CBD oil for ADHD: Risks and side effects

cbd oil

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a chemical component found in the cannabis plant. A large part of the reason why CBD oil is becoming increasingly popular is because preliminary research indicates that it may be beneficial for some health concerns.

The use of CBD oil may be beneficial in the treatment of the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to anecdotal evidence, although there is currently insufficient scientific data to support this claim.

Anyone considering taking CBD oil should be informed of the rules in their area and should never substitute any regular ADHD medicines with CBD oil without first consulting with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

In this post, welook at if CBD oil may be able to assist in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We also talk about the potential dangers and whether or not it is safe for children.

Is Cannabidiol (CBD) legal? CBD products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3 percent THC are allowed under federal law, but they are still banned under several state regulations. CBD-derived products manufactured from cannabis, on the other hand, are prohibited under federal law but allowed under some state regulations. When travelling, especially in foreign countries, always sure to check local legislation. It’s also important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be labelled incorrectly.

CBD oil?

CBD oil includes high concentrations of cannabidiol, which is a chemical component found in the cannabis plant that has therapeutic properties.
CBD oil includes high concentrations of cannabidiol, which is a chemical component found in the cannabis plant that has therapeutic properties. Image credit: ronstik/Getty Images

CBD oil is a type of oil that contains high concentrations of the chemical cannabidiol, also known as CBD. There are more than 100 active chemicals in the cannabis plant, and CBD is one of them.

The majority of people link cannabis with a different active component known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (THC). THC is the chemical ingredient that causes people to feel euphoric or “high” when they smoke or consume it.

CBD does not stimulate the same areas of the brain as THC, and as a result, it does not have a psychoactive effect.

Because of the way CBD oil interacts with the body and the brain, it has the potential to provide a variety of health benefits. The endocannabinoid system in the human body, which includes receptors in the central nervous system, is comprised of the following components: CBD interacts with these receptors, which may result in the elicitation of beneficial effects.

CBD and ADHD

There is limited scientific evidence that CBD can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, much of the research into the relationship between ADHD and CBD is focused on cannabis, which contains more than 100 chemicals in addition to CBD.

A small number of people have claimed that CBD oil has helped them cope with the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as hyperactivity and restlessness. Many patients choose to utilize the medication as part of their treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

A brief study conducted in 2017 looked at a group of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were self-medicating with cannabis.

The researchers discovered a statistically insignificant improvement in brain function as well as a reduction in symptom severity. There was a very little improvement in indices of impulsivity and hyperactivity, but not enough for the researchers to conclude that the medicine was more effective than a placebo.

CBD oil and symptoms of ADHD

Fatigue
Further investigation will be required to determine whether CBD oil has any effect on the symptoms of ADHD.

Despite the fact that CBD oil is not a treatment for ADHD, it may be beneficial in managing specific symptoms that many people experience.

The anxiety experienced by some ADHD patients can exacerbate the symptoms of the disorder as well. There is some evidence to suggest that CBD oil may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety symptoms.

A case study conducted in 2016 confirmed earlier findings by researchers that CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and sleep problems in children. This effect will need to be investigated in greater depth in a larger cohort of people.

A study conducted in 2013 looked into the relationship between symptoms of ADHD and cannabis consumption. People with ADHD subtypes characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity were more likely than those with ADHD subtypes characterized by inattentiveness to use cannabis on a daily basis to relieve their symptoms.

Nevertheless, it is not clear what exactly is responsible for this subjective symptom relief to occur. Furthermore, rather than focusing solely on the CBD compound, this research examined cannabis as a whole. More research into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and CBD alone may help to highlight the drug’s potential as a treatment.

Risks and side effects

CBD can cause a variety of responses in different users.

Digestive issues, such as an upset stomach or nausea, are common side effects of the medication. Some people also report feeling drowsy or having headaches, particularly when taking higher doses of the medication. These adverse effects may subside with time as the individual becomes acclimated to the medication.

It is possible that those who inhale CBD through vaping or smoking can have lung discomfort and coughing as well.

Many of the possible long-term impacts of CBD oil, according to the research, are still unknown at this time. Furthermore, it is yet unclear whether CBD has an effect on hormones in the body, which may be particularly concerning for teenagers in their formative years. It is necessary to conduct additional research to determine the possibility of negative effects in these areas.

Due to the fact that CBD oil is not subject to the same rules as pharmaceuticals, it is at danger of contamination. Despite the fact that the manufacturers of a product claim that it is pure CBD oil, the product may contain additional substances such as THC.

It is also possible that a product does not contain the amount of CBD that it claims to contain, so reducing its potential medicinal benefit.

Is it safe for kids?

Doctors may recommend CBD for children in some instances, but they will not often recommend it for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

While there is some evidence to support the use of CBD in children with specific medical disorders, such as epilepsy, there are also significant concerns about the safety of the drug.

According to a study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, youngsters who consume cannabis before the age of 16 years may be at greater risk of cognitive impairment because their brains are still developing. It is unclear whether this is still true for CBD extracts and CBD oil, as well as for hemp-derived CBD.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also at greater risk for substance usage. Although this is unlikely to be a concern with nonpsychoactive CBD oil, other sources of CBD, such as marijuana, may increase the risk of addiction in some individuals.

According to a study conducted in 2014, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are approximately 1.5 times more likely to meet the criteria for marijuana use disorder.

Although CBD oil is not marijuana, some parents and caregivers have worries about the relationship and may prefer not to offer the product to a kid.

Anyone who feels that CBD oil may relieve their child’s symptoms should go to a doctor and examine all of their alternatives.

Using

Cannabis derived CBD oil is available in a number of different forms. The oil is obtainable on its own in some drugstores and online.

Manufacturers may also create CBD-infused treats and snacks. Individuals that don’t like the flavor or texture of the oil might still wish to consume it in capsules instead. Those who already smoke or vape may opt to use CBD oil in their vapes.

At this time, there are no established criteria for the safe and effective amounts of CBD, therefore a person should always strive to take the smallest dose feasible to alleviate their symptoms.

Even though some CBD oil manufacturers offer their own recommendations for dose, anyone who is unsure should consult with their physician before using the product.

Adults can handle doses of up to 1,500 mg per day, according to the authors of a 2017 review published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The tolerated dosage, on the other hand, will be much lower in children.

Legal status

Because CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, many people are concerned about whether or not it is legal to use. Despite the fact that CBD products are easily available on the internet, they may not be legal in some areas.

If you’re thinking about taking CBD oil, be sure you’re informed of the laws and regulations in your area before you purchase the product.

Conclusion

Currently, there is just a little amount of study on how CBD consumption affects the symptoms of ADHD. To fully understand the effects of CBD oil, which is not currently available as a therapy option for ADHD, more research is required.

Even while some people still believe that it helps them deal with the symptoms of ADHD, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and discover whether or not it has any negative side effects.

Anyone considering using CBD oil to treat ADHD should consult with their doctor and become familiar with the laws and regulations in their region.

Sources

  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924977X17302377
  • https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/1/e293
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325599
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
  • https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10826084.2013.841251
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820098/