For a long time now, the mind-altering and relaxing effects of Cannabis Sativa have allured the human-kind. The extensive consumption of the plant for recreational, religious, or even business purposes, eventually laid down a path that led the Marijuana plant straight on the stage of a microscope and under the inspective eye of scientists. And soon the medicinal value of the plant started to unfold.
Sufferers of Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, and other troubling conditions sought their solutions in the beneficial compounds of the plant, particularly Cannabidiol (CBD). Ever since then, several CBD products such as CBD Oil have come into existence.
The laboratories are striving to derive more and more benefits from the Cannabis Sativa Plant. This ongoing struggle has brought forward a new, promising aspect of the Cannabis Oil; A treatment of ADHD. Now let us examine the what’s, why’s, and how’s of this young concept.
What Is ADHD?
Increasing at an alarming rate, a significant percentage of children today have ADHD. The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a childhood health issue and may continue in teenagers or adults. People also call it ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).
However, the symptoms of ADHD may get diagnosed at an early age. The disorder gets mostly characterized by an inability to concentrate, pay attention to tasks, organize, and control one’s impulses. ADHD patients tend to perform the deed or speak before thinking.
Also, they are very hyperactive and are unable to stay in one place. You will find an ADHD patient moving around when he is supposed to sit down and vice versa.
Sometimes, they will fidget a lot or talk continually. If you observe any similar symptoms in your child, then consult a specialist as soon as possible. ADHD in children occurs due to genes, low birth weight, brain damages, interaction with toxic materials, and drug use during pregnancy.
What Is CBD Oil?
Amongst the 113 cannabinoids identified in Cannabis Sativa Plant, Cannabidiol (CBD) is a magical one. It provides pain-relieving effects and relaxation without intoxicating the consumer.
Forming 40% of the total plant extract, this second-most prevalent and active ingredient of the cannabis plant, has a high medicinal value.
Upon entering the body, the CBD interacts with receptors of the endocannabinoid system of the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) & CNS (Central Nervous System).
The scientific research continues to intensify upon the effects and composition of the compound. Thus, the CBD is gradually making its way to bath salts, eye-balm, beauty serums, therapeutic chocolates, dermatological products, and pharmaceutical drugs.
However, it is the Cannabidiol Oil that has captivated the interest and attention of masses. With each passing day, it is gaining massive popularity and being used by many.
The CBD oil is made by extracting the non-psychoactive compound from the Cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil.
Generally, there are two methods of removing the substance from the Marijuana plant. Either through solvent or using the inter-related laws of temperature and pressure. The two ways further branch into several detailed processes, including:
- CO2 Extraction
- Ethanol Extraction
- Full Spectrum Method
- Isolate Method
Each of the means of extraction mentioned above is an entirely separate and lengthy topic itself. So let’s not dig in deeper and waste our precious time.
What matters here is the fact that the method of extraction used, greatly determines the quality of the CBD product manufactured, using that extract.
A process that eliminates or burns other substances, leaving a CBD-rich extract, indeed leads to the production of high-quality CBD articles.
CBD Oil And ADHD – What’s The Link?
In recent times a new concept has circulated globally; CBD Oil can have substantial (if not significant) positive effects on ADHD.
However, at the same time, we hear from licensed mental health counselor Stephanie Sarkis that marijuana intake can worsen ADHD. It can increase the difficulty in focusing and concentrating for a child, or anyone who’s suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It may lower anxiety for the patients, but can deteriorate executive function performance.
So, the question arises; Can a product derived from the harmful Marijuana plant, honestly treat ADHD?
There is very little scientific research about the link between ADHD and CBD Oil. Hence, the relation of the two remains in the shadows of doubts and skepticism. Some adults have reported experiencing soothing effects and betterment after self-medicating themselves with Cannabis Oil.
However, a few psychiatrists based in the U.S. have prescribed CBD Oil to ADHD patients. In addition to that, a reputable assistant professor ‘Dr. Robert Carson’ of pediatrics and neurology at Vanderbilt University, who also co-authored a study in 2018 regarding CBD’s effects on epilepsy.
States that CBD and its products may be able to improve the ADHD of individual people. The conditions that apply to this cure are still a mystery to all.
Furthermore, a case study conducted in 2016 suggests that the use of CBD Oil can manage anxiety, which is a significant ADHD symptom in a few patients. A similar study of the year 2013 aimed to decipher the link between Cannabis and ADHD symptoms.
According to this research, people consuming Cannabis were able to control symptoms of subtypes of ADHD. It includes impulsive and hyperactive behavior. However, it is essential that the investigation refers to the general use of Cannabis, and does not focus on the use of CBD or its oil particularly.
Clinical experiments and researches have not yet provided sufficient evidence to confirm CBD Oil as an authentic and effective treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
A member of the advisory board of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) named Mitch Earleywine declares, there is no concrete evidence.
Except for the randomized clinical trials that CBD Oil treats ADHD in any way. Dr. John Mitchell, a well-recognized professor of the Duke University, backs up the statement by recounting an un-prescribed drug experience of his patient.
Even after consuming thirty CBD gel tablets over a few weeks, his ADHD patient did not experience any positive or even negative changes. Considering the controversial data collected up until now, only a cloudy picture of the link between CBD Oil and ADHD has come into view.
Suitable Dosage And Type Of CBD Oil For ADHD
As discussed above, Cannabidiol Oil may be a potential calming, effective medication for ADHD. History witnessed a time when due to a shortage of ADHD medication, people turned to CBD Oil for its soothing, calming effects.
Its primary ingredient, the non-psychoactive Cannabidiol activates brain’s serotonin receptors resulting in the release of dopamine. Thus, eradicating anxiety, depression, and other ADHD symptoms.
But we also know CBD Oil has not yet topped a doctor’s prescription list. A majority of doctors do not consider it as an authentic medication as no proper evidence suggests that CBD Oil treats ADHD for sure. So how can one figure out which type of CBD Oil serves best for this purpose, if the doctors have backed out?
To answer that, let us first examine the types of Cannabidiol Oil based on their colors. Fundamentally, Cannabidiol Oil comes from the seeds and stalk of the industrial hemp. The preferred method of extraction for this Oil is CO2 extraction.
It is a gold-standard extraction method as it efficiently preserves CBD and other accompanying beneficial compounds, and does not even involve any chemical solvents. Perhaps, it is the most organic way of obtaining the CBD oil.
After successful extraction, the CBD oil is further processed to filter out any impurities and unwanted substances. This advanced stage may change the original color of the oil. The three variations of CBD oil’s color are:
1) Dark Green
If allowed to stay in its natural state, the CBD oil may possess a green or dark green color. It is due to raw plant materials like chlorophyll and phytochemicals.
2) Brown
The Cannabis oil may develop a darker shade, usually brown if it is decarboxylated. The heat provided to oil in this process activates CBD and its effects.
3) Golden-Yellow
Commonly available in the market nowadays, the most processed and filtered form of the Cannabidiol oil has golden-yellow hue. It is a highly refined version. Hence, it is usually the most expensive one.
Deducing from trial & errors reports of several patients, we can say that this processed version of CBD Oil best suits the needs of ADHD patient.
Highly concentrated with CBD, these oils bring about the right effects when consumed in minimal amounts. To date, there’s not a single study that addresses the dosage issue of CBD oil for ADHD patients.
You can start with the smallest number (25 mg), and gradually increase it depending on your height, weight, genetics, metabolism, and the severity of ADHD symptoms.
Effective Ways To Consume CBD Oil For ADHD
Perhaps, you would have seen an advertisement booklet promoting the CBD oil capsules at a local drug store? Have you witnessed several reputable companies encouraging the use of CBD oil and, you are wondering why is a harmful intoxicant being publicized openly?
Well, if you are pondering upon the subject similarly then here is a fun fact for you! CBD oil is a beneficial substance used to treat regular problems like anxiety to complex diseases like epilepsy.
Regular consumers of CBD oil with ADHD use it to ease their depression, anxiety, and other stress-related problems. Also, ADHD patients suffering from chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, insomnia, and muscle spasms consume CBD oil to treat their problems. CBD oil soothes the pain and inflicts upon the user a relaxing effect.
People with ADHD taking in CBD oil in either form of a cream or capsule tend to combat their daily health problems and cope up with this ever-advancing world. It is because of this particular reason that many countries like Canada and Germany have legalized Cannabis for medicinal uses.
Now, there are three ways to consume CBD oil for ADHD patients that is a topical application, oral ingestion, and vapor. Topical application refers to applying CBD oil on the skin in the form of balms, creams, lotions, and much more.
Whereas, oral ingestion refers to consuming CBD oil directly by mouth. It may include eating CBD baked goods, vials, capsules, tinctures, and other ways. Vaporized CBD oil consumption is a different method for ADHD patients, but they do use CBD oil vapors.
Risks Of Using CBD Oil For ADHD
Usage of CBD oil for ADHD may bring along a series of reactions which may vary in severity as well as frequency. Novice CBD oil ADHD consumers might experience some common symptoms like vomiting, digestive issues, and nausea.
Excessive consumption may also result in headaches, laziness, and drowsiness. However, these risks will fade away with time as the body becomes accustomed to the CBD oil.
Moreover, the risks of using CBD oil dramatically depends on the type of intake. ADHD patients who consume CBD oil through vape and cigarettes may experience severe coughing and lung irritation.
Hormonal changes might also occur as a result of ADHD teenagers consuming excessive CBD oil. Furthermore, purchasing CBD oil from unreliable companies pose a threat of contamination. Hence, influencing ADHD patients health negatively.
Can You Give CBD Oil To Children With ADHD?
Usage of CBD oil to treat children with ADHD is yet another controversial topic. Although there is no concrete evidence or research about the conclusion that utilization of CBD oil doesn’t treat ADHD children, many parents prefer to believe it.
Perhaps, it is the association of damaging and addictive effects of cannabis on young children’s minds that has led to the belief.
A study recorded in Drug and Alcohol Dependence proves that the usage of cannabis before the age of 16 castes brain impairment and weakens the child’s absolute power.
However, this study doesn’t talk about CBD oil, which is free of intoxication and addictive effects. Also, in many cases, when parents introduced CBD oil into their ADHD children’s routine, they observed remarkable changes.
A mother has reported noticing significant changes like focused studying and control over impulsivity in her 6-year-old child with ADHD.
Conclusively, the topic of whether children with ADHD should intake CBD oil or not remains mostly undecided. Perhaps, the world will have to wait for further researches before people consider CBD oil safe enough for their children.
Conclusion
All in all, despite the potent relaxing effects of Cannabidiol Oil, it can not yet be considered a treatment for ADHD. It is capable of easing the associated conditions and symptoms like anxiety and stress but cannot completely cure the disorder.
Partially, because no research has yet confirmed it, and mostly because ADHD is not a curable disease.
At least, today’s science is not acquainted with any such idea. Science is yet to explore and unveil the true curing potential and the degree of the possible positive impact of CBD oil upon the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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