Can CBD alleviate ADHD symptoms?

Those with ADHD constantly battle racing thoughts, poor focus, and unpredictable energy levels. CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural way to manage ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life. Unlike traditional ADHD medications, CBD balances your brain chemistry without causing sleep disruptions or energy crashes.

According to a 2024 study in Psychiatric Clinics of North America, participants experienced reduced restlessness, 80% reported lower hyperactivity, and 76% felt less mental frustration after using CBD. 

Microdosing cannabis calms the racing thoughts and physical restlessness that plague people with ADHD. Our carefully crafted cannabis edibles with CBD allow you to embrace the power of microdosing for gentle, therapeutic symptom relief.

How does ADHD manifest?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development and function in areas that control attention, impulsivity, and self-regulation. It is a complex condition that impacts how the brain processes information and manages everyday tasks. ADHD manifests in several forms defined by their symptoms.

Inattentive type

• Poor attention to detail
• Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks
• Struggles with following instructions
• Often appears not to listen
• Loses important items frequently
• Poor time management
• Gets distracted easily
• Forgets daily activities
• Avoids tasks requiring mental effort

Hyperactive-impulsive type

• Constant fidgeting and squirming
• Can't stay seated when expected
• Runs or climbs inappropriately
• Talks excessively
• Struggles to play quietly
• Always "on the go"
• Blurts out answers
• Has trouble waiting turns
• Interrupts others frequently

Combined type

• Shows six or more symptoms from the categories above
• Symptoms appear in multiple settings
• Impacts daily functioning significantly
• Can shift between types as a person ages

Doctors typically view ADHD as a dopamine deficiency disorder and primarily treat it with stimulant medications such as Adderall or Ritalin that increase dopamine levels in the brain. This approach often ignores the complex web of environmental, dietary, sleep, and lifestyle factors that impact ADHD symptoms. 

That’s why many adults with ADHD are ditching traditional stimulants and finding that small doses of cannabis work better for their brains and daily lives.

Why CBD is a gentle option for ADHD patients

CBD is a natural compound found in cannabis plants. It interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to influence mood, sleep, pain relief, cognitive function, and other vital functions. Unlike THC, CBD doesn't cause any psychoactive effects or "high." Instead, it modulates brain signaling and neurotransmitter systems, especially those involving dopamine and serotonin, which are often imbalanced in ADHD brains.

CBD's interaction with this system naturally calms the mind and improves focus and emotional control. Here's why CBD is a gentler option than traditional ADHD stimulant medications:

• No harsh side effects. Traditional ADHD medications often come with a range of uncomfortable effects such as a racing heart, dry mouth, and stomach issues. CBD rarely causes adverse effects.
• Works with your body. While stimulants flood your brain with dopamine to force attention, CBD works more subtly by enhancing your brain's natural ability to focus and regulate emotions. It supports your body's existing systems rather than overriding them.
• More flexible use. Stimulant medications require strict scheduling and can cause withdrawal when stopped. CBD can be used as needed, whether daily or occasionally, and doesn't create the physical dependency that many experience with traditional ADHD medications.
• Better sleep and mood. Many ADHD medications exacerbate anxiety disorders and keep you up at night. CBD reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality, two common struggles for people with ADHD. 
• Clear-headed focus. Instead of the intense, sometimes jittery focus that comes with stimulants, CBD helps you achieve a more natural, calm state of attention. You won't experience the harsh peaks and crashes that often come with traditional ADHD medications.

Here’s the catch. 

Most research studies examining CBD's effects on ADHD use relatively high doses, often ranging from 300–600 mg per day. These high doses can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or changes in appetite. 

For example, Ayyash, et. al. reveal that CBD may improve the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults over 6 weeks without harming cognitive function, but long-term heavy use has been linked to negative impacts on thinking, education, and work performance.

Hernandez and Levin propose that, despite major improvements in ADHD symptoms with CBD use, long-term use at higher doses showed 35% improvement, with users reporting worsening symptoms.

Microdosing CBD throughout the day is much safer and more effective for managing ADHD symptoms, and you're less likely to experience side effects. Start with small doses (5 mg) and slowly increase until you find what works best for you, giving your body time to adjust naturally.

Find your focus and calm the chaos with Bliss gummies, perfectly balanced with 5 mg of CBD and 5 mg of THC to manage ADHD symptoms naturally.

Is CBD good for attention and focus?

Many people who use cannabis products for ADHD report feeling mentally clearer and better able to focus on tasks. A part of that is CBD’s role in boosting focus and attention. A 2024 study on the effects of CBD on brain function postulates that CBD regulates brain signaling pathways, including those that involve dopamine, to enhance your brain’s own ability to concentrate and reduce mental chatter and restlessness. 

The study also explains that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to modulate GABA and glutamate transmission in the brain to create a better balance between excitation and inhibition that people with ADHD often lack. This natural balancing effect calms racing thoughts while improving focus.

CBD for ADHD-related sleep issues

Many people with ADHD struggle with sleep. Lack of quality sleep worsens their attention and focus issues during the day. Research shows that CBD reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves overall sleep quality by calming racing thoughts and reducing anxiety—two factors that keep ADHD minds active at night. 

Nearly half of CBD users in a large survey study reported falling asleep faster and getting better quality sleep. The benefits became more noticeable after two weeks of regular use. Since sleep problems often make ADHD symptoms worse, using CBD to improve sleep helps people with ADHD function better during the day.

If ADHD keeps your mind racing at night, our CBD gummies for sleep can quiet the noise and prepare your body for rest. Try Sleep Plus edibles; with 25 mg of CBD, just 2 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and 3 mg of melatonin, they support a calm mind and deep, restorative sleep.

“I have severe anxiety and this is the only solution I have used where I don't feel like ish the next day. It gives you that pleasant feeling of drifting off to sleep and I don't wake up in the middle of the night in a flight or fight reaction. I wake up the next morning feeling happy and like I got a good night's sleep.”

—Lauren

How does CBD soothe ADHD anxiety?

CBD alleviates anxiety in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by working through two brain mechanisms:

1. It increases anandamide, a natural calming compound in the brain. Anandamide reduces anxiety and racing thoughts. 
2. It activates serotonin receptors, regulating mood and emotional responses that are often challenging for ADHD minds. 

Scientific evidence shows that CBD supports a more natural state of calm without the intense ups and downs of traditional medications. It doesn't force focus like stimulants do, but rather helps your brain find its balance while reducing the anxiety and mental chatter that often disrupts attention in ADHD.

Moltke and Hindocha reveal that 42.6% of CBD users experienced significant improvements in anxiety, stress, and sleep. For people with ADHD who struggle with racing thoughts and sleep problems on top of their core symptoms, CBD's therapeutic effects offer meaningful relief.

Our Relax Plus gummies combine 25 mg of CBD and 5 mg of THC for a powerful entourage effect that amplifies their calming properties. This cannabis synergy is better than using CBD or THC alone. With our low-dose cannabis edibles, you can experience a more balanced mind and a soothing calm to help you navigate your day with ease.

Can CBD interact with ADHD medication?

If you're taking ADHD medication and want to try CBD, CBD can affect how your body processes other medications. Since CBD and ADHD medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes, they might interact with each other. CBD might change how your body processes ADHD drugs, potentially making them more or less effective. 

Talk to your doctor before combining your ADHD medication with CBD products. They can monitor any potential interactions and adjust doses if needed.

How much CBD is good for ADHD?

If you’re looking to start CBD for ADHD, you'll want to ease into it. Begin with a small dose between 5 and 25 mg to see what feels right for your body. Once you know how it affects you, you can bump it up to 25 mg per serving if you need more. 

Everyone reacts differently to CBD, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The trick is to start low and fine-tune your dose until you hit that perfect balance where you feel focused and calm, but not groggy. 

How long does CBD take to kick in?

CBD typically takes 30 to 120 minutes to kick in when consumed as gummies. Our microdosed edibles are the best choice for a reliable, therapeutic, and effective approach to managing ADHD symptoms. Our gummies offer consistent delivery of CBD for steady relief from racing thoughts, anxiety, and restlessness without the need for guesswork. 

The onset may take longer than other methods, but the effects last longer and provide a more stable experience. With our carefully formulated gummies and cannabis-infused beverages, you can enjoy a predictable, lasting solution tailored to ADHD-friendly symptom relief.

Order the best CBD gummies

Forget unreliable corner store options and questionable brands—choose nama™, your trusted source for safe, effective CBD products that support cognitive function and overall health.

Our meticulously crafted collection of CBD products are made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, and are third-party tested for quality you can trust. Whether you're looking for full-spectrum CBD gummies, with trace amounts of THC for an enhanced entourage effect, or broad-spectrum products that deliver all the benefits of CBD without any THC, nama has you covered.

Full-spectrum CBD products are ideal for ADHD relief, as the trace THC enhances the calming effects of CBD, while broad-spectrum options are perfect if you prefer THC-free solutions. For a more comprehensive and complete relief experience, full-spectrum gummies offer added benefits by leveraging the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes working together.

Our edibles are vegan, gluten-free, and made with premium American hemp, so you know every dose is safe and effective. With delicious flavors and convenient, precisely measured doses, they’re easy to make part of your daily routine.

All our THC and CBD products are federally legal in the US, so why settle for anything less? Take the first step toward calm, focus, and balance today with nama.

Resources

Hernandez, M., & Levin, F. R. (2022). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Therapeutic Cannabis Use Motives. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 45(3), 503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2022.05.010

Ayyash, H. F., Ogundele, M., Cartas, B. C., & Dahabra, M. (2020). G632 Effectiveness of Cannabidiol oil in the management of ADHD and its co-morbidities: Review of the evidence. BMJ Journals, A228.1-A228. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2020-rcpch.546

Schouten, M., Dalle, S., Mantini, D., & Koppo, K. (2024). Cannabidiol and brain function: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 1328885. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1328885

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041

Moltke, J., & Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Journal of Cannabis Research, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

García-Gutiérrez, M. S., Navarrete, F., Gasparyan, A., Austrich-Olivares, A., Sala, F., & Manzanares, J. (2020). Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders. Biomolecules, 10(11), 1575. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10111575

Chen, S., & Kim, K. (2024). The Role of Cannabidiol in Liver Disease: A Systemic Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(4), 2370. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042370

Lindner, T., Schmidl, D., Peschorn, L., Pai, V., Popa-Cherecheanu, A., Chua, J., Schmetterer, L., & Garhöfer, G. (2023). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Glaucoma. Pharmaceuticals, 16(8), 1149. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16081149

Further reading

Does ADHD stem from an endocannabinoid deficiency?

The best anti-anxiety cannabis terpenes

Does microdosing cannabis help with PTSD?

Is CBD good for fighting inflammation?

Can THC and CBD treat glaucoma?

Does CBD show on a drug test?

Does CBD contain Delta 9 THC?

Can CBD soothe chronic pain?

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