Annika AngeloWhile not as harmful as chronic alcohol use, long-term cannabis use can still negatively affect individuals with ADHD. Current research suggests that while cannabis may offer some short-term therapeutic benefits, consistent use – particularly daily use over a long period – can impair key areas of functioning.
Cognitive Impact
Studies show that long-term daily cannabis use is associated with greater impairments in memory and attention compared to short-term daily use. In one study, participants abstained for 17 hours before undergoing cognitive testing. Long-term users performed significantly worse in short-term memory and learning compared to both short-term users and non-users. Additionally, both groups of cannabis users struggled with time estimation – a challenge already common in ADHD.
While the study didn’t control for ADHD diagnoses, the findings still point to a clear connection between consistent cannabis use and cognitive decline over time.
Other Long-Term Effects
Regular cannabis use, especially in higher doses, has been linked to:
- Reduced brain activation during tasks
- Decreased creative thinking (possibly due to reduced exposure to boredom, which is often a driver of creativity)
- Negative effects on cardiovascular health (notable since individuals with ADHD are already at increased risk)
- Increased depressive symptoms
- Increased anxiety symptoms, particularly when use begins during adolescence
Brain Structure and Development
Unlike alcohol, long-term cannabis use has not been definitively linked to significant structural brain changes. Some studies show non-significant trends – such as reduced cortical thickness in brain regions tied to attention, emotional regulation, and impulse control – but current evidence does not confirm cannabis causes brain damage.
Summary of Evidence
A 2023 review concluded that while some studies report improvements in ADHD symptoms with cannabis, the majority show either no effect or a worsening of symptoms. Given the potential risks and the mixed nature of the research, caution is advised when considering cannabis use for managing ADHD symptoms.
General Guidelines for Use
While there are some negative long-term effects, the evidence does not support complete abstention either. Below are the general optimal guidelines to follow if you want to still use weed products without making things worse for yourself in the long run. Check out this article for more information on optimal guidelines for people with ADHD.
- Choose edible versions over inhaled versions
- Take no more than 10mg at a time
- Consume this no more than twice a week
- Ensure your blend is at minimum 50/50 CBD to THC, favoring CBD.
- Do not use if under 21 years of age.
If you microdose – using 1mg or less, – you can use it more often than the twice a week without significant negative impacts. If you are prescribed this, please continue to follow your physician’s directions.
