Almost Half of People with Cannabis Use Disorder Have ADHD
July 17, 2023Nearly half of people with cannabis use disorders also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)1, according to a new systematic review that also found almost a quarter (23%) of people with substance use disorders have ADHD.2Researchers found a positive relationship between severity of ADHD symptoms and likelihood of continued, increasing cannabis use and development of cannabis use disorder (CUD).
They uncovered a host of structural changes that occur in the brains of young people who regularly use cannabis, however they also found a prevailing belief among many people with ADHD that the risk associated with cannabis use is low, and the benefits are high, particularly for the improvement of sleep disturbance, social anxiety, and executive functioning.
The researchers said more study is needed to assess the accuracy of this belief, however some experts argue that the risks of cannabis use by individuals with ADHD are well founded.“Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of cannabis’ active compounds, inhibits neuronal connections and effectively slows the brain’s signaling process.
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