Cannabis Effects By Strain Type
Some people believe that different strains of cannabis produce different effects. Strains are different varieties of the cannabis plant. Common marketing distinguishes between these two strains:
- Sativa is believed to energize.
- Indica is believed to have calming and pain-reducing effects.
However, research shows the differences between strains are not necessarily accurate. The effects of cannabis are dictated by its levels of THC and CBD, with each having different effects on the brain and body. Most Indica strains are thought to have a higher proportion of CBD, which lends them their calming effects.
Most research in favor of cannabis for ADHD shows benefits of CBD, so you may want to choose a cannabis strain with a higher proportion of CBD or try CBD oil instead of cannabis.
Best Strains For Adhd And Anxiety
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety are two different conditions. However, they are closely connected. Nearly 50% of people with ADHD also experience anxiety .
Adults with ADHD or ADD tend to lead anxious lives as they try to manage the effects of the disorder. For example, it can make simple tasks seem overwhelming and hard to manage. More complex tasks, such as large projects or planning ahead, can produce a panic attack. The stress of struggling to manage life with ADHD and anxiety can be overwhelming. Luckily, cannabis can help.
Since ADHD and anxiety are intertwined, the best strains for ADHD and anxiety treat the symptoms of both. Cannabis can help soothe these symptoms and help people regain control over their lives.
In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Next, we will share the top 5 best strains for ADHD and anxiety. Lastly, we will explain how to order cannabis and even a delivery option in St. Louis!
Treating Adhd With Medical Marijuana
Contents
Research on ADHD has opened doors to get more benefits from cannabis and CBD oil. Some studies show that medical marijuana can be useful to treat ADHD/ADD. ADHD is usually diagnosed in youngsters, while adults may have a similar ADD condition. These neurodevelopmental disorders cause symptoms like short attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Particular types of cannabis and CBD oil can be a great help in curbing these symptoms.
The cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis are fundamentally the same as many of the neurotransmitters made by our own bodys endocannabinoid system. One of these neurotransmitters is dopamine. An absence of this substance in the brains prefrontal cortex is the prime reason for ADHD because it regulates attention and memory.
Many patients have been prescribed Ritalin and Adderall for their ADHD symptoms. Still, while Adderall and some other drugs might work, they felt side effects like hair loss, fever, tremor, weakness, and stomach pain.
While weed strains and CBD oil positively help ADHD users in many ways, they can get much anxiety and headaches with high doses. These reactions are usually minor in cannabis in comparison with Adderall and other drugs. Drugs like Adderall can influence you more in many ways. You can high-CBD weed or CBD oil to get back your attention. Terpenes in cannabis would also be useful for the treatment of regaining focus.
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How Should A Parent Help A Teen With Adhd Who Is Using Cannabis
Its normal for parents to experience a range of emotions after discovering that their child is using cannabis. The initial gut reaction or emotion is understandably anger and disappointment, but its best to release these feelings prior to engaging in conversation. Any dialogue with teens must be done in a controlled, calm way teens will not listen to parents who are yelling and blurting out things they will later regret.
Seeking consultation with a doctor, pediatrician, or therapist who has experience in substance abuse can help, especially for parents who are struggling with their owns feelings and reactions toward their child.
The next step is for parents to educate themselves on cannabis and how it can be appealing. Parents should try to proactively see what their child might be experiencing, and why they might have turned to the substance. When the conversation does start, parents should work deliberately not to shame their child, and instead focus on understanding their childs experience on cannabis.
Parents should calmly ask questions like:
- I found this and Im concerned, but Id like to know what the appeal of this is for you?
- What does this do for you?
- How did you feel the very first time that you did this?
The information in this article is based on Dr. Roberto Olivardias two-part Marijuana and the ADHD Brain webinar series. The first part, was broadcast live on February 26, 2020. was broadcast live on March 26, 2020.
How Does Cannabis Affect The Adhd Brain
Cannabis use impairs areas and functions of the brain that are also uniquely impaired by ADHD.
The substances negative effects are most harmful to developing brains. Many studies show that usage earlier in life, particularly before the age of 25, predicts worse outcomes. One study found that heavy marijuana use in adolescence was associated with a loss of 8 IQ points, on average, in adulthood 10. Another study found that people under age 18 are four to seven more times at risk for CUD compared to adults.11
People with ADHD, whose brain development is delayed by slowly maturing frontal lobes, are thus more vulnerable to cannabis effects on neuronal connections. Some of these impairments may be irreversible.
Cannabis can also interact significantly with some ADHD medications. Research studies have shown that methylphenidate reacts significantly with the substance, and can cause increased strain on the heart.12
Other studies show that the use of cannabis can decrease the effect of a stimulant medication13. An individual trying to treat their ADHD with stimulants is actually placing themselves at a disadvantage, since the cannabis is impacting them negatively and making the medication less effective.
The increased risk of suicide associated with cannabis use further complicates marijuana among individuals with ADHD, who already face an elevated risk for suicide compared to neurotypical individuals 14.
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What Strain Is Best For Anxiety And Focus
If your anxiety makes it difficult for you to focus, some popular strains to try are CBD-dominant rather than THC-dominant. Research suggests that CBD may help treat anxiety, whereas other evidence points to THC sometimes exacerbating anxiety. Any sativa-dominant strain rich in CBD could help you focus better, whether you need to study for an exam, prepare a presentation or simply read a book.
See what cannabis can do for your levels of focus when you obtain a medical marijuana card in your home state. Reach out to Leafwells medical team today and start the easy online application process.
When Does Cannabis Use Become A Substance Use Disorder
About 30% of people who use cannabis will develop a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder occurs when substance use begins to interfere with a persons day-to-day functioning.
Research shows that CBD alone, without THC, is not addictive. So, if you are concerned about developing a substance use disorder, you may want to choose a product with only CBD as opposed to both CBD and THC.
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Tips For Picking Out Cannabis Strains For Add/adhd
Only five of thousands of cannabis strains are mentioned in this brief article. However, these five are not the only flowers that may be helpful to those with ADD/ADHD.
If youre hoping to find quality cannabis for ADD/ADHD, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when picking out strains. These include:
Does Weed Help You Focus
One of the best things about cannabis is how versatile the plant is. And while people typically turn to pharmaceuticals like Adderall to treat attention deficit, cannabis has shown to help increase focus as well. Although clinical research into the topic has been significantly hindered outdated and somewhat racist federal prohibition, years of anecdotal evidence have spawned a new nickname for certain strains of hyperfocus bud – green Adderall.
So if you’ve had a hard time staying on topic and you’re wondering how to focus with ADHD or spend more time wondering “how can I focus with ADD?” than actually doing your work, it might be time to try weed. When it comes to buying cannabis, there are four general classifications: indica, sativa, hybrid, and CBD. When it comes to the question of Sativa or Indica for ADHD or ADD, each category of bud comes with unique benefits.
Just like traditional attention-deficit drugs use amphetamines to help people focus, sativas have been known to keep the mind active and at attention. On the other end of the spectrum, indicas tend to have a relaxing body effect that can help some people slow down and focus on the task at hand. And in the middle, hybrid strains contain characteristics from both sides of the spectrum, often resulting in the most effective medical marijuana experience.
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Rating Scale Changes Before And After Initiation Of Cannabis
Table 1 presents the rating scales obtained from the patients medical record and on the day of the interview. These scores were obtained before and after the patients used cannabis regularly. Consistent with the testimonials, all 3 patients experienced positive improvements on the measures for depression, emotional regulation, and inattention. The scores from patients 1 and 2 also indicate an improvement in the SCARED, which measures symptoms of anxiety.
Table 1.
Rating scale scores obtained from 3 ADHD patients medical charts prior to and after initiation of cannabis
Sativa Or Indica For Add/adhd
Find the right strain for you
Whether you want to relieve anxiety, pain or depression, the right strain is out there. Use our online tool to narrow the search.
Once you decide to start treating ADHD and ADD with medical cannabis, there are two questions that usually need to be addressed right away:
Which strain of marijuana is the best for your condition and how to get the dosage right?
As it turns out, the answer to both is not universal, and it depends on the overall health, exact symptoms, tolerance to cannabinoids, and after all, the desired effects.
If you need to be energized but focused in the day pure sativa strains and sativa-dominant hybrids should be a good fit for the daytime use. Strains that belong to this group are Super Silver Haze, Amnesia Haze, Girl Scout Cookies and Sensi Star.
On the other hand, if you are after more calming effects and something to use in the evening, stick to indica dominant strains. Top rated indica strains are Bubba Kush, Afghan Kush, Blueberry, Master Kush and Northern Lights.
When it comes to dosing the game becomes a bit more subjective. The best approach is to start with the smallest possible dose and increase incrementally. The biggest reason why you should go easy at first is that cannabis may produce biphasic effects in low doses, it can produce one set of effects and in high doses completely opposite.
Remember, even a small dose of marijuana with low levels of THC would help ease the symptoms.
So heres my advice:
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Additional Studies On Cannabis & Adhd
- A 2016 online review of cannabis and ADHD posts found that 25% of posts contained mention of therapeutic effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms while 8% reported worse symptoms. 7
- There is a case report of a patient who used cannabis to treat severe ADHD and improve behavioral symptoms, reduce emotional instability, and improve sleep. 8
- A 2017 study found that Sativex, a THC dominant nasal spray, had nominally significant improvements on hyperactivity and inattention. The authors noted the study provides preliminary evidence supporting the self-medication theory of cannabis use in ADHD. 9
None of this means cannabis is a magic cure for ADHD. In fact studies suggest that heavy, long term THC use can lead to neurodevelopmental issues, increasing the risk or symptoms of ADHD. People with ADHD are at a higher risk for substance abuse as well as cannabis use disorder and cannabis use should be carefully considered with a medical professional., 1011
This doesnt mean that cannabis cant be helpful for people with ADHD, as it clearly can be, but rather that each individual has a complex relationship with the plant. This is an evolving area of research, and as of yet, there are no large-scale studies to examine the relationship between cannabis use and ADHD.
How Can Medical Cannabis Help Treat Adhd
Healthcare professionals have started supporting the use of medical cannabis to treat ADHD since it appears to be an option that might be able to treat ADHD in patients.
Perhaps youâve heard that medical cannabis can cause a loss of focus in recreational users? Well, in ADHD patients, it seems like the opposite effect is observed. A 2008 study in Germany showed that cannabis might improve ADHD symptoms, possibly increasing the disposal of dopamine.
Research regarding the effectiveness of treating ADHD using medical cannabis is limited. However, a study was carried out which analyzed an online discussion forum regarding peopleâs experiences while using medical cannabis for ADHD. Out of the 468 participants, 25% of them believed that medical cannabis played a positive role in managing their ADHD.
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Effects Commonly Associated With Sativa Strains
Broadly, cannabis sativa strains are said to have the following effects:
- Energizing. This is a sought-after effect for daytime consumers or for those who want to consume before doing an activity or being social.
- Uplifting. Many people report that their mood is altered and improves after consuming sativa strains.
- Increased creativity. For some, consuming a cannabis sativa product can help shift or unblock creativity, or generate new ideas.
- Mind-expanding. Not limited to creativity, cannabis sativa strains are often thought to direct attention inward for reflection.
- Sharper focus. Some report that cannabis sativa strains can help ease a distracted mind and concentrate on the task at hand.
As a result of these effects, some report that cannabis sativa products offer some relief from symptoms of:
- Depression. With their reported energizing, mood-uplifting, and creativity-inducing effects, sativas may help combat feelings of lethargy and apathy.
- Anxiety. Similarly, some people report that cannabis sativa strains can ease anxiety with soothing and uplifting effects. Others find that it helps them snap out of repeated or intrusive thoughts.
- ADHD. Because of the cerebral and increased focus effects attributed to sativas, some people report that cannabis sativa products help ease symptoms of ADHD.
Raspberry Cough By Nirvana Seeds
Raspberry Cough bred by Nirvana Seeds is a 70:30 sativa strain that creates happy thoughts and an uplifted mood.
For this reason it is ideal for treating anxiety, but it can also alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD.
Raspberry Cough users have reported increased focus and productivity levels.
It can also relax the body enough to decrease fidgeting in anyone with ADHD.
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Brain And Body Development
Long-term use of marijuana can lead to complications. These include:
- altered brain development
, people diagnosed between ages 7 and 9 were significantly more likely than individuals without the disorder to report cannabis use within eight years of the original study interview.
In fact, a 2016 analysis found that people who had been diagnosed with ADHD as youths were to report cannabis use.
Research On Marijuana And Add/adhd
As Ive said many times before, we seriously still need a lot of research on the medical benefits of marijuana. And when it comes to ADHD we need even more, since there are almost none covering this issue in vitro.
According to a study done in 2014, those who experienced impulsivity and hyperactivity are much more likely to use cannabis. Although this is an important piece of information, the research did not look into the exact effects of marijuana on ADHD.
What this study concluded was very logical:
ADHD patients tend to use cannabis as a relief from standard ADHD therapy.
The usual treatment for ADHD involves amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants.
These types of drugs increase focus but decrease relaxation. Depending on the person, they also have a bunch of side effects, like appetite reduction, nausea, abdominal cramping, and insomnia.
So, its not surprising how kids that suffer from ADHD start using marijuana at a young age, and its certainly not surprising that adults use cannabis to ease their nerves and remain calm.
One of the few scientists to study the exact connection between marijuana and ADHD is Dr. David Bearman a very famous physician in the field of medicinal marijuana.
Dr. Bearman likes to point out how marijuana is very beneficial in easing side effects of ADHD medications. One good example is using cannabis to increase appetite loss of appetite is a well-known side effect of Adderall.
On to the next point.
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The Best Strains For Focus
Youll notice that most of our suggestions have two characteristics in common. The majority are sativa or Sativa-dominant rather than Indica strains because Sativa tends to keep you active while indica is more likely to zone you out on the couch. And most have relatively high THC content, because in moderation its the cannabinoid most likely to enhance creativity and focus.
What Kind Of Cannabis Strain Is The Best For People With Adhd
THC-dominant strains can be beneficial in improving focus for some and distracting for others. If you find THC strains are causing your mind to be overly racy or cloudy, try a different strain or experiment with a smaller dose.
A CBD dominant strain usually contains far less THC and is unlikely to produce a euphoric high but could be helpful for someone looking to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
A more balanced THC/CBD strain is known to offer only mild psychoactive effects, making it an ideal choice for someone who just wants a little bit of increased cerebral activation and focus.
If you´re looking to treat ADHD or you know people diagnosed with the condition, we have compiled a list of some of the best medical marijuana strains that could help to provide relaxing effects and help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
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