Subscribe
ADHDAlcoholism/Drug AbuseMarijuana (Cannabinoids)

The effect of marijuana on ADHD

JR

It’s not just pot, but tobacco and alcohol also appear to influence the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

First, the details.

  • The association between the number (severity) of ADHD symptoms compared to the use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana was studied in 334 college students in the southeastern United States.
  • A battery of surveys was used to assess the associations.

And, the results, with respect to the number (severity) of ADHD symptoms (including inattentiveness and hyperactivity)…

  • It was significantly associated with the frequency of marijuana use in the past month and year, among students with a history of marijuana use.
  • The same was true for tobacco use.
  • It was also associated with the frequency of alcohol use in the past month.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The results suggest that the number of ADHD symptoms is proportionally associated with tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use.”

Admittedly, the focus of the study was on tobacco. I chose to emphasize the secondary findings related to cannabis. A follow-up study focusing on marijuana would be useful.

5/9/08 20:36 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

Related Posts