CBD oil has been shown to positively affect responses to stress and anxiety in individuals by alleviating their symptoms. It has also been shown to help improve brain focus.
When looking at dosage properties and usage recommendations, many sublingual drops recognize on their packaging that while a larger dose might make an individual feel more relaxed and unfocused before bedtime, a smaller dose in the morning can provide a somewhat opposite effect, increasing focus and concentration.
The experiments specifically examining a scientific connection between ADHD and CBD oil are only just entering the early stages. As of yet, there is little specific evidence to prove that CBD oil affects the symptoms of ADHD. However, it is important to note that individuals personally attest to the effectiveness of the oil, and it seems to change from person to person.
Some find it worthwhile to begin their own trial run to discover for themselves how CBD oil might help them. It’s important to recognize that one should always consult with a doctor or medical expert prior to beginning any new form of treatment or when they consider dropping any medication.
The effects on the brain are not a new concept. In addition to experiments on focus and brain function, more common studies have started to reveal potential effects on patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. Although still in the early stages, the fact that CBD might be able to slow or reverse certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s conditions indicates it’s powerful ability to positively strengthen and affect the human brain.
Understanding CBD oil and ADHD symptoms
One of the predominant healing factors identified with CBD oil, is its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. This is one of the indicators supporting its use to lessen ADHD symptoms. When an individual is diagnosed with ADHD, they find themselves in social, work or school situations requiring certain behaviors. They may struggle to behave in that way and, as a result, experience anxieties about their behavior. CBD oil is capable of alleviating their stress, thereby promoting a healthier mental space allowing them to work or learn.
Decreasing anxiety levels allows an individual to feel more relaxed and calm, thereby reducing hyperactive behaviors like fidgeting or excessive movement.
Individuals with ADHD often experience difficulties sleeping or relaxing, and some traditional medications cause insomnia. With cannabidiol oil, these individuals might find a better sense of energy balance, since one of the effects of the oil is to calm and relax a person.
The balance that CBD can bring the human body might help with other symptoms of ADHD, such as disorganization and scattered thoughts. Though research is still in its early phases, it shows significant promise.
How CBD oil works to help with ADHD symptoms
As previously discussed, cannabidiol oil interacts with the body’s own endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The endocannabinoid system helps promote and maintain homeostasis within the body and the mind, through both these receptors.
With ADHD, symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention are often the result of an imbalance of energy and stimulants. Since the receptors in the body work to achieve homeostasis, this is where the potential to aid with ADHD symptoms comes in to play.
It’s not so much that CBD oil has the potential to combat or actually stop the symptoms associated with ADHD. However, its ability to help the body find and maintain balance within itself are part of a more likely explanation.
Because the information and data is still so new and inconclusive, it’s difficult to say or prove the effectiveness of CBD oil in treating the symptoms of ADHD. Most medical professionals are likely going to recommend that individuals refrain from switching their medications for CBD oil, especially in more severe cases.
However, there are doctors across the country who have in fact begun recommending CBD oil as a method of treatment to their patients, so it’s not an unheard of practice.
Can you use CBD oil on children with ADHD?
First and foremost, it is always essential that any parents considering alternative methods of treatment for their children should always consult with their child’s doctor or pediatrician.
Studies show that there are significant neurological and cognitive delays in individuals who use cannabis prior to the age of sixteen. Before this, children are still growing, and the brain is still developing. Subjecting the brain to cannabis before it is significantly and fully developed can be detrimental in the long run.
It is again important to distinguish between marijuana products and CBD products. Marijuana contains THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, while CBD contains no mind-altering substances. It’s also important to point out that studies examining the effects of long term CBD use on children are in their early stages, and so there is not yet a definitive answer on questions about the long term impact.
In another sense, legally, yes, parents can give CBD to their children. It is likely their pediatrician or doctor will recommend sticking to the more traditional and proven methods of treatment regarding ADHD. Many experts believe there is still much to learn about ADHD and CBD oil.
Much of today’s conversation around CBD oil and its usage, comes from the originally controversial caseof Charlotte Figi, a young girl who was born with a very severe case of childhood epilepsy.
Her symptoms were so severe, that at just a few years of age, she was unable to talk or eat and was wheel-chair bound. At the pinnacle of her illness, she was having 300 seizures a week, with many failed treatment attempts behind her.
Desperate, her parents found out about a CBD strain created by Stanley Brothers out of Colorado, with an extremely high CBD content and remarkably low THC content.
Soon after beginning her on a regimen of this oil, Charlotte had no seizures and her cognitive and neurological growth moved forward. The quality of life for her had significantly improved, with no apparent negative side effects.
Just recently, in 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the only CBD product available by prescription, to treat severe cases of childhood epilepsy. This product significantly boosted the idea of CBD oil being considered a safe method of treatment for children in the right cases.
Though studies have only just begun, CBD as a compound has been around since the early 1900’s. It has been tested and explored since scientists first discovered the ability to separate CBD and THC from one another in their corresponding hemp varietals.
Research of CBDs effects is still in the early stages for both adults and children. While most of the research clearly supports the impact of CBD on anxiety, stress, and epilepsy, the research is still very raw on connections with ADHD.
Side effects potentially include: weight loss, fatigue, nausea, irritability, tiredness, and diarrhea. So experts recommend consulting with a professional before starting any new treatment practice.
For these reasons, if an individual chooses to go forward with their child’s treatment, the best method is to start with small doses, and incrementally work up until effects are felt. Be aware of the symptoms and side effects, and closely monitor how the CBD is affecting the child. Always consult with a pediatrician.
Although there haven’t been many definitive or conclusive studies, some parents have started their children on CBD regimens in place of traditional medicine.
Some parents have found success for their children, especially academically and behaviorally, while on the oil. However, other parents felt that CBD oil had no effect on their child’s symptoms, and preferred traditional medicines to treat ADHD. Researchers have also begun looking into the impact of CBD on children with autism, to see if it further lessens symptoms of aggression, hyperactivity, and repetitive behaviors.