In 59 medical cannabis patients with ADHD, higher monthly cannabis doses were associated with stopping ADHD medications, and higher cannabinol (CBN) consumption specifically was associated with lower ADHD symptom scores.
ADHD researchers, medical cannabis providers, and patients interested in cannabinoid-specific effects.
CBN (not THC) associated with lower ADHD symptom scores
What the researchers found
Higher cannabis dose consumers and those with lower ADHD symptom scores more frequently reported stopping all ADHD medications. An association was found between lower ADHD symptoms and higher CBN doses, but not with THC doses. Lower ADHD scores also correlated with lower anxiety.
Why it matters
CBN is a minor cannabinoid that has received little research attention. The association with lower ADHD scores, independent of THC, suggests that specific cannabis components beyond THC and CBD may have therapeutic relevance.
The numbers in context
59 patients surveyed, chemovar data available for 27. High-dose group: 40-70 g/month. Low-dose group: 20-30 g/month. Lower ADHD scores associated with higher CBN doses. THC dose was not associated with ADHD scores.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional questionnaire study of 59 adult medical cannabis patients with physician-diagnosed ADHD. Cannabis chemovar data (cannabinoid and terpene content) could be calculated for 27 patients. Patients were stratified by monthly dose and ADHD symptom severity.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small sample, especially for chemovar analysis (n=27). Cross-sectional design cannot determine if cannabis improved ADHD or if patients with milder ADHD chose higher doses. Self-reported ADHD diagnosis and outcomes.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: very small cross-sectional study with limited chemovar data.
When this study was published
Published in 2020 in Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal.
The bigger picture
If confirmed, the CBN finding could shift focus from THC-dominant products to cannabis formulations enriched in minor cannabinoids for ADHD management, though the evidence is far too preliminary for clinical recommendations.
Questions still open
- Would a controlled trial of CBN show ADHD symptom improvement? Why was CBN but not THC associated with lower symptoms? Is the medication reduction a result of symptom improvement or patient preference?
Common questions
What is CBN?
Should people with ADHD use cannabis?
Read the original research
Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients.
Rambam Maimonides medical journal, 11(1)
Citation
Hergenrather, Jeffrey Y; Aviram, Joshua; Vysotski, Yelena; Campisi-Pinto, Salvatore; Lewitus, Gil M; Meiri, David. (2020). Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients.. Rambam Maimonides medical journal, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.5041/RMMJ.10384
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