A review of 13 studies found emerging evidence that endocannabinoid system dysregulation may contribute to ADHD, with preclinical studies showing links between altered cannabinoid signaling and hyperactivity and impaired cognitive control.
ADHD researchers, pediatric psychiatrists, neuroscientists studying attention and the endocannabinoid system.
Only 13 studies (mostly preclinical) have examined the endocannabinoid system's role in ADHD
What the researchers found
Eleven preclinical and 2 clinical studies showed alterations in endocannabinoid system components linked to ADHD-related behaviors. Preclinical research demonstrated ECS changes connected to hyperactivity and impaired cognitive regulation. Clinical evidence, while limited, showed promising results supporting ECS-targeted therapeutic approaches.
Why it matters
ADHD affects millions worldwide, and current treatments (stimulants) are not effective for everyone and carry side effects. If the endocannabinoid system plays a role in ADHD, it could open entirely new treatment avenues, though much more research is needed.
The numbers in context
13 studies included (11 preclinical, 2 clinical); ECS components examined: cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands, metabolic enzymes; pathways affected: dopaminergic, noradrenergic, glutamatergic.
How the study worked
Narrative review synthesizing 13 studies (11 preclinical, 2 clinical) evaluating ECS-related biochemical alterations in ADHD, focusing on receptor signaling, ligand levels, and enzyme activity.
What this study cannot tell us
Only 13 studies met inclusion criteria, reflecting how little research exists in this area. Only 2 were clinical studies. Preclinical models of ADHD may not fully capture the human condition. Review methodology is narrative rather than systematic.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: Narrative review of a very small evidence base (13 studies, mostly preclinical) exploring an early-stage research question.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
The endocannabinoid system modulates the same neurotransmitter systems (dopamine, noradrenaline, glutamate) that are central to ADHD pathophysiology. This review highlights a potential but underexplored connection that could inform future therapeutic development.
Questions still open
- Would cannabinoid-based treatments help ADHD symptoms? How do current ADHD medications interact with the endocannabinoid system? Could ECS biomarkers help diagnose or stratify ADHD subtypes?
Common questions
Should people with ADHD use cannabis?
How might the endocannabinoid system relate to ADHD?
Read the original research
Biochemical Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Narrative Review and Future Directions.
Neurochemical research, 51(1), 16
Citation
Özmeral Erarkadaş, Kübra; Erarkadaş, Müjdat; Yıldız Gündoğdu, Özlem. (2025). Biochemical Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Narrative Review and Future Directions.. Neurochemical research, 51(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-025-04636-z
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