Cannabis and ADD/ADHD: does it work?

The attention deficit disorder (TDA) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurological disorders. They are characterized by problems with concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD is a cognitive disorder that generally manifests itself in childhood. Symptoms are generally behavioral: impulsivity, lack of patience, distractibility, restlessness or incessant chatter. This syndrome is more likely to be diagnosed in men than in women.

Is cannabis effective against ADD/ADHD?

Dr. David Bearman, an American physician well known for his research on cannabis, set out to study the relationship between cannabis and cannabis. endocannabinoid system and ADD/ADHD. He discovered that therapeutic cannabis is effective when cannabinoids interact with the brain's dopamine management systems.

«Cannabis appears to treat ADD and ADHD by increasing the brain's dose of dopamine,» said Dr. Bearman. «It then has the same effect, with a different mechanism of action, as stimulants.» In other words, cannabinoids present in cannabis will correct the dopamine deficiency caused by ADD/ADHD if patients with this condition receive the right dose of medical cannabis.

The result is available in this study, also features testimonials from other American doctors who explain why cannabis is effective in the treatment of ADD/ADHD.

On the other hand, a 2015 study published by Berlin doctors also shows that cannabis can be an effective treatment for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. It focuses on 28 male and two female patients aged between 21 and 51 who were administered cannabis. In all cases, patients showed improvements in their ADD/ADHD syndromes, notably in impulsivity, concentration and sleep. The researchers concluded that cannabis is an «effective and well-tolerated treatment», especially for patients who have failed to respond to conventional medication.

Traditional treatments to help patients suffering from this cognitive condition include ritalin or adderall, particularly for concentration. But these drugs have side effects such as nausea and vomiting. In small doses, medical cannabis can help, has proved effective to treat these side effects as well.

Mehdi Bautier