Microdosing Edibles for ADHD

People with ADHD are seeking treatment options that come with less side effects. Microdosing THC (and other cannabinoids) appears to increase dopamine levels in patients living with ADHD, with no adverse effects.

A study of 1,700 participants found that small doses of cannabis improved ADHD symptoms. Side effects from ADHD medication were reduced significantly in participants.

Microdosing cannabis has many benefits. It can help with insomnia, alleviate stress and anxiety, and treat chronic pain. For ADHD patients, low doses of medical cannabis are less likely to disrupt sleep and decrease appetite—as pharmaceuticals like Adderall typically do—and will not cause addiction or substance abuse.  

Microdoses of THC have beneficial effects on ADHD. Interestingly, higher doses tend to have the opposite effect, exacerbating ADHD for many cannabis users, according to a recent study.

Cannabis edibles provide a safe and controlled way of microdosing as opposed to smoking or vaping where you just don’t know how much THC you’ve inhaled. Inhaled cannabis is also potentially harmful, as toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion.

Our THC gummies make the perfect way to get precise microdoses of cannabis. They are made from hemp-derived Delta 9 THC and provide the best way to relax and feed your brain cells.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is usually diagnosed in childhood, but an increasing number of adults are living with it. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD have trouble paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors, and they exhibit signs of increased activity (hyperactivity disorders).

Some typical ADHD symptoms also include:

• Daydreaming
• Forgetfulness and tendency to lose things a lot
• Fidgeting, squirming
• Excessive talking
• Making careless mistakes, taking unnecessary risks
• Having difficulty getting along with others

Right now, stimulant medication is the most common type of ADHD treatment. Methylphenidate, the active ingredient found in Ritalin, and amphetamine, the main component of Adderall both come with adverse effects.

Pharmaceutical treatments for ADHD can cause:

• Lack of appetite
• Sleep problems
• Problems with growth—reported by parents with children with ADHD
• 'Rebound' effects: A small percentage of persons with ADHD report behavioral relapses when their ADHD medication wears off.
• Tics
• Mood changes
• Anxiety disorders

In his book, Microdosing Marijuana for ADHD, Daniels Ross, PhD, advocates for the therapeutic use of medical marijuana to cure ADHD and manage ADHD symptoms. Dr. Ross promotes cannabis microdosing as an alternative to stimulants and their associated side effects.

THC and ADHD

An increasing number of case reports indicates that microdosing THC may have positive results associated with adult ADHD.

One clinical trial involved three male participants who integrated low THC doses into their treatment. All three men described ‘subjective improvements in symptoms and on quality of life.’

Low dopamine is thought to be a major contributor to, and result of, ADHD. Insufficient levels of this important chemical in our brain can lead to increased anxiety and depressive episodes. According to a study that explores the effects of cannabinoids on our biology, Delta 9 THC increases dopamine levels in the brain, leading to greater feelings of wellbeing.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. There are several types of THC found in the cannabis plant, like Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10. Due to its psychoactive properties, THC can induce a sense of euphoria.

THC interacts with our endocannabinoid system to regulate different functions in our body, such as sleep, memory, mood, appetite, pain levels, and more. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of signals and receptors. THC interacts with two main receptors in the endocannabinoid system, CB1 and CB2.

One major outcome of this interaction is the release of dopamine. When THC binds with CB1 receptors to increase blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, it also impacts areas of our brain involved in the decision-making process and coordination.

One way to enjoy all the benefits of microdosing THC—without getting high—is with our Delta 9 edibles. They are hemp-derived and contain 0.3% or less THC on a dry weight basis.

All our Delta 9 edibles are federally legal in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

Read more about Delta 9 legality and don’t forget to check in which states Delta 9 is legal.

How Does CBD Help with ADHD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not have psychoactive properties—cannot make you high—but has a variety of benefits. It is used to alleviate chronic pain, treat insomnia, and alleviate stress and anxiety. People diagnosed with ADHD seem to benefit from CBD’s anti-anxiety and antipsychotic properties.

CBD also interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It does not bind directly to cannabinoid receptors but rather antagonizes CB1 and CB2 receptors when THC is present in the system. In other words, CBD modifies the impact of Delta 9 THC. Combining the two cannabinoids lowers the potential of increased heart rate, paranoia, and sedation.

When THC and CBD work together, it creates the entourage effect: a cannabis synergy in which benefits of both cannabinoids are accentuated by each other’s presence. Combinations of THC, CBD, CBN, and other compounds often have greater biopharmaceutical impact than any single cannabinoid in isolation. Products containing both THC and CBD are known as full spectrum.

Full spectrum cannabis products are thought to be more effective in improving ADHD symptoms than CBD or THC alone. Check out our full spectrum gummies if you want to experience the entourage effect in action.

Read our guide to the differences between CBD and THC to learn more about the two cannabinoids.

All of our Delta 8 and Delta 9 gummies are federally legal in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD

CBD isolate is the most concentrated form of cannabidiol. It does not contain any other cannabinoid from the cannabis plant.

Broad spectrum CBD refers to cannabidiol in combination with minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but no THC. A broad spectrum extract is unlikely to get you high without the presence of the notoriously euphoric cousin, THC.

Our broad spectrum CBD gummies offer the best broad spectrum experience—only 10mg of CBD and the unforgettable citrus lime flavor!

Full spectrum contains cannabidiol and other minor cannabinoids—CBN, CBG, terpenes, flavonoids—as well as THC. However, these are low THC doses, perfectly suited to microdosing for ADHD.

Our full spectrum CBD gummies deliver an exact dose and are available in different THC to CBD ratios and concentrations. Sleep Plus Gummies are a perfect product to highlight all the benefits of the full spectrum magic. They are infused with a sleep-promoting blend of 25mg CBD and 2mg THC, with an extra kick of melatonin. Sleep Plus is the edible if you’re looking to try THC microdosing for sleep.

Read our guide to the differences between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD to understand them further.

Care for a drink? Our THC drinks deliver exact concentrations of THC and CBD, too! Take Buzz Drops THC Drink Mix, for example. In addition to 20mg of CBD and 2mg of THC, these Delta 9 THC buzz drops also contain low doses of cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG) for a complete full spectrum effect. They are the perfect alcohol replacement for any party!

Best THC to CBD Ratio for ADHD

Higher proportions of CBD with microdoses of THC might have the best results for people struggling with ADHD. CBD improves focus and concentration and has potent relaxant properties, while THC provides a small kick for that euphoric, dopamine-releasing feeling.

For example, our Relax Plus Gummies have 25mg of CBD and just 5mg of THC, making them the ideal microdosing edibles for ADHD.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome

A 2021 study examined the role of the endocannabinoid system in ADHD. It “demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system is fundamental for emotional homeostasis and cognitive functions,” and revealed the connection between ADHD symptoms and the dysfunction of the dopamine system.

As a neurotransmitter associated with the reward system in our brain, dopamine provides feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, thus increasing our motivation and focus. The study revealed that the endocannabinoid anandamide is responsible for the release of dopamine. Higher levels of anandamide may be the key to treating ADHD.

Anandamide deficiency appears to be a major contributor to endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome (EDS). EDS is thought to be the underlying basis for other disorders, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.

Research indicates that THC definitively boosts dopamine levels. A 2017 study on the impact of THC on neurotransmitters also shows that this effect is short-term. More research is needed to test the long-term impact of THC on dopamine.

Sativa or Indica for ADHD?

Some believe that different strains of cannabis produce different effects for managing ADHD symptoms. Cannabis sativa is thought to bring an energizing and focusing influence. Cannabis indica is said to induce relaxation and soothes the mind.

The effects of cannabis often depend on the THC and CBD concentrations, as well as the ratios of these two cannabinoids to one another. To optimally treat ADHD, we prefer a hybrid blend that combines the strengths of indica and sativa.  

Relax Plus Gummies use a hybrid blend with the perfect amounts of CBD and THC. These gummies have a 5:1 ratio of CBD and THC for maximum benefit for ADHD symptoms. 5mg of THC per gummy will increase dopamine, while 25mg of CBD will help with calm and focus.

CBN in ADHD Treatment

A 2020 study of 59 adults with ADHD reported that higher doses of cannabidiol and cannabinol (CBN) alleviated ADHD symptoms and helped the participants with their ADHD medication dependence.

CBN is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It forms from THC, yet its chemical composition is closer to CBD. Neither CBN nor CBD makes you high.

Just like THC, cannabinol interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system causing relaxation, inflammation relief, chronic pain relief, and an overall improvement of the quality of life.

Read our guide on the differences between CBD and CBN.

CBN also seems to act as an appetite stimulant. A study on the effects of CBN and CBD confirmed that CBN may just be the perfect way to increase appetite, especially with adult ADHD sufferers.

CBN oil has become a popular method of consumption. In combination with other cannabis extracts, beneficial properties of CBN are enhanced (remember the entourage effect?).

Edibles are another popular yet much more convenient method of microdosing CBN. Gummies with CBN contain low doses of cannabinol that are infused into the most delicious vegan bites. They are an ideal snack before bed, due to the high-quality, hemp-derived combination of CBN and CBD, perfect for an ADHD sufferer who struggles with anxiety and insomnia.

CBG and ADHD

Let’s introduce another member of the cannabis family.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. However, the amounts of CBG found in the plant are small—often as low as 1%—which makes it more expensive than CBD and THC.

It is believed that CBG interacts with our endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 receptors in the nervous system and CB2 receptors in our immune system. Due to its purported abilities to help our entire body function better, CBG is said to treat a lot of conditions: anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and inflammation, to name only a few.

In addition, it seems that CBG has more potent beneficial properties than CBD when it comes to pain relief and depression. It also appears to be more effective in treating various symptoms of mental disorders, like autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

Results of a recent study on effects of CBG and CBD on pain, IBS, and chronic fatigue syndrome has revealed that nearly 71% of participants diagnosed with ADHD reported improvement after using a CBD-CBG combination.

However, more conclusive studies on cannabigerol and its effects on our health are lacking.

What are the Best Edibles for ADHD

Our selection of microdosing edibles present a mixture of the finest, natural ingredients, 100% American-grown hemp, and the sassiest of flavors. Here are the best edibles for treating symptoms of ADHD:

• Melatonin sleep gummies with CBD will enhance relaxation and induce sleep in no time. They contain 3mg of melatonin and a CBD to CBN ratio of 5:1. For reluctant night owls and those battling the nasty symptoms of their ADHD—like poor appetite—CBD and CBN combo is all you need.
• Another sleep helper is none other than Sleep Plus Gummies. High in CBD (25mg per gummy) and low in THC (only 2mg per gummy) with a sidekick of 3mg of melatonin, these vegan gummies will fight insomnia like there’s no tomorrow. The unique blend of terpene rich hemp extract has been carefully crafted and tested for safety and quality.
• Lacking energy and motivation? Can’t remember when you put your keys? Try our Energy Delta 9 Gummies! With the 2:1 ratio of CBD and THC, these blood orange energy bombshells are infused with a custom blend of energy promoting nutrients to keep you motivated throughout the day.
• Our Relax Plus Gummies are another unique blend of CBD and THC in 5:1 ratio. The synergy of the two compounds create the entourage effect where dopamine-high properties of THC are enhanced, while CBD’s anti-anxiety and deeply relaxing abilities are doubled! Oh, and they taste like watermelon. Could they be any better?
• Speaking of high dopamine, sometimes that’s exactly what we need. And hemp Euphoria Gummies are just the thing to bring out that sweet dopamine release. They contain equal amounts of THC and CBD for a bit higher uplifting experience, perfect for low energy and no motivation individuals. These strawberry-licking-good vegan gummies are packed with natural ingredients and flavors and federally legal in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

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