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Missouri residents who suffer from ADHD may want to consider getting their medical marijuana card. Cannabis provides natural relief to nearly 150,000 patients in the Show-Me-State, and medical marijuana can treat hundreds of conditions and symptoms. Studies and firsthand accounts are showing that many patients are finding their ADHD more manageable with a little help from cannabis.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and according to ADDitude, a magazine dedicated to ADHD issues, this disorder is a “developmental impairment of the brain’s self-management system.”
Those who suffer from ADHD have trouble focusing, difficulty with impulse control, and issues with organization. Contrary to the way ADHD is often perceived, the condition is NOT a mental illness, a behavior disorder, or a specific learning disability. It is a complex brain disorder that affects 11% of children and almost 5% of adults in the United States.
What Are the symptoms of ADHD?
It is important to note that the symptoms of ADHD and methods to manage this condition may vary from patient to patient and not everyone with ADHD will have the same experience. According to The Mayo Clinic, some of the common symptoms of ADHD in adults include:
Excessive activity/restlessness
Trouble coping with stress
Frequent mood swings
Impulsiveness
Difficulty focusing on a task
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management
Problems multitasking
Low tolerance for frustration
Problems following through on tasks
Poor planning
Hot temper
Difficulty coping with stress
How Can Medical Marijuana Help?
Before we go into detail about using medical marijuana, we want to stress that if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ADHD, you should consult your physician before changing anything about your treatment plan, including cannabis. Here is some information to help you and your doctor decide whether or not medical marijuana is right for you:
Cannabis Increases Dopamine
Most individuals with ADHD have reduced levels of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter released by the brain that is linked to motivation, learning, and pleasure. This lack of naturally occurring dopamine causes those with ADHD to constantly seek out stimulation. Typically, ADHD patients are prescribed a drug, such as adderall, which increases dopamine, helping them to reduce their need for constant stimuli, allowing them to focus on the task at-hand.
Adderall, however, isn’t the only way to increase dopamine. Many patients wishing to reduce their dependence on prescription drugs are turning to medical marijuana to achieve the same effect. When the THC found in cannabis reacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors, it triggers the natural release of dopamine, giving ADHD patients exactly what they’ve been lacking.
ADHD Patients Are Seeing Direct Results From Medical Marijuana
A study conducted in 2016 found that 25% of ADHD patients reported they were able to successfully treat their ADHD symptoms with cannabis. Many patients are making the switch from adderall and ritalin to medical marijuana due to the detrimental side-effects they experience with prescription drug use.
Adderall, for example, is classified as a Schedule 2 drug. This means taking the drug has a “high potential for abuse or harm.” Many patients who use adderall and/or ritalin experience a loss of appetite and problems sleeping, not to mention a higher risk for addiction. On the contrary, medical marijuana may make it easier to get a good night’s sleep and increase appetite, all while providing a much-needed dopamine boost.
The Link Between Anxiety and ADHD
Another issue that many individuals who suffer from ADHD face is anxiety. According to Healthline, It is estimated that 50% of adults and 30% of children with ADHD also suffer from some sort of an anxiety disorder.
Those who suffer from both ADHD and an anxiety disorder may find medical marijuana to be especially favorable, as cannabis is also known to be a very effective treatment for anxiety. The relaxation promoted by medical marijuana can provide patients with an overall sense of well-being that reduces stress and provides a sense of calm.
Medical Marijuana Can Help Increase Focus
Cannabis is known to be beneficial when it comes to increasing focus, which is one of the major issues for those with ADHD. Marijuana can help you to relax and stop the racing thoughts that are competing for your attention. Cannabis is actually earning such a reputation for increasing focus that university students are starting to use marijuana as a study aid. If it can help students with the big test, maybe it’s time to see if getting your Missouri medical marijuana card can help with your ADHD.
Focused on Relief?
If you’re ready to see if cannabis can help you manage your ADHD, you’ll need a valid Missouri medical marijuana card. If you don’t have your card yet, we can help with that.
Our medical staff is standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri!
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