Can medical marijuana help during Adderall deficiency?

Approximately 2.6% (139.8 million) of adults worldwide have some form of ADHD. What options are there when faced with Adderall deficiency?

In October 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration announced a shortage of Adderall. The problem has not yet been solved and now appears to be having a greater impact on patients. South America (11.8%) has the highest rate and Japan and Finland the lowest. Americans about average (7%). The average monthly prescription fill rate was 11% lower in the first half of 2023 than in the first half of 2022 and did not show consistent signs of improvement through the end of 2023.

More research needs to be done, but can medical marijuana help during Adderall deficiency – or in general? While scientists are still researching cannabis and ADHD, there is some early data that suggests cannabis could be a helpful therapy.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality of Life

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult to concentrate and can lead to impulsivity and hyperactivity. ADHD is the official medical diagnosis, while attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a now-outdated term that describes people with primarily inattention symptoms.

While people diagnosed with ADHD may have problems in school or work, most lead successful lives. Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms. Common treatments include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

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However, some people do not respond well to medications or cannot tolerate the side effects. Therefore, many people turn to natural treatments such as cannabis and CBD to treat their ADHD symptoms. Any medical marijuana administered to a person under the age of 21 should be discussed with a doctor as research is ongoing and the brain is still developing.

It is worth noting that there is some inconclusive evidence that CBD could be used as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia, and some isolated studies support the effectiveness of CBD for social anxiety.

Two data-based ways medical marijuana can help with the symptoms of ADHD are sleep problems and reducing anxiety. One of the most common reasons Americans use medical cannabis is to treat insomnia. Most people know what it's like to fall asleep when your head is full of thoughts or worries. Certain types of cannabis can help turn your busy brain into a blank slate, allowing for restful sleep.

Another common medical reason is managing anxiety and stress. However, certain strains of cannabis cause the same symptoms of anxiety, so you need to be careful about what type of medical cannabis you choose. Stimulant cannabis strains can have a calming effect on people with ADHD symptoms. When consumed responsibly, sativa cannabis can help calm social anxiety while remaining focused, alert, and conversational.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, have an open, fact-based conversation with your doctor about adding medical marijuana to your treatment.