADHD is diagnosed by doctors talking to parents and kids and observing behavior. It’s important to rule out other possible causes of symptoms before making a diagnosis.
Treatment for ADHD includes medicine, behavior therapy, parent coaching, and school support. The goal of treatment is to help kids and teens with ADHD succeed in school, at home, and in social situations.
If your child has ADHD, you can be involved in their treatment. You can give them their medicine safely, work with their school, and parent with purpose and warmth.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound that is similar to, but less potent than, delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. The risks of delta-8 THC are not well understood, but it may cause some of the same side effects as delta-9 THC. Many people prefer the effects of delta-8 to delta-9 because they experience less anxiety while still getting an energized, happy feeling. (1)
Delta-8 THC is not naturally occurring in large amounts in hemp plants, so it is usually synthetically produced. Delta-8 THC is probably legal at the federal level, but some states don’t allow it. There are safety concerns with delta-8 THC because it is not well regulated. (2)
Can Cannabis Help With ADHD Symptoms?
Cannabis has long been used as a treatment for various medical conditions, but can it help with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Cannabis has two main components, THC and CBD, that produce different effects on the brain. THC is a psychoactive component that gives the “high” associated with cannabis and acts on the areas of the brain that control focus, coordination, and reaction time. CBD is a nonpsychoactive component in cannabis and hemp that acts on different areas of the brain and can counteract the effects of THC. It has been shown to help regulate brain activity.
There is limited research on using cannabis for ADHD because federal research on cannabis has been restricted, but the available research gives a mixed answer to the question of whether or not cannabis can help with ADHD. A study done with rats found that CBD improved their attention spans, but a study of human adults found that CBD did not improve their attention spans. Most states with medical cannabis programs do not include ADHD as a qualifying condition for getting a license.
Cannabis should not be used by most young people. Medical cannabis programs for children are extremely limited, and ADHD is not a qualifying condition. If you’re on ADHD medications, it’s important that you be upfront and honest with your healthcare provider about your cannabis use. Some people believe that different strains of cannabis produce different effects, but research shows that the effects of cannabis are dictated by its levels of THC and CBD. CBD alone is not addictive.
In most cases, ADHD doesn’t qualify for state medical cannabis programs, and cannabis should never be used to treat ADHD in people under age 21. If you or your child has ADHD, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options.
Conflicting Evidence About Cannabis And ADHD
While a number of studies suggest that cannabis is not helpful for ADHD, there is some conflicting evidence.
Firstly, it appears that a lot of ADHD sufferers self-medicate with cannabis. This brings up the question of whether or not using cannabis is actually helping them with their symptoms or just helping them to escape the difficulties created by ADHD.(3)
The answer might not be a simple yes or no. At least one study has indicated that some adults with ADHD get relief from cannabis use. The authors concluded that there might be an important difference between people diagnosed with ADHD, causing some to benefit from cannabis use and others do not. (4)
Should You Try Delta-8 To Treat Your ADHD Symptoms?
In the end, this is a question only you can answer. If you choose to use delta-8, it’s important to let your doctor know, as it will affect your response to medication.
While research has indicated that some ADHD sufferers benefit from taking a THC and CBD combo, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will help you. While the effects of THC are similar to delta-8, they are not the same. Some people on internet forums are suggesting that delta-8 works better for their ADHD than THC, but there is not yet any science to back this up.
If you do choose to try delta-8 for your ADHD, you should combine it with CBD. The researchers who found benefits from using THC for ADHD used a product that was 50% CBD and 50% THC. They speculated that CBD was likely an important factor in moderating the effects of THC.
Remember to be safe, talk to your doctor, and start small.
