Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsResearch ResultsBenefitsRisks and Side EffectsUsage DirectionsCBD Laws
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Research Results
Benefits
Risks and Side Effects
Usage Directions
CBD Laws
Research results are mixed on usingcannabidiol(CBD) forattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Some studies show promise, while others caution against CBD use in ADHD, especially in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges people to avoid giving it to kids because so much is yet unknown about its effects.
This article explains some of the preliminary research on CBD use for ADHD, which also affects adults.It offers information you can discuss with your healthcare provider when considering CBD use for ADHD.
Research on CBD for ADHD Symptoms
The federal prohibition on all cannabis products, including hemp, prior to 2018 has limited research on CBD and ADHD. However, there are some studies about the effects of CBD orcannabis on ADHD symptoms. Here’s what they’ve found:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approvedone prescription CBD medication, which is used to treat epilepsy.Research is ongoing for CBD formulate to treat other conditions.
Mixed Research Results on CBD and ADHDDespite some promising trends, a 2023 review of 39 studies on cannabis use and CBD in treating adult ADHD found small sample sizes, a lack of quality evidence, and lack of clarity about symptoms, dosages, and other definitions. The authors concluded that cannabis was not recommended for ADHD treatment at this time.
Mixed Research Results on CBD and ADHD
Despite some promising trends, a 2023 review of 39 studies on cannabis use and CBD in treating adult ADHD found small sample sizes, a lack of quality evidence, and lack of clarity about symptoms, dosages, and other definitions. The authors concluded that cannabis was not recommended for ADHD treatment at this time.
Benefits of CBD
Unlike THC, which acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain,CBD acts on opioid and glycine receptors. These receptors regulate pain and the neurotransmitterserotonin, which helps us feel good. Unsurprisingly, then, research has shown that CBD can have lots of benefits. These include:
CBD Oil: The Science Behind This Cannabis Plant Extract
Risks and Side Effects of CBD
CBD has very few side effects. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and it doesn’t have any risk of addiction or abuse, although there are some findings to suggest cannabis use disorder andcannabis withdrawalcan occur.
A 2020 scientific review of 22 research studies found no reports of serious adverse side effects.However, some people who take CBD will experience minor side effects including:
CBD also can cause drug interactions with medications you take for other health conditions, such as those used for seizure disorders.
CBD and Supplement Regulation
How to Use CBD for ADHD
If you’re curious about using CBD to treat ADHD, you should talk with your healthcare provider. Although CBD is generally considered safe, it is still a chemical compound that can interact with other supplements or medications.
Dosage
There is no known dosage for treating ADHD. Many people find they need to experiment to find the right daily dose to manage their symptoms.
Your healthcare provider should be able to offer dosage and product recommendations that work with your individualized treatment plan. Keep in mind that CBD oils are mostly unregulated, so dosages could vary. There’s also no guarantee that a product is safe, effective, or precisely what it claims to be on its packaging.
Is CBD Safe for Children?
The way in which CBD affects the developing brain in children (including babies who may ingest CBD through breast milk) remains unknown. The CDC urges people to keep CBD products away from children.
While the FDA has approved a CBD product to treat epilepsy, a January 2023 announcement from the agency cited mixed research on CBD safety and efficacy, and makes clear that the FDA cannot yet regulate products. One concern is a minimum purchase age to discourage use in children.
While some studies find that CBD may be helpful in treating ADHD, others have concluded that CBD and cannabis use cannot yet be recommended.That’s also the case in other studies, includingCBD use in autistic children.Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you’re considering CBD use for ADHD in kids.
If you are considering CBD for a child, consult laws in your state and consider using an isolate that contains no THC, which is illegal for people under 21 even in states that have legalized cannabis.
Some states have legalized only CBD oil, while others allow medicinal use of other cannabis products. Recreational use of cannabis is legal for adults in a number of states, too. Be sure of the laws that apply to you, and purchase your CBD products from a reputable dispensary or drugstore.
Does Legal CBD Mean That CBD Is Safe?Experts note that legalization of CBD products sometimes leads people to conclude that CBD is safe and effective. “The evidence is clear that this belief is untrue,” said researchers focused on its use in kids.“Except for some refractory epilepsy and seizure disorders, there is no established beneficial use of cannabis in children.”
Does Legal CBD Mean That CBD Is Safe?
Experts note that legalization of CBD products sometimes leads people to conclude that CBD is safe and effective. “The evidence is clear that this belief is untrue,” said researchers focused on its use in kids.“Except for some refractory epilepsy and seizure disorders, there is no established beneficial use of cannabis in children.”
Summary
CBD shows some promise for helping to manage ADHD symptoms. However, the research is limited and more studies need to be done to confirm effectiveness, dosage, and safety. CBD is generally considered safe and has few if any side effects. If you are considering trying CBD, talk with your healthcare provider and seek out a quality product for the best results.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CBD: what you need to know.Salari N, Ghasemi H, Abdoli N, Rahmani A, Shiri MH, Hashemian AH,et al.The global prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ital J Pediatr. 2023 Apr 20;49(1):48. doi:10.1186/s13052-023-01456-1.CHADD.About ADHD-OverviewKhan R, Naveed S, Mian N, Fida A, Raafey MA, Aedma KK.The therapeutic role of Cannabidiol in mental health: a systematic review.J Cannabis Res. 2020;2:2. doi:10.1186/s42238-019-0012-yHergenrather JY, Aviram J, Vysotski Y, Campisi-Pinto S, Lewitus GM, Meiri D.Cannabinoid and terpenoid doses are associated with adult ADHD status of medical cannabis patients.Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2020;11(1):e0001. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384Cooper RE, Williams E, Seegobin S, Tye C, Kuntsi J, Asherson P.Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomised-controlled trial.Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017;27(8):795-808. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.05.005Stueber A, Cuttler C.Self-reported effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, ADHD medication side effects, and ADHD-related executive dysfunction.J Atten Disord. 2022;26(6):942-955. doi:10.1177/10870547211050949Kirkland AE, Fadus MC, Gruber SA, Gray KM, Wilens TE, Squeglia LM.A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders.Psychiatry Res. 2022 Feb;308:114347. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114347.Francisco AP, Lethbridge G, Patterson B, Goldman Bergmann C, Van Ameringen M.Cannabis use in Attention - Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023 Jan;157:239-256. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.029.Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090Food and Drug Administration.FDA, FTC warn company marketing unapproved cannabidiol products with unsubstantiated claims to treat teething and ear pain in infants, autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.Brezing CA, Levin FR.The current state of pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorder and withdrawal.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2018;43(1):173-194. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.212Watkins PB, Church RJ, Li J, Knappertz V.Cannabidiol and Abnormal Liver Chemistries in Healthy Adults: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021 May;109(5):1224-1231. doi:10.1002/cpt.2071.Huestis MA, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò FP.Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159X17666190603171901.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Concludes that Existing Regulatory Frameworks for Foods and Supplements are Not Appropriate for Cannabidiol, Will Work with Congress on a New Way Forward.Barchel D, Stolar O, De-Haan T, Ziv-Baran T, Saban N, Fuchs DO,et al.Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities.Front Pharmacol. 2019 Jan 9;9:1521. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01521.Stoner MJ, Dietrich A, Lam SH, Wall JJ, Sulton C, Rose E.Marijuana use in children: An update focusing on pediatric tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol use.J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2022 Jul 5;3(4):e12770. doi:10.1002/emp2.12770.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CBD: what you need to know.Salari N, Ghasemi H, Abdoli N, Rahmani A, Shiri MH, Hashemian AH,et al.The global prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ital J Pediatr. 2023 Apr 20;49(1):48. doi:10.1186/s13052-023-01456-1.CHADD.About ADHD-OverviewKhan R, Naveed S, Mian N, Fida A, Raafey MA, Aedma KK.The therapeutic role of Cannabidiol in mental health: a systematic review.J Cannabis Res. 2020;2:2. doi:10.1186/s42238-019-0012-yHergenrather JY, Aviram J, Vysotski Y, Campisi-Pinto S, Lewitus GM, Meiri D.Cannabinoid and terpenoid doses are associated with adult ADHD status of medical cannabis patients.Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2020;11(1):e0001. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384Cooper RE, Williams E, Seegobin S, Tye C, Kuntsi J, Asherson P.Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomised-controlled trial.Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017;27(8):795-808. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.05.005Stueber A, Cuttler C.Self-reported effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, ADHD medication side effects, and ADHD-related executive dysfunction.J Atten Disord. 2022;26(6):942-955. doi:10.1177/10870547211050949Kirkland AE, Fadus MC, Gruber SA, Gray KM, Wilens TE, Squeglia LM.A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders.Psychiatry Res. 2022 Feb;308:114347. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114347.Francisco AP, Lethbridge G, Patterson B, Goldman Bergmann C, Van Ameringen M.Cannabis use in Attention - Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023 Jan;157:239-256. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.029.Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090Food and Drug Administration.FDA, FTC warn company marketing unapproved cannabidiol products with unsubstantiated claims to treat teething and ear pain in infants, autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.Brezing CA, Levin FR.The current state of pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorder and withdrawal.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2018;43(1):173-194. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.212Watkins PB, Church RJ, Li J, Knappertz V.Cannabidiol and Abnormal Liver Chemistries in Healthy Adults: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021 May;109(5):1224-1231. doi:10.1002/cpt.2071.Huestis MA, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò FP.Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159X17666190603171901.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Concludes that Existing Regulatory Frameworks for Foods and Supplements are Not Appropriate for Cannabidiol, Will Work with Congress on a New Way Forward.Barchel D, Stolar O, De-Haan T, Ziv-Baran T, Saban N, Fuchs DO,et al.Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities.Front Pharmacol. 2019 Jan 9;9:1521. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01521.Stoner MJ, Dietrich A, Lam SH, Wall JJ, Sulton C, Rose E.Marijuana use in children: An update focusing on pediatric tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol use.J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2022 Jul 5;3(4):e12770. doi:10.1002/emp2.12770.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CBD: what you need to know.Salari N, Ghasemi H, Abdoli N, Rahmani A, Shiri MH, Hashemian AH,et al.The global prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ital J Pediatr. 2023 Apr 20;49(1):48. doi:10.1186/s13052-023-01456-1.CHADD.About ADHD-OverviewKhan R, Naveed S, Mian N, Fida A, Raafey MA, Aedma KK.The therapeutic role of Cannabidiol in mental health: a systematic review.J Cannabis Res. 2020;2:2. doi:10.1186/s42238-019-0012-yHergenrather JY, Aviram J, Vysotski Y, Campisi-Pinto S, Lewitus GM, Meiri D.Cannabinoid and terpenoid doses are associated with adult ADHD status of medical cannabis patients.Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2020;11(1):e0001. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384Cooper RE, Williams E, Seegobin S, Tye C, Kuntsi J, Asherson P.Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomised-controlled trial.Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017;27(8):795-808. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.05.005Stueber A, Cuttler C.Self-reported effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, ADHD medication side effects, and ADHD-related executive dysfunction.J Atten Disord. 2022;26(6):942-955. doi:10.1177/10870547211050949Kirkland AE, Fadus MC, Gruber SA, Gray KM, Wilens TE, Squeglia LM.A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders.Psychiatry Res. 2022 Feb;308:114347. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114347.Francisco AP, Lethbridge G, Patterson B, Goldman Bergmann C, Van Ameringen M.Cannabis use in Attention - Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023 Jan;157:239-256. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.029.Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090Food and Drug Administration.FDA, FTC warn company marketing unapproved cannabidiol products with unsubstantiated claims to treat teething and ear pain in infants, autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.Brezing CA, Levin FR.The current state of pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorder and withdrawal.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2018;43(1):173-194. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.212Watkins PB, Church RJ, Li J, Knappertz V.Cannabidiol and Abnormal Liver Chemistries in Healthy Adults: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021 May;109(5):1224-1231. doi:10.1002/cpt.2071.Huestis MA, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò FP.Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159X17666190603171901.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Concludes that Existing Regulatory Frameworks for Foods and Supplements are Not Appropriate for Cannabidiol, Will Work with Congress on a New Way Forward.Barchel D, Stolar O, De-Haan T, Ziv-Baran T, Saban N, Fuchs DO,et al.Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities.Front Pharmacol. 2019 Jan 9;9:1521. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01521.Stoner MJ, Dietrich A, Lam SH, Wall JJ, Sulton C, Rose E.Marijuana use in children: An update focusing on pediatric tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol use.J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2022 Jul 5;3(4):e12770. doi:10.1002/emp2.12770.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CBD: what you need to know.
Salari N, Ghasemi H, Abdoli N, Rahmani A, Shiri MH, Hashemian AH,et al.The global prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Ital J Pediatr. 2023 Apr 20;49(1):48. doi:10.1186/s13052-023-01456-1.
CHADD.About ADHD-Overview
Khan R, Naveed S, Mian N, Fida A, Raafey MA, Aedma KK.The therapeutic role of Cannabidiol in mental health: a systematic review.J Cannabis Res. 2020;2:2. doi:10.1186/s42238-019-0012-y
Hergenrather JY, Aviram J, Vysotski Y, Campisi-Pinto S, Lewitus GM, Meiri D.Cannabinoid and terpenoid doses are associated with adult ADHD status of medical cannabis patients.Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2020;11(1):e0001. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384
Cooper RE, Williams E, Seegobin S, Tye C, Kuntsi J, Asherson P.Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomised-controlled trial.Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017;27(8):795-808. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.05.005
Stueber A, Cuttler C.Self-reported effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, ADHD medication side effects, and ADHD-related executive dysfunction.J Atten Disord. 2022;26(6):942-955. doi:10.1177/10870547211050949
Kirkland AE, Fadus MC, Gruber SA, Gray KM, Wilens TE, Squeglia LM.A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders.Psychiatry Res. 2022 Feb;308:114347. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114347.
Francisco AP, Lethbridge G, Patterson B, Goldman Bergmann C, Van Ameringen M.Cannabis use in Attention - Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023 Jan;157:239-256. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.029.
Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090
Food and Drug Administration.FDA, FTC warn company marketing unapproved cannabidiol products with unsubstantiated claims to treat teething and ear pain in infants, autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Brezing CA, Levin FR.The current state of pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorder and withdrawal.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2018;43(1):173-194. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.212
Watkins PB, Church RJ, Li J, Knappertz V.Cannabidiol and Abnormal Liver Chemistries in Healthy Adults: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021 May;109(5):1224-1231. doi:10.1002/cpt.2071.
Huestis MA, Solimini R, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Carlier J, Busardò FP.Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019;17(10):974-989. doi:10.2174/1570159X17666190603171901.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Concludes that Existing Regulatory Frameworks for Foods and Supplements are Not Appropriate for Cannabidiol, Will Work with Congress on a New Way Forward.
Barchel D, Stolar O, De-Haan T, Ziv-Baran T, Saban N, Fuchs DO,et al.Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities.Front Pharmacol. 2019 Jan 9;9:1521. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01521.
Stoner MJ, Dietrich A, Lam SH, Wall JJ, Sulton C, Rose E.Marijuana use in children: An update focusing on pediatric tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol use.J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2022 Jul 5;3(4):e12770. doi:10.1002/emp2.12770.
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