Stimulant medication for ADHD reduced cannabis use days but did not significantly increase quit rates in dual-diagnosis adults
In a small pilot trial of 28 adults with both ADHD and cannabis use disorder, extended-release amphetamine salts significantly reduced weekly cannabis use days compared to placebo, though overall abstinence rates did not significantly differ.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
MAS-ER (80 mg) was well-tolerated. While ADHD symptom reduction was high in both groups (83.3% vs 71.4%, not significant) and abstinence rates were not significantly different (15.4% vs 0%, p = .27), the medication group showed a significant decrease in weekly cannabis use days over time compared to placebo (p < .0001).
Key Numbers
28 participants; MAS-ER 80 mg vs placebo; ADHD response: 83.3% vs 71.4% (not significant); abstinence: 15.4% vs 0% (p = .27); weekly cannabis use days significantly reduced over time with MAS-ER (p < .0001); well-tolerated
How They Did This
Twelve-week randomized, double-blind pilot feasibility trial of 28 adults with comorbid ADHD and cannabis use disorder. MAS-ER (up to 80 mg) vs placebo. All received computerized behavioral therapy and abstinence-based contingency management. Cannabis use confirmed by quantitative urine testing.
Why This Research Matters
ADHD and cannabis use disorder frequently co-occur but have no established pharmacological treatment. This pilot suggests treating the ADHD component may help reduce cannabis use even if it does not achieve full abstinence.
The Bigger Picture
The reduction in cannabis use days even without full abstinence is clinically meaningful, as harm reduction approaches recognize that reduced frequency may lower overall risk.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Very small sample (28); pilot feasibility study not powered for efficacy; high placebo response for ADHD symptoms; treatment retention not detailed; cannot generalize to broader ADHD-CUD population
Questions This Raises
- ?Would a larger trial confirm the reduction in use days?
- ?Does treating ADHD reduce cannabis use motivation, or do the two respond to treatment independently?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Weekly cannabis use days significantly reduced (p < .0001)
- Evidence Grade:
- Small pilot RCT with biochemical verification, demonstrating feasibility but not adequately powered for definitive efficacy conclusions.
- Study Age:
- 2024 study
- Original Title:
- Extended-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts for Comorbid Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder: A Pilot, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
- Published In:
- Journal of attention disorders, 28(11), 1467-1481 (2024)
- Authors:
- Levin, Frances R(18), Mariani, John J(7), Pavlicova, Martina(8), Choi, C Jean, Basaraba, Cale, Mahony, Amy L, Brooks, Daniel J, Brezing, Christina A, Naqvi, Nasir
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05471
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ADHD medication help with cannabis use disorder?
This small pilot study suggests it may reduce use frequency. Adults receiving extended-release amphetamine salts used cannabis on significantly fewer days per week compared to placebo. However, the study was too small to show a clear difference in complete abstinence (15.4% vs 0%).
Was the ADHD medication safe for people with cannabis use disorder?
Yes, the medication (MAS-ER at up to 80 mg daily) was generally well-tolerated. ADHD symptoms improved substantially in both groups, with 83% of the medication group showing at least 30% symptom reduction.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05471APA
Levin, Frances R; Mariani, John J; Pavlicova, Martina; Choi, C Jean; Basaraba, Cale; Mahony, Amy L; Brooks, Daniel J; Brezing, Christina A; Naqvi, Nasir. (2024). Extended-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts for Comorbid Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder: A Pilot, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.. Journal of attention disorders, 28(11), 1467-1481. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547241264675
MLA
Levin, Frances R, et al. "Extended-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts for Comorbid Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder: A Pilot, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.." Journal of attention disorders, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547241264675
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Extended-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts for Comorbid Adult ..." RTHC-05471. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/levin-2024-extendedrelease-mixed-amphetamine-salts
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.