Adults with ADHD symptoms experienced more daily cannabis consequences, especially around sleep use | Research

The takeaway

Among 62 regular cannabis users tracked daily for 14 days, those with more ADHD symptoms experienced more daily cannabis consequences, particularly on days when they used cannabis for boredom or sleep.

ADHD clinicians, cannabis use disorder treatment providers, emerging adult health specialists

Cannabis consequences overlapped with ADHD symptoms, complicating assessment

What the researchers found

Higher past-6-month ADHD symptoms predicted more daily cannabis consequences overall. Using cannabis for boredom or sleep was associated with more consequences on those days. Although ADHD symptoms were associated with more consequences on days with sleep motives, the relationship was actually stronger on days without sleep motives, suggesting ADHD-related consequences may overlap with ADHD symptoms themselves.

Why it matters

People with ADHD use cannabis at higher rates and may experience more negative consequences. Understanding that ADHD symptoms interact with specific cannabis use motives can inform targeted intervention strategies.

The numbers in context

62 participants; ages 19-25; 60% male; 14 daily reports; higher ADHD symptoms predicted more daily consequences; boredom and sleep motives predicted more consequences; cannabis consequences overlapped with ADHD symptoms

How the study worked

Daily diary study of 62 emerging adults (ages 19-25, 60% male) who used cannabis at least twice in the prior 2 weeks. Baseline ADHD screening followed by 14 daily reports on cannabis use, consequences, and motives.

What this study cannot tell us

Small sample (62 participants). Self-reported ADHD symptoms rather than clinical diagnosis. 14-day window is brief. Only regular cannabis users included, limiting generalizability. Cannot separate cannabis effects from underlying ADHD.

How to read the evidence

Novel daily diary design capturing within-person variation, but small sample and brief observation window limit conclusions.

When this study was published

Published in 2021.

The bigger picture

The overlap between ADHD symptoms and cannabis consequences suggests that some "cannabis problems" in people with ADHD may actually be manifestations of ADHD itself, complicating both assessment and treatment of cannabis use disorder in this population.

Questions still open

Would treating ADHD reduce cannabis-related consequences? Are standard cannabis consequence measures valid for people with ADHD, given the symptom overlap?

Common questions

Why do people with ADHD have more cannabis problems?

The study found that cannabis consequences in people with ADHD overlapped with ADHD symptoms themselves (like difficulty concentrating, restlessness). This means some "cannabis problems" may actually be ADHD symptoms rather than true cannabis-caused impairment.

Does using cannabis for sleep help people with ADHD?

Using cannabis for sleep was associated with more daily consequences, not fewer. While people with ADHD commonly report using cannabis to help with sleep, the data suggest this pattern is associated with more problems overall.

Read the original research

Exploring the Relationship Between ADHD Symptoms and Daily Cannabis Consequences in Emerging Adulthood: The Role of Cannabis Motives.

Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 82(2), 228-236

View on PubMed ↗

Citation

Goldstein, Abby L; Shifrin, Alexandra; Katz, Jasmin L; Iu, Lap K; Kofler, Danielle. (2021). Exploring the Relationship Between ADHD Symptoms and Daily Cannabis Consequences in Emerging Adulthood: The Role of Cannabis Motives.. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 82(2), 228-236.