Three Young Men with ADHD Report Improvements After Adding Cannabis to Treatment | Research

The takeaway

Three males aged 18-23 with ADHD who added cannabis to their treatment reported improvements in depression (30-81%), anxiety (up to 33%), emotional regulation (22-78%), and inattention (7-30%).

People with ADHD considering cannabis, psychiatrists, ADHD researchers

Depression scores improved 30-81%

What the researchers found

Semistructured interviews and validated rating scales showed improvements in PHQ-9 depression scores (8-22 points, 30-81%), SCARED anxiety scores (0-27 points, up to 33%), CEER-9 regulation scores (2-7 points, 22-78%), and SNAP-9 inattention scores (2-8 points, 7-30%). Mild adverse events included short-term memory problems, dry mouth, and sleepiness.

Why it matters

Many ADHD patients self-medicate with cannabis despite a lack of evidence. These detailed cases with validated measures and plasma levels provide a starting point for understanding potential benefits and risks.

The numbers in context

PHQ-9 improved 8-22 points (30-81%); SCARED improved 0-27 points (up to 33%); CEER-9 improved 2-7 points (22-78%); SNAP-9 improved 2-8 points (7-30%); plasma CBD 0-15.29 ng/mL; plasma THC 1.32-13.76 ng/mL

How the study worked

Case series of three males (ages 18, 22, 23) with ADHD who integrated cannabis into their treatment. Pre- and post-cannabis validated rating scale scores were compared, and plasma cannabinoid levels were measured.

What this study cannot tell us

Only three patients, all male. No control group or blinding. Cannot separate cannabis effects from other treatments or natural variation. Self-reported symptom improvements.

How to read the evidence

Three-patient case series without controls. Provides detailed individual data but cannot establish efficacy.

When this study was published

Published in 2022

The bigger picture

An increasing number of ADHD patients are turning to cannabis despite no clinical trials supporting its use. These case reports suggest potential benefits worth studying but cannot substitute for controlled trials.

Questions still open

Would these improvements hold up in a randomized controlled trial? Are the benefits driven by THC, CBD, or both? Do the memory side effects offset attention improvements?

Common questions

Does cannabis help with ADHD?

These three case reports showed improvements across multiple ADHD-related measures after adding cannabis, but with only three patients and no controls, this cannot be considered evidence of efficacy. Clinical trials are recommended.

What side effects were reported?

Mild adverse events included short-term memory problems, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Cannabinoids were not detected in blood before dosing, suggesting no accumulation between uses.

Read the original research

Cannabis for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Report of 3 Cases.

Medical cannabis and cannabinoids, 5(1), 1-6

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Mansell, Holly; Quinn, Declan; Kelly, Lauren E; Alcorn, Jane. (2022). Cannabis for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Report of 3 Cases.. Medical cannabis and cannabinoids, 5(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1159/000521370