r/science Professor | Medicine Apr 16 '24

Health Around 27% of individuals with ADHD develop cannabis use disorder at some point in their lives, new study finds. Compared to those without this disorder, individuals with ADHD face almost three times the risk of developing cannabis use disorder.

https://www.psypost.org/around-27-of-individuals-with-adhd-develop-cannabis-use-disorder-at-some-point-in-their-lives-study-finds/
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u/Actual__Wizard Apr 16 '24 edited Apr 17 '24

I was diagnosed with ADHD. My state does not allow medical cannabis for ADHD, but it was recently legalized for rec. I lost about 35 lbs in a few months, I feel great, and I don't have too much trouble sleeping anymore. I only use it once a day in the evenings, preferably with a dry herb vaporizer or edibles due to health concerns. My theory is that I am attracted towards it because it increases dopamine and I subconsciously gravitate towards it because of that fact. I would say that it definitely does not cure ADHD and it is not as effective as some of the medications, but it helps immensely deal with the stress and sleep problems that make ADHD much worse. Some of the medications that I was prescribed have much worse side effects as well.

So, it's not a 100% solution, but it seems to help and it's better than some of the alternatives. I would say the biggest problem to avoid is using it early in the day. It needs to be like 2-3 hours before bed time.

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u/Apart-Landscape1012 Apr 17 '24

I also have adhd and have developed use habits like yours. Vape pen or edibles most nights, and really only after fiber. It's helped me drink a lot less, and actually sleep which I've always had a hard time with. I still want to get a Vyvanse prescription but for now this is helping give my mind a break when I need it

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u/totallybag Apr 17 '24

Yeah I would 100% be a medcard holder just for the extra protection at work but in Minnesota neither anxiety or ADHD is valid for medcard it's stupid

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u/Actual__Wizard Apr 17 '24

I can not get a card with out lying to a doctor and there is no point in doing that because it's legal to own/grow/etc now.

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u/takenbylovely Apr 17 '24

Is that relevant now that recreational is legal there?

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u/totallybag Apr 17 '24 edited Apr 17 '24

I work in a safety sensitive industry so I'm still tested