In a survey of 1,738 students, those with ADHD who used cannabis reported acute improvements in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and medication side effects, with more frequent use moderating the link between symptoms and executive dysfunction.
People with ADHD who use cannabis, clinicians treating ADHD, and researchers studying self-medication patterns.
Cannabis use frequency moderated the link between symptoms and executive dysfunction
What the researchers found
Participants with ADHD reported cannabis had acute beneficial effects on many ADHD symptoms including hyperactivity and impulsivity. They perceived cannabis improved most medication side effects including irritability and anxiety. Cannabis use frequency moderated associations between symptom severity and executive dysfunction.
Why it matters
People with ADHD are more likely to use cannabis, and this study suggests many may be self-medicating specific symptoms and medication side effects, information that clinicians need to have informed conversations with patients.
The numbers in context
1,738 students surveyed. Participants with ADHD who used cannabis reported acute benefits on hyperactivity, impulsivity, and multiple medication side effects. Cannabis use frequency significantly moderated the association between symptom severity and executive dysfunction.
How the study worked
Online survey of 1,738 students measuring ADHD symptoms, cannabis use, perceived effects on symptoms and medication side effects, and executive dysfunction.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported perceived effects, not objectively measured outcomes. Cross-sectional design. Student sample may not represent all ADHD populations. Acute perceived benefits may not reflect long-term outcomes.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: large sample with multiple validated measures, but self-reported perceived effects rather than objective outcomes.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
The high rates of cannabis use among people with ADHD have been noted but not well understood. This study suggests self-medication of both primary symptoms and medication side effects may be driving the pattern.
Questions still open
- Would controlled trials confirm these self-reported benefits? Does cannabis actually improve executive function in ADHD, or does it simply reduce awareness of deficits? Could targeted cannabinoid therapies be developed for ADHD?
Common questions
Which ADHD symptoms did cannabis reportedly help?
Does this mean cannabis treats ADHD?
What about executive function?
Read the original research
Self-Reported Effects of Cannabis on ADHD Symptoms, ADHD Medication Side Effects, and ADHD-Related Executive Dysfunction.
Journal of attention disorders, 26(6), 942-955
Citation
Stueber, Amanda; Cuttler, Carrie. (2022). Self-Reported Effects of Cannabis on ADHD Symptoms, ADHD Medication Side Effects, and ADHD-Related Executive Dysfunction.. Journal of attention disorders, 26(6), 942-955. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547211050949
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