Millions of children around the world are diagnosed with ADHD, a medical condition that often continues into adulthood. As people have explored all of the benefits, they are asking the question as to whether CBD for ADHD is a viable solution. People who have ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, experience difficulty regulating their energy, concentrating, and controlling their impulses. They can also undergo feelings of aggression, excitability, anxiety, boredom, irritability, and even depression. These issues are commonly treated with pricey amphetamine-like pharmaceuticals that come with an array of side effects. As an all-natural alternative, CBD products can help those with ADHD keep their symptoms in check without breaking the bank.
What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is a hot topic across the globe. The trendy substance is derived from cannabis and hemp plants. These plants are made up of compounds known as cannabinoids with CBD being one of the most common. Within the plants, there are more than a 100 different cannabinoids that illicit drug-like bodily reactions.
Because of its effects on the body, CBD is used for treating a myriad of ailments from epilepsy to chronic pain to even PTSD. While CBD is often mentioned alongside THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid known for inducing highs, the two chemicals should not be used interchangeably as they are not the same substance. Dissimilar to THC, CBD does not create a high and is actually approved in the United States for medical use. As the stigma surrounding hemp and cannabis has waned over the past ten years, more funds have gone towards researching CBD’s influence, including its effects on those who have ADHD.
CBD Can Help Treat ADHD
More recent medical studies have shown that CBD can effectively treat common ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity. While using CBD for ADHD is by no means a cure-all for the disorder, it has been proven beneficial through various trials. In 2017, a randomized-controlled trial found that cannabinoids could substantially alleviate a variety of behaviors in individuals with ADHD, a compelling piece of evidence that CBD does help with the disorder. Likewise, an experiment performed by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience revealed that adults with ADHD may, “experience a reduction of symptoms and no cognitive impairments following cannabinoid use.” Furthermore, the study concluded that CBD can act as an anti-inflammatory for the brain, subsequently reducing ADHD-related problems. Numerous studies exist internationally that echo the same findings. With acceleration, scientists are shifting their attention to CBD’s ability to assuage the hallmarks of ADHD. In fact, just this past year, researchers from FENS, a group of scientists and physicians committed to brain and nervous system research, also reported that “cannabinoid receptors modulate impulsive behavior…in attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorder.” As the supporting data continuously accumulates, the stigma surrounding cannabinoids and more specifically CBD will likely subside.
CBD for ADHD can be Beneficial, Affordable, and Gentle
CBD has not only been proven effective, but it’s also affordable. A factor that makes a difference in the lives of so many. Countless people across the US struggle to afford ADHD medications even while having health insurance. According to a study published by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Americans spend roughly $143 billion to $266 billion a year, and the direct annual costs for treatment are estimated to be $1,574 per person. A price people are willing to pay for productivity and peace. Because of these costs, households with ADHD individuals are sometimes even forced to sacrifice their standard of living, amenities, and whatever else they need in order to foot the bill at the pharmacy. However, CBD products have not been shown to pose the same problem. Currently for those with ADHD, there are over 13 different prescriptions available on the market… but all come with a hefty warning label and are typically followed by a daunting price tag.
With active ingredients like Methylphenidate and Amphetamine Sulfate, most ADHD meds are riddled with heavy side effects such as risk for depression, heart failure, and suicide ideation. By contrast, CBD alternatives are cheaper compared to many of these prescribed drugs and pose little to no risk. The latter cannot be said for any of the prescriptions available now, stimulant or non-stimulant. The accompanying side effects of these pharmacy drugs are especially worrisome since over 3 million children take ADHD medications a year. Conversely, CBD treats ADHD without the negative consequences typically associated with today’s prescriptions. Because of this, CBD is an industry disruptor that is undeniably changing the pharmaceutical game.
CBD Offers Versatile Solutions
CBD for ADHD is a natural solution that’s safe and effective. What’s even more attractive about the cannabinoid is that it’s easy to administer. Despite the fact that many children (some adults too) have trouble taking pills, most ADHD meds are distributed in pill form. This is where CBD can help! CBD, unlike so many other drugs, can be given in a variety of ways so that the patient and their doctor can choose the way that works best for their scenario. CBD can be absorbed via vapors, a tincture, an edible, or even through a topical ointment. This versatility favors any individual with aversions or physical impairments such as difficulty swallowing or chewing. By being less restrictive, CBD has more opportunities to help those in need whether they be ADHD or not.
The Research Continues
As a society, we are steadily learning about cannabinoids, so the known benefits of CBD for ADHD continue to grow. Within the last decade, an increasing amount of studies have been published on the influence of CBD specifically when it comes to mental health diagnoses like ADHD. In 2019, ample amounts of scientific work are focused on tapping into the powers of CBD. According to the US National Library of Medicine, today there are over 200 active or recruiting clinical trials involving CBD in the United States alone! Through dedicated research, we are discovering more and more about what the chemical has to offer and how it can help humans across the world live their best lives.
*Do not change your current medical treatment without first using the knowledge, consent, and supervision of your healthcare team.
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