Meta-analysis found about 1 in 4 people with ADHD have had cannabis use disorder in their lifetime

Lifetime CUD prevalence in ADHD populations was 26.9%, with current prevalence at 19.2%. Risk ratios showed individuals with ADHD were 2.85 times more likely to have lifetime CUD and 2.91 times more likely to have current CUD compared to general population controls. Prediction intervals were wide (lifetime: 12.4%-48.8%; current: 5.5%-39.1%), reflecting substantial variability across studies.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Mixed and random-effects models for prevalence estimation and risk ratio calculation.

The nearly 3-fold elevated risk of CUD in ADHD populations suggests that cannabis screening should be routine in ADHD treatment. The high prevalence also raises questions about whether some ADHD patients are self-medicating with cannabis.

With ADHD affecting 5-7% of the population and cannabis becoming more accessible through legalization, the intersection of these two conditions represents a growing clinical challenge. Understanding why ADHD increases CUD vulnerability could inform both prevention and treatment.

Substantial heterogeneity across studies (wide prediction intervals). Only 14 studies met inclusion criteria. Could not distinguish between recreational and self-medicating use. Meta-analysis of observational studies cannot establish causal direction.