Should you use Marijuana and ADHD Medication together

ADHD and marijuana may be something you’re curious about. ADHD is a disorder that starts within childhood, beginning with hyperactivity and behavior which is impulsive. While there are many symptoms to help people who have this, some people don’t like those because of the side effects that come with this, including the medications. It’s also why some people are looking to alternative treatments, including cannabis. 

Cannabis and marijuana is a subject that is a bit complicated, with more and more research needing to be done to really figure out the verdict on this. This is because ADHD meds can be very stimulating, and create side effects which are quite serious, including more arousal, insomnia, and the like. With more people curious about the safety and efficacy of the medications, especially in those which are younger, medications may also impact your brain, including memory and learning. Marijuana is something that has a bit of a stimulatory impact on the body due to the THC that’s in there, and it can make you either euphoric, or calmed as well, and there is also CBD, which isn’t intoxicating.

 

Should those with ADHD Use It? 

Right now, there is no evidence that says marijuana helps with this condition, but there is some evidence in the preliminary stage that shows that cannabinoids that are in this can help adults that deal with ADHD. Cannabis is good for those pleasant emotions you might feel, albeit that does vary between people. 

As for the benefits, there is the dopamine which comes with this, being a huge neurotransmitter in the game, and it is a big part of rewarding various behaviors.  ADHD is something that has a much larger concentration of these transporters of dopamine within the brain, but the transporters do remove this as well to quickly for it to cause major effects, which is why those with ADHD need to stimulate this, so that they have more dopamine, since they burn through it too quickly. 

Marijuana to cope with this is something that is up for debate. While it can boost your dopamine receptors, and improve happiness, and helps you stop relying on activities that are super stimulating, it also can improve the symptoms of ADHD in certain people, and also reduce the dependency for these drugs too. 

There are some drawbacks that come with this. 

THC may have harmful consequences for the long-term on a brain that has ADHD , especially during those early developmental periods. It can impact your executive functions, including solving problems, learning, and memory. Based on a study of those with ADHD that used marijuana, it was found that they were worse on their ability to make decisions on tests than those who weren’t able to, and those who had very pronounced effects were children of course. 

Of course, there is also the fact that if you use other drugs and marijuana, it basically hyper stimulates the reward receptors in the brain, and for those with ADHD it ca be amplified, since they’re already getting stimulants in their prescription meds that change the dopamine levels. The pattern of the use of medication, where the dopamine gets elevated, does lead to dependencies and addiction as well. 

It is something that those who have ADHD should look at since there is always of course the chance that with this, it can play a major problem in this. But right now, while there isn’t some concrete evidence, hopefully we can learn more about this as well, and the ultimate effects of this as well for you too.

Cannabis to Relax Muscles

Weed, or marijuana, is basically a natural muscle relaxant, and it does target different areas of the body. However, it works a little bit differently, and it differs from the typical muscle relaxers that the doctor prescribes to you. We’ll go over why that is here. 

Cannabis to Relax Muscles 

Muscle relaxants are something that people get prescribed to ease the tension, helps with cramps and spasms, and also improves the spasticity of the body, so that it doesn't happen as often. It also might help with stiffness and pain within the muscles.  Before we knew that cannabis could work to relax muscles, there were a lot of muscle relaxants that were prescribed by doctors to help with this. 

But this is a bit different, because it can have some possible effects as a result of this, but THC and the like are also natural muscle relaxers too. How does that work? Well, it’s due to THC working to reduce the spasticity of the muscles, and CBD offering the anti-inflammatory results that help with reducing the signals that are a result of these spasms. This is because a lot of times, it can directly help with the body, targeting these receptors within the ECS. 

The cool thing about this, is that you can try out different kinds of ratios for both of these to figure out the right balance. You may find them in a 1:1 ratio, where there are equal amounts, 1:3 where there is more CBD than THC, and sometimes 2:1, since some people may want the THC benefits instead. 

The cool thing about this, is that no matter HOW you take THC, you’re going to be able to get the effects of this.

The best way to take this, is via:

• Smoking 

• Vapes 

• Tinctures 

• Creams 

• Edibles 

The minor Cannabinoids and their part. 

While we talk a lot about THC, and CBD, there are other parts of this that are worth mentioning. One of the best is cannabinol, and cannabigerol, which also works to help with inflammation and pain. CBN is better for sleeping, while CBG is one that’s great for inflammation, and pain of the muscles. The problem with these compounds is that while they both do work, they are much lower in the types of concentration that you’re getting, especially when compared to both CBD and THC in most cases.

Some also might have more CBG and CBN added to them as well, and that can be something that you can also consider. Another thing to consider when you’re figuring out the types of cannabis to consume, there are other compounds, including flavonoids and terpenes, which are great for relaxing the body, and they come with different effects. 

The cool thing for instance, is that terpenes can help with reducing spasticity, and also the antioxidants within this do help with the inflammation of the muscles.

While both of these are great for the relief, the range of this does matter. For instance, if you have dried cannabis flower, you’re getting the full extent of these effects.

On the flip side, an extract of CBD and THC is only going to contain that, and it’ll be missing a variety of the compounds that some people look for when they’re choosing cannabis.

Regardless of what you choose, there are a lot of different ways to improve cannabis, and there are a lot of benefits that cannabis has with relaxing muscles, so if you want to use this to naturally relax the muscles, this is a good way to do so.

The Difference Between Cannabis and hemp

 You’ve heard both of these things, and a lot of times, people don’t really understand the difference. Here, we’ll go over a couple of the major differences s hemp and cannabis have, and why it’s important to know the difference between both of these items. 

The Difference 

Based on the agriculture improvement act that occurred in 2018, a new definition came about for both hemp, and cannabis as well.  It’s actually come down to one component: the THC present within this. Hemp is basically anything with less than .3% of the THC that’s within it. 

Plants that have more than that amount, are considered cannabis. The biggest difference really is the THC, so those that have more, which results in feeling high, is called cannabis.  Cannabis actually belongs inside a family of plants.  They have three major components, and they are: 

• Sativa: this energizes the body, reduces the anxiety and stress, while also boosting mental focus, and creativity 

• Indica, which is the sedative one, that gives you the full-body high that you’re looking for, improving both pain, insomnia, and relaxation too 

• Ruderalis: this is one that’s low in THC, but very high in CBD 

These usually vary too, and some people may feel the effects from both sativa, indica, or it might vary based on your needs. Everyone is different, so you’ll have to check your endocannabinoid receptors to figure out what’s right for you. 

It’s also important to note too that each strain gives different effects, so talk with someone if you’re not sure whether a strain is right for you. 

Differences between hemp and Marijuana 

Now that there is a difference between both cannabis and hemp, let’s take it further and look at marijuana. 

A lot of journals actually used the name of cannabis to describe it.

When the early 1900s came about, marijuana soon became a more popular term, since this is because of the different restrictions that happen.

It was by the time 1916 rolled around that they tried to figure out that they could actually make four times the number of paper from hemp plants, than for trees. That’s also why a lot of people, despite not approving of marijuana, like hemp, because of the intense applications in the industrial world.

Then, when 1937 came around, the war on marijuana happened, and it’s also when marijuana came about.

This was something that actually was made for the sole purpose of trying to stigmatize cannabis as well. They put together a big taxation that happened on hemp, and also it would help plastic and nylon businesses, and also properly integrated the companies vertically, especially paper industries, and also was good for those in the lumber industry, helping them to thrive.

This is something that’s definitely important to understand, because at the base of it all, marijuana is something that’s less than .3% THC within this, and it’s usually a popular term for those users who utilize this recreationally. 

There are instances of them trying to destigmatize hemp too, as there are industries that actually wanted hemp, especially during World War II. Victory gardens contained hemp, and this was used for navy ships during the second world war. 

What we do know though, is despite all of this, people still think that it is’ on the same level as LSD, cocaine, and heroin, although it’s not a bad thing for a lot of people.

Hopefully, as we see cannabis continue to get legalized, we’ll see more and more people get excited about using this, and offer a way to improve utilization.

Cannabis for ADHD

If you’re interested in getting cannabis for ADHD, you’re not alone. If you struggle with this condition, cannabis may not be the first thing that you think of, but there are different strains that can help. Some people have ADHD that results in hyperfocus. Instead of not having issues with recognition, or even remembering various things, a person is almost hypervigilant in the environment that they have, resulting in higher sensitivity. The sights, the sounds, the tastes, and the smells all get noticed, all at the exact instance.

For those who are struggling with ADHD, they may have symptoms that are disruptive, causing behaviors that arne’t fully understood, or even accepted. There are some prescriptions to help with this, but some haven’t enjoyed using those for their problems. 

How cannabis can help 

For some people who have ADHD in the form of anxiety disorders and fidgeting, cannabis can help calm them down, and anxiety is considered a condition that’s legally qualified for cannabis. Some also may say that it works for their symptoms.

There are various types of cannabis strains, in fact, over 700 different ones, and some can be a bit more sedative, which is good for those who have a lot of head chattering, especially when trying to focus, or even trying to sleep.

Other ones can boost the mood, which is good for those who feel depressed when they have ADHD symptoms crop up.

There are different strains that can benefit you, and they definitely can be good for many.

Strains for Anxiety Relief 

Some people who have ADHD struggle with energy spikes and anxiety as well. As there is usually a lot that’s going on, it can sometimes be a lot, and some people struggle to stop moving when they have this condition.

Some people feel like they need to calm down a little bit, and settle into smaller, more calmer states of energy, and sometimes, you don't want to feel like sedated, but more focused and calm. 

The best strains to help for that include: 

• Super lemon haze 

• Sour breath 

• Strawberry cough 

• Harlequin GDP 

• Reg Congolese 

• Some lucid blue 

Some of these are sativa based though, so if you have a lot of creativity and bursts of energy, it can be a bit much for you. If you're struggling to find relief for this, you should be mindful. A little goes a long way with these kinds of strains.

Indica for ADHD

Some people feel better when they take indica strains, as they are better for quelling the mind and body, and usually, those that are dominant in indica can be a better option.

If you’re someone with a laundry list of things to do, you should avoid indica for sedation too, since that’ll just make you feel couch locked. 

You may, however, want to consider this, especially if you’ve got some racing thoughts.

The best ones for that job do include: 

• Sour diesel 

• Harlequin 

• Harle-Tsu 

• Blackjack 

• Star Master Kush 

• Fire Alien Strawberry 

Some of these may be important to look at, as you might find one that’s good for moderating symptoms.

You should also consider using a CBD strain for ADHD, as they can calm the body down, and they usually are good for making sure that you have a calming experience, but also aren’t feeling super jittery.

A strain that’s full spectrum is the best, or you might want to pick one that’s pure CBD, because that might be the better option to help with treating your ADHD symptoms, and improving this as well.

Marijuana for PTSD

PTSD is a condition that affects many veterans, especially those who see combat.  This is something that happens to many people, and it can be hard to live life. It triggers abuse, and this definitely has created a different state of mind for many. Fortunately, marijuana could be the answer, and for many people, it is. 

Cannabis and PTSD 

The thing with cannabis is that it can help with all kinds of trauma that people deal with. It’s important to understand that those who aren’t directly in combat may develop PTSD, and usually, there is a condition that’s under all of this, and people get triggered through this. There is a theory that recently came up that the deficiency of the endocannabinoids within the body might be the reason for this.

For those who don’t know, endocannabinoids are various compounds that our body is able to naturally produce. This is something that’s produced in the flowers of the cannabis plant, but they’re called Phyto cannabinoids. Now, for those who don't know, endocannabinoids are really good for mood regulation, and imbalances of this may be the reason for PTSD conditions, and also anxiety, depression, fear, and also sadness too.  There are many who struggle with PTSD, and who may use cannabis to help with mood regulation. 

Our body creates a fear response whenever we are in danger, and a desire to fight.  This, of course, causes various neurochemicals within the body to show up. For those with PTSD, these bouts of panic and fear can be triggering in very simple situations.  This can also be quite stressful, even after the danger is long gone.  This is something that some people with PTSD don’t have. They’re unable to fully extinguish the fear. 

While there are different systems that are involved in this, anandamide is one of the key parts of this, as this is the one that’s responsible for serotonin uptake. 

The serotonin imbalance that people go through is what causes depression, anxiety, nightmares, and the like.

When you supplement the body with the Phyto cannabinoids, it can help with reducing the fear response, and quell those PTSD episodes that happen. 

The Best Strains for the job 

The next thing to ask, is the ideal strain and the delivery methods for those that deal with PTSD. 

If your PTSD symptoms involve panic attacks, low THC strains and various delivery methods that offer faster times for the action to take place including smoking, vaping, and tinctures are the best way to do this.

If you have nightmares and struggle with sleep, including insomnia, something that’s high in THC, and faster delivery might be the best one to have before you go to bed.

Usually, those patients as well also suffer from different symptoms, and also might benefit from different varieties of formulas and methods of delivery too. For instance, the low-THC ones that you inhale might be good for those who have sudden panic attacks. Those higher in THC may want to look for these when they need to catch some Zs. 

If you’re taking this, always start off with the minimal, and then, figure out the right dosage. This is something that does vary, and you may need to take a few weeks to get to the ideal dosage that won’t make you feel tired, or even paranoid as well.  You can also cut back on this as the effects begin to diminish. 

Cannabis is a great tool for a variety of conditions, and for those who deal with PTSD and trauma, this could be a godsend for that condition and the problems too.