This article originally appeared at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0156614
“I Use Weed for My ADHD”: A Qualitative Analysis of Online Forum Discussions on Cannabis Use and ADHD
- Published: May 26, 2016
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156614
Background
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for problematic cannabis use. However, clinical and anecdotal evidence suggest an increasingly popular perception that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD, including via online resources. Given that the Internet is increasingly utilized as a source of healthcare information and may influence perceptions, we conducted a qualitative analysis of online forum discussions, also referred to as threads, on the effects of cannabis on ADHD to systematically characterize the content patients and caregivers may encounter about ADHD and cannabis.
Methods
A total of 268 separate forum threads were identified. Twenty percent (20%) were randomly selected, which yielded 55 separate forum threads (mean number of individual posts per forum thread = 17.53) scored by three raters (Cohen’s kappa = 0.74). A final sample of 401 posts in these forum threads received at least one endorsement on predetermined topics following qualitative coding procedures.
Results
Twenty-five (25%) percent of individual posts indicated that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD, as opposed to 8% that it is harmful, 5% that it is both therapeutic and harmful, and 2% that it has no effect on ADHD. This pattern was generally consistent when the year of each post was considered. The greater endorsement of therapeutic versus harmful effects of cannabis did not generalize to mood, other (non-ADHD) psychiatric conditions, or overall domains of daily life. Additional themes emerged (e.g., cannabis being considered sanctioned by healthcare providers).
Conclusions
Despite that there are no clinical recommendations or systematic research supporting the beneficial effects of cannabis use for ADHD, online discussions indicate that cannabis is considered therapeutic for ADHD—this is the first study to identify such a trend. This type of online information could shape ADHD patient and caregiver perceptions, and influence cannabis use and clinical care.
Figures
Citation: Mitchell JT, Sweitzer MM, Tunno AM, Kollins SH, McClernon FJ (2016) “I Use Weed for My ADHD”: A Qualitative Analysis of Online Forum Discussions on Cannabis Use and ADHD. PLoS ONE 11(5): e0156614. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156614
Editor: Karen Lidzba, University Children's Hospital Tuebingen, GERMANY
Received: January 22, 2016; Accepted: May 17, 2016; Published: May 26, 2016
Copyright: © 2016 Mitchell et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Data Availability: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Funding: This study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (K23 DA032577 to JTM and K24 DA023464 to SHK). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests: Dr. Kollins has received research support and/or consulting fees from the following: Akili Interactive, Alcobra, Arbor, Atentiv, Ironshore, Neos, NIH, Neurovance, Purdue Canada, Rhodes, Shire, Sunovion, and Tris in the past 2 years. This does not alter the authors’ adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. None of the other authors have any additional declarations.
Introduction
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) refers to a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress within a 12 month period and includes at least two symptoms occurring in this context (e.g., cannabis being taken in a larger amount or over a longer period than was intended, unsuccessful attempts to control use, a strong desire to use cannabis, and recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major life obligations) [1]. Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for both cannabis use and CUD compared to the general population. In the largest meta-analysis to date examining the prospective association of ADHD with cannabis use, ADHD youth were nearly three times as likely to report cannabis use in later life compared to non-ADHD youth; and ADHD children were more than 1.5 times as likely to be subsequently diagnosed with a CUD [2]. In a large, multisite longitudinal study, individuals initially diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 7–9 years were significantly more likely than controls to report cannabis use at 8-year follow-up (32.1% and 24.0% for ADHD and non-ADHD, respectively) [3]. ADHD adolescents were more likely to meet criteria for a CUD as well, which persisted into early adulthood [4]. Conversely, in samples with a CUD, comorbidity with ADHD ranges from 33%-38% [5]. Even in non-clinical samples, ADHD symptoms are associated with increased cannabis use severity, craving, abuse, dependence, and earlier initiation of use [6, 7].
This relationship between ADHD and cannabis use is relevant given the known adverse effects of use. For instance, short-term effects of cannabis use include impaired short-term memory and motor coordination, altered judgement, and (in high doses) paranoia and psychosis [8]. Real-world outcomes of such effects include higher rates of motor vehicle accidents. The effect of long-term or heavy use include altered brain development, poorer educational outcomes (e.g., higher likelihood of dropping out of school), lower intelligence, diminished life satisfaction, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and increased risk for chronic psychosis disorders in people with a predisposition to such disorders [8]. Cardiovascular disease, poorer mental health, use of other illicit substances, and a range of poorer neurocognitive outcomes (e.g., attention, executive functioning, and inhibition) have also been identified [9–14]. Given that similar outcomes are associated with ADHD independent of cannabis use, including neurocognitive deficits [15, 16] and poor driving [17], the maladaptive effects of cannabis use may be particularly pronounced in ADHD patients. Indeed, heavier cannabis use in people with ADHD appears to have an additive effect on poor neurocognitive outcomes [18] and alters hippocampal and cerebellar-dependent function [19], along with frontal and postcentral cortical thickness [20]. Further, this comorbidity will likely impact successful treatment of cannabis use since ADHD symptoms are correlated with cannabis craving [7] and such craving is associated with relapse [21].
Despite the increased risk for problematic cannabis use outcomes, anecdotal clinical observations suggest there is a growing popular perception that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD. Even some medical professionals have advocated for cannabis as a treatment for ADHD, including before a congressional subcommittee on drug policy [22] (also see [23]). Consistent with such observations, the perceived risk associated with regular cannabis use in the general population has decreased among adolescents and young adults to its lowest point since the late 1970s [24], which is paralleled by patients and caregivers increasingly inquiring about the therapeutic effects of cannabis for developmental and behavioral disorders [25]. It is particularly relevant to address factors that may influence perceptions about the effects of cannabis on ADHD given that substance use perceptions can influence use [26, 27] and, as noted above, cannabis has adverse effects, especially for at-risk populations such as those with ADHD. As legalized recreational use among adults could significantly increase access to cannabis among youth and is a growing concern for pediatric health in the US [28], identifying factors that may impact perceptions promoting cannabis use is a timely issue that is likely to become increasingly important.
The overall aim of this study was to systematically characterize one source of information that patients and caregivers may use to inform their opinions about ADHD and cannabis: the Internet. Approximately 72% of adult [29] and 84% of adolescent [30] US Internet users query the Internet for healthcare information. Analysis of online information has been increasingly used to identify emerging patterns of substance use [31–34], though this has not been extended to substance use in ADHD. Online forums in particular were selected for this study since psychiatric and substance use populations report using forums to inform their healthcare decisions [35, 36]. Indeed, more individuals indicate they are more likely to use online forums to address mental health concerns than face-to-face with another person [37]. These forums facilitate social interactions and allow individuals to self-disclose their unfiltered experiences, inquiries, and opinions about substance use in an anonymous format [34, 38–43], and may be a fruitful starting point for understanding what patients and caregivers are exposed to when searching for information about the effects of cannabis on ADHD.
A qualitative methodology was adopted for the current study to examine the content of online forum threads on the topic of ADHD and cannabis use to identify trends in comments about their relation, particularly regarding therapeutic and adverse effects of cannabis on ADHD. This is an important topic since ADHD patients and caregivers may use such online resources to learn about and inform treatment decisions for ADHD. There are no studies examining how ADHD and cannabis are portrayed online, therefore we adopted a largely exploratory approach to identify trends in forum content that will inform future studies. However, based on changes in the perceived risks of cannabis use [24], patients and caregivers increasingly inquiring about the therapeutic effects of cannabis [25], and anecdotal clinical observations on the relationship between ADHD and cannabis, we hypothesized that the majority of forum posts would advocate for the therapeutic effects of cannabis for ADHD in comparison to harmful effects.
Methods
Sample and Procedure
A qualitative descriptive methodological approach was adopted. As outlined in Flower et al. [44], this approach can be utilized to examine naturalistic language to characterize perceptions and experiences with a particular topic that is poorly understood [45, 46]; however, the aim of this study was to examine online forum content patients and caregivers may be exposed to as opposed to characterize perceptions of forum members. To identify forum threads, past studies [44, 47] have collected posts from a particular online forum dedicated to a specific patient population. We attempted to expand upon this approach and sample a variety of online forums that patients with ADHD and caregivers may come across when conducting a search for discussions on the topic of ADHD and cannabis.
A search via Google, the most frequently used online search engine in the US [48], was conducted on 10/28/14-10/29/14 using every combination of three different groups of search terms: (a) “ADHD,” “ADD,” or “attention deficit” with (b) “marijuana,” cannabis,” “pot,” or “weed,” with (c) “forum.” At least the first 50 results that emerged from each search were considered. Forum threads that included links to any other forum threads addressing ADHD and cannabis were also included. This resulted in a total sample of 268 forum threads identified for the current study.
We randomly selected 55 threads (20%) for analysis, which were coded for the presence or absence of particular topics (see Qualitative Coding below). The average number of individual posts within each forum thread was 17.63 (SD = 17.22, range = 1 to 85, median = 13, mode = 4). A random selection of 20% is consistent with other qualitative studies of online forums on the topic of substance use [47] and yields a relatively higher number of individual posts than other studies on online forums [49, 50]. The 55 threads yielded a total of 964 individual posts. Among these 55 threads, 9 (16%) did not contain any individual posts that received at least one endorsement for the topics coded for this study. Such threads included wording used in our search, but did not actually include any comments on any aspect of the relationship between ADHD and cannabis use. Removal of these 9 threads (totaling 84 individual posts) resulted in 46 threads for analysis. These 46 threads contained 880 individual posts. The average number of individuals posts within each forum thread was 19.13 (SD = 17.97, range = 1 to 85 posts, median = 15, mode = 15). Among the 46 threads, 27 (59%) were hosted on sites devoted to ADHD generally (e.g., http://www.addforums.com, http://www.adhdmarriage.com), 10 (22%) were hosted on sites devoted to cannabis generally (http://marijuana.com, http://www.rollitup.org), 6 (13%) were hosted on sites devoted to overall physical or mental health generally (http://ehealthforum.com, http://www.psychforums.com), and 3 (7%) were hosted on other sites (http://www.thetechgame.com, http://www.econjobrumors.com).
A total 479 of the 880 individual posts within the 46 threads did not receive an endorsement for various reasons, such as thanking others for commenting on a question, introducing themselves to the discussion, or tangentially commenting on a discussion about cannabis and ADHD (e.g., stating that they don’t use cannabis, but smoke cigarettes). These posts were excluded given the primary aim of this study to characterize the content of comments on ADHD and cannabis. A total of 401 individual forum posts received at least one topic endorsement within the 46 threads (see Qualitative Coding below). See Fig 1 for a summary. To allow for analysis of temporal distribution of forum threads, the year of each post was recorded. This study was exempted from human subjects review by the Duke Institutional Review Board due to the anonymous and public-access format of the source data.
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Fig 1. Internet Forum Identification Summary.
Qualitative Coding
A list of topics for coding individual posts in a binary response format (i.e., each post received either a “1” for an endorsement or “0” for a non-endorsement for topics such as “Cannabis helps with attention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or ADHD”) was created through an iterative process. First, a list of potential codes was created a priori by the authors for anticipated online forum discussions involving cannabis and ADHD based on knowledge of the literature and aims of this study. This was followed by a review of 266 individual posts across 30 different threads, prior to random selection of posts, to assess topics that emerged that were not previously considered in the first stage. The authors then finalized the list of specific topics that were coded based on the primary aims of the current study—additional topics on the subject of ADHD and cannabis were coded as well, but are not reported in this study. All 401 individual posts analyzed in this study received at least one endorsement from any of the topics on the subject of ADHD and cannabis used in the coding process (including the additional topics not reported on in this study).
Among the topics that were coded for the current study, we assessed if cannabis was stated to impact ADHD or ADHD symptoms, mood, non-ADHD psychiatric disorders, and different domains of daily living (i.e., sleep, driving, social functioning, motivation, academic performance, and general quality of life). For each of these topics, coding was carried out to indicate if the effect of cannabis was stated to be therapeutic, harmful, or both therapeutic and harmful. For the code on the effect of cannabis on ADHD, a null effects option (i.e., the post specifically stated there is no effect of cannabis on ADHD) was also included—null effects were not coded for cannabis effects on mood, non-ADHD psychiatric disorders, or different domains of daily living given that this endorsement option was not observed in the code creation process. Comments about medicinal aspects of cannabis in the context of ADHD were also coded (see Table 1).
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Table 1. Topic Endorsement Summary Among Forum Thread Posts.
The randomly selected 20% of forum threads were all read in full by one of three raters. From these forum threads, 401 individual posts received at least one code endorsement by a rater. In cases where a person posting quoted another post that was endorsed but they themselves did not clearly endorse or provide sufficient information for the rater to determine if an endorsement was warranted for a particular code, then an endorsement was not made by the rater. Multiple posts by the same person (as indicated by a user identification name or number) were allowed since the main purpose of this study was to assess what forum users might be exposed to when looking for information on the topic of ADHD and cannabis use, therefore multiple posts by the same person would not have a meaningful impact on interpretation of the results.
A random selection of 10% of posts was coded by the other two raters for inter-rater reliability. The average agreement between each grouping of raters was 93% (range: 92%-93%). Cohen’s kappa takes chance agreement into account and was 0.74 (ranging from 0.72 and 0.76 between different pairs of raters), indicating substantial agreement [51].
Examples that typified endorsements for different topics are reported. Spelling and grammatical errors were not corrected, although vague use of pronouns (e.g., “it”) were replaced with specific terms used elsewhere in the post (e.g., “medical marijuana”) and denoted by use of parentheses. Also, use of “…” within quotes indicates sections that were removed to allow for brevity while maintaining the overall context of the quote.
Results
Table 1 shows that out of the 401 individual posts examined, 25% (99 posts) endorsed that cannabis improved ADHD or ADHD symptoms, compared to 8% that it is harmful (31 posts), 5% that it is both therapeutic and harmful (19 posts), and 2% that it has null effects (7 posts). We also compared posts proposing that cannabis is therapeutic to domains other than ADHD. Table 1 demonstrates that the higher percentage of posts supporting therapeutic versus harmful effects of cannabis was not as apparent for other outcomes (i.e., mood, other psychiatric conditions, general quality of life), which ranged from 1% (5 posts) to 14% (56 posts) of the 401 posts.
The majority of forums (59%) included posts that advocated for the therapeutic effects of cannabis for ADHD (i.e., 27 of 46 forum threads). In terms of comments about cannabis as therapeutic for ADHD or ADHD symptoms, below are examples that typified endorsements for this topic:
“Marijuana works for ADHD”
"(Cannabis) helps me greatly with my ADHD"
“In regard to the ADD, while you are high … you will be able to focus much, much better than you normally would.”
“medical marijuana improves the ability to concentrate in some types of ADD.”
“There are many, many studies showing the efficacy of (medical marijuana) for ADD.”
Regarding the relatively fewer posts about cannabis’ adverse effect on ADHD or ADHD symptoms, typical comments included:
“For me, pot does nothing for my ADD. If anything, it makes it worse. I cant pay attention sober much less high.”
“Smoking weed is bad for people with ADHD.”
Among the few that stated cannabis is both therapeutic and worsens ADHD, comments such as “Cannabis both helps and makes (my ADHD symptoms) more intense” emerged.
Within the 99 posts that endorsed that cannabis improved ADHD or ADHD symptoms, there were 62 posts that mentioned improvement on at least one DSM-5 ADHD symptom set (i.e., inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity), as opposed to posts that stated that cannabis helped ADHD but not at the symptom level. Among the 62 posts that commented on ADHD symptoms, 74% (46 posts) endorsed that cannabis helped inattentive symptoms (e.g., “(Cannabis) helps me focus” and “i find im able to concentrate so much better after a bit of cannabis"), 16% (10 posts) that cannabis helped hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (e.g., “(cannabis) sort of helps eliminate excess pent up hyperactivity” and “i just smoke (cannabis) everyday after school and then around night and im good i dont get to hyper and i have total control of how i act”), and 10% (6 posts) that cannabis helped both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (e.g., “when (I) attend class stoned … (I am) more focused and less nervous and hyperactive” and “(I) use pot for (ADHD), and it helps quell racing thoughts, hyperactivity, and rage, while considerably extending attention span.”).
We also evaluated changes in the content of posts involving impact of cannabis on ADHD or ADHD symptoms over time across the 401 posts. All 401 posts were made between 2004 and 2014. The percentage of individual post endorsements on the therapeutic, harmful, therapeutic and harmful, and null effects of cannabis on ADHD per year was considered (e.g., the number of endorsements that cannabis is effective for ADHD for a particular year divided by the total number of posts for that year). As shown in Fig 2, endorsements indicating that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD has been consistently higher since 2006 relative to posts about its potential harmful impact, combined therapeutic and harmful effects, or null effect.
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Fig 2. The percentage of individual post endorsements for each respective code on the effects of cannabis on ADHD per year (2004–2014) among the 401 posts analyzed.
Comments about the medicinal aspects of cannabis use in the context of discussing ADHD were also considered across the 401 posts (Table 1). Overall, few commented on how cannabis compares to ADHD medications (i.e., 5% [22 posts] indicated that cannabis is more effective and 3% [12 posts] that it is less effective). Fifteen percent (62 posts) indicated that cannabis was considered medicinal or sanctioned by healthcare providers. In many cases, these posts pertained to the medicinal use of cannabis for ADHD. For example, one post stated “I am 21 years of age and strongly believe in medical marijuana and why people with adhd should be getting percribed it in this country” and then listed a link to a website from a physician purportedly advocating cannabis as a treatment for ADHD. Other examples of posts that typified this topic include:
“(A physician) has also worked with one family of a 15-year-old—whose family had tried every drug available to help their son, who by age 13 had become a problem student diagnosed as suffering from ADHD. Under (a physician’s) supervision, he began marijuana treatment, settling on cannabis in food and candy form, and he has since found equilibrium and regularly attends school.”
“I have ADD and I use (medical marijuana) for it. It works very well. I'm 64 and was diagnosed with adult ADD 4 years ago. I had it confirmed by two MD's and a psychiatrist.…I now use marijuana exclusively.”
Discussion
This study is the first to systematically analyze a source of online information that patients and caregivers may use to inform their opinions about ADHD and cannabis. A qualitative analysis examining the content of online forum threads on the topic of ADHD and cannabis use indicated that at least three times as many comments advocated for therapeutic effects of cannabis on ADHD compared to comments that cannabis is harmful, both therapeutic and harmful, or has no effect on ADHD. The disproportionate number of comments favoring the therapeutic over harmful effects of cannabis was specific to ADHD and was not generalizable when mood, non-ADHD psychiatric conditions, or general quality of life were considered. Analysis of the temporal distribution of posts about the effects of cannabis on ADHD indicated that the tendency to advocate for its therapeutic effects has generally been consistent since 2006. Qualitative analysis also indicated that comments purporting the therapeutic effects of cannabis for ADHD predominantly referenced improvement in inattentive symptoms, as opposed to hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Relatively few comments comparing cannabis against ADHD medications emerged. However, there were a number of comments indicating that cannabis is considered “medicinal” or sanctioned by healthcare providers.
The primary motivation in conducting this analysis was to systematically identify and analyze a source of information patients and caregivers might access to learn about the effects of cannabis use on ADHD. The majority of US Internet users query the Internet for healthcare information [29]. This necessitates addressing patient use of the Internet in clinical practice and how it affects the patient-provider relationship [52]. Our data suggest that patients seeking information regarding cannabis effects on ADHD will find a greater amount of information on Internet forums biased toward cannabis improving ADHD. This is relevant for healthcare providers so that they can anticipate perceptions informed by online resources and develop a communication style that is both inclusive of patient concerns based on such searches and contributes to quality health care [53, 54].
Our findings indicating bias towards cannabis being beneficial for ADHD is consistent with national trends about the decreased perceived risk associated with regular cannabis use [24] and is relevant to individuals diagnosed with ADHD. Such online information may impact perceptions promoting use, which can be problematic given the maladaptive effects of use [8, 12–14]. In particular, the adverse neurocognitive effects of cannabis use [9–11] may have an additive effect on neurocognitive deficits observed in ADHD independent of cannabis use [15, 16]—emerging findings support this additive effect in those with ADHD [18]. Consequently, the actual effects of cannabis use may be particularly maladaptive in ADHD patients, which stands in stark contrast to messages arguing for therapeutic effects identified in this study. Further, there are no systematically collected data to support that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD. Findings from this study are particularly relevant as nearly half of all US states have enacted legislation legalizing medicinal cannabis, while four states plus the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing recreational use that will likely translate into greater cannabis availability to adolescents (and more certainly young adults).
The current findings demonstrate that an online source that may be used by caregivers and patients with ADHD seeking more information about cannabis favors the beneficial effects of use on ADHD. Future studies are needed to assess if these attitudes are endorsed by ADHD patients. To our knowledge, only one study has examined perceptions of cannabis use in ADHD [55], though this study did not assess the perceived impact on ADHD. If this is supported, future studies are needed to (a) assess if such perceptions predict cannabis use in ADHD samples and (b) compare these perceptions against objective effects of cannabis in ADHD samples. Increased understanding of these relationships can inform treatment of ADHD patients and cannabis prevention efforts (e.g., education about the inaccuracy of perceptions about the effects of cannabis use on ADHD symptoms).
In terms of study limitations, although data was collected from a resource that patients and caregivers may use to learn about cannabis and ADHD (i.e., online forums), it is unclear how often ADHD patients and caregivers access this online resource or online resources in general to learn more about treatment options. However, past studies do demonstrate that individuals seek out healthcare information online [29] and that this extends to inquiries about therapeutic effects of cannabis for different psychiatric disorders [25]. Another limitation is that this study only focuses on one Internet resource: forums. Although this study was therefore restricted in scope, forums are commonly used to inform mental health care decisions [35–37] and were therefore targeted for this study. Also, given the anonymous format of forum threads, there are no demographic data or information about diagnostic status available for individuals who posted information. Further, individuals who post on forums may be a self-selected sample that may not represent views of the general population of ADHD patients. However, this is not a limitation of the current study given that our main aim was to assess what is advocated through online forums, regardless of who is posting on such forums. Relatedly, no inferences can be drawn about the prevalence of perceptions regarding the effects of cannabis on ADHD in patients with the disorder—that was beyond the scope of the present study (i.e., to assess the content of online data referring to cannabis and ADHD in forums). To address this concern, as mentioned above, future studies that examine perceptions among well-characterized ADHD samples are needed.
Conclusions
In summary, there is a dearth of systematic studies analyzing a source of online information patients and caregivers might access to learn about the effects of cannabis on ADHD—this is the first study, to our knowledge, to do so. Our findings involving the trend of online forum threads advocating for the therapeutic effects of cannabis for ADHD are particularly important since patients and caregivers seek out information online. Moreover, this topic is likely to be increasingly broached in clinical settings. This study also demonstrates the utility of online data to examine trends in substance use and inform future studies. In particular, findings from this study indicate the need to assess perceptions involving cannabis use and ADHD in ADHD patients, in addition to examining the objective effects of cannabis use on ADHD symptoms and associated features.
Supporting Information
The additional file “S1_Dataset” contains data.Skip to figshare navigation
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forum Thread # | Forum Thread Title | year of post | Post | Coded? | 9 | 27 | 28 | 42 | ||||||||||||
| 2 | Cannabis helps ADHD | Cannabis Worsens ADHD | Cannabis helps AND worsens ADHD | Cannabis has no positive or negative effect on ADHD (i.e., null effect) | Cannabis helps mood only | Cannabis worsens mood only | cannabis helps and worsens mood | cannabis ONLY helps other psych disorder | cannabis ONLY worsens other psych disorder | cannabis helps AND worsens psych disorder | Cannabis more effective than ADHD meds | Cannabis less effective than ADHD meds | Reference to cannabis as “medicinal,” or sanctioned by healthcare providers or researchers | cannabis helps daily life | cannabis worsens daily life | cannabis helps and worsens daily life | |||||
| 3 | 168 | For Men with ADHD Who Aren't Convinced it Matters | ADHD and Marriage | 2010 | I disagree with the arbitrary dismissal of the potential benefits of delta9 THC derivatives in the treatment of adhd. I understand the post by esos and support (with caution) your decision. Used judiciously, weed has been very beneficial to me in certain circumstances. However there has been increasing evidence of it being linked to schizophrenia, and since I pretty much my adhd under control without it, developing any more psychological issues isn't worth it to me. Plus, I'm already working hard on controlling my drinking behavior, it would be too easy for me to swap over-drinking with over-smoking. But in summary, it has been helpful for symptom/behavior management for me at one point, and very well could be helpful for certain people depending on their situation and response to it, like any other drug. I.e., dexedrine caused more problems for me than weed ever could, yet adderall is the best for me. To state that weed is bad for all adhders, I believe is misinforming. Here is an excerpt form a good article from the Heidelberg University Medical centre: "The authors also hypothesized that the effects of cannabinoids in patients may be different from those in healthy users suggesting an involvement of the central cannabinoid receptor systems in the pathology of the disorder. The same conclusion may be drawn from previous studies [1, 2] and the present case report, although more information on these atypical effects should be provided and the underlying mechanisms are still to be elucidated." I would highly recommend reading the rest of the article as well. It is also known that nicotine has a beneficial effect on adhd (google it, and use the "scholar" filter to get strictly medical studies on these topics if you want the sources). But does that mean people should go start smoking? Obviously that would be silly, because the short and long term side effects are not worth it. Same goes with weed I think (don't need the tar in my lungs, thanks). Though it did help me for a while in some ways, it also had some minor negative impacts on my liefestyle. Plus, I am taking Wellbutrin for adhd which kills the urge to smoke cigarettes or weed, so I don't even have to think about these options. But the data for the positive effect of marijuana on the dopamine regulation aspect of adhd is certainly there. The rest of the article quoted above (but there is lots more on the topic at google scholar) is: edit: Apparently posting a link to this article triggered a spam filter. It can be found in google scholar under the title "cannabis improves symptoms of adhd; P Strohbeck-Kuehner, G Skopp… - 2008 **PLEASE: If you are an ultra conservative, right-winged, 'I don't read, I just argue' type of person, please don't turn this into a debate. I am not taking sides on this issue, as there are too many valid sides to it, with none being unequivocally proven as right or wrong at this point. I just wanted to make sure that the validity of further study into the potential pharmacological development and the on or off-label therapeutic implementation of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) as a treatment option for adhd is recognized, rather than summarily dismissed without scientific justification. And again, I choose NOT to smoke weed, but if I had the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial testing the efficacy of Marinol/Dronabinol (current pharmaceutical preparation of THC) on adhd, I would jump at the opportunity. If there is any new potential treatment for this condition, it should be explored and optimistically addressed in hopes of helping us, those we impact, and future people in our positions. PLUS- The best thing about thc for me now, WOULD be the appetite stimulating effect; I sometimes go two full days without food due the Adderall and Bupropion. | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | 18 | Marijuana Reality Check | 2006 | I sure would like to know exactly what the "herbal treatment" is in this up coming clinical trial that will be conducted next spring in Washington state. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/sho...6BFA7D?order=8 Even though there has not been any clinical trials conducted using cannabis that I am aware of for the treatment of ADHD, there are some Dr's out there who believe it is helpful for some of their patients that have ADHD. In the last couple of years I have read about two of them from California (no surprise there) who were recommending cannabis to some of their patients for the treatment of ADHD. I do not remember the name of the first Dr. I read about who was reccomending it, but the other was Dr. Claudia Jensen who was asked to appear before a House Drug Policy Reform Subcommitee in Washington D.C. to talk about this very subject. She was not taken very seriously though I do not think. Here is a link to the story I read about her: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,117541,00.html For me, cannabis was a real double edged sword. It worked for me at times helping my focus and attention, but it also worked against me at other times making focus and attention much more difficult. Granted I would certainlly prefer to be able to use a more natural treatment over a synthetic treatment, but unfortunately at this point in my life I can not afford to get caught breaking the law like I did in my youth while using cannabis. | y | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | 201 | Prescribed Marijuana for ADD/ADHD | 2014 | I have ADD and I use MM for it. It works very well. I'm 64 and was diagnosed with adult ADD 4 years ago. I had it confirmed by two MD's and a psychiatrist. I used Adderall (amongst others) and Welbutrin(amongst others) and a sleep prescription until just over a year ago. I now use marijuana exclusively. There are many, many studies showing the efficacy of MM for ADD. As well as Tourettes, Tourettes420. Check out Storm Crows lists. But you need to educate yourself. "Knowing is half the battle" GI Joe.... Now would I smoke/vape/eat MM on guard duty? Or if I flew jets? Or trained tigers? No, of course not, and those are valid points. I guess But I do work around farm animals and machinery. And I'm very clear headed. I need to be and want to be. For control of my ADD it's exceeded my hopes. And that of my family. Pot is far better than anything big pharma is pushing. It helps me focus. Allows me to engage. It gives me energy and it helps me look at this world a little brighter. I don't get "stoned" until I'm ready to It took a long time and a lot of experimenting but I did find strains that work for me. Day and night. There isn't a better anti-depressant nor sleep aid. If you have ADD you have a sleep problem. Pot fixes that. I no longer have sleep issues after decades of them. H | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | 137 | Does SCT often cause social anxiety? | 2012 | I've come to realize that I always face some degree of anxiety in social situations. Even when I'm with friends, I always think, "what should I say?" when it gets quiet. What has helped me realize this is medicinal marijuana. When I use MJ sativa I have no problem with socializing, I feel no anxiety; in fact, I actually seek it out. Socializing while high is as easy as sitting in a chair for me... it's as if I understand life.. my anxiety vanishes and my mind races.. I have no problems keeping a convo going or even approaching total strangers with total confidence.. it's literally like I took the drug from the movie 'Limitless'. But yes, I have SCT and SA, which I believe is due to a disorder with the brain processing information and/or an under-stimulated brain. | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | 32 | What do you think.... (medical marijuana) -ADD Forums -Attention Deficit Hyperactivitity | 2010 | I actually didn't know I had ADHD because Ismoked pot for 5 years as an adolescent. Of course in highschool I figured I was just too stoned to care much for anything, and I was also terribly depressed as well, so it was impossible to recognize. When I dropped out and went to community college (where I later got my high school diploma through a scholarship program) I found out I was very bright after all! I smoked before class, and after before going straight to my home work. I was generally productive and did well. After some extremely stressful times at home, I began to have panic attacks when ever I smoked pot, and eventually stopped because I wasn't enjoying it anymore. The amount of anxiety it caused me was so unpleasant that I went cold turkey from a $10 a day habit (I know, it's not technically addictive, but believe me, it's not easy). The only real problem I had from quitting? A staggering drop in my grades. Literally went from A's and B's to D's and F's. My grades have still not recovered. I had no energy, no focus, no motivation...I wasn't pining for weed either, I just didn't have anything for my ADHD symptoms! It took about 5 years of that before I finally went to see a doctor about ADHD. Now, that all said, my reaction to marijuana isn't very common. When you smoke as much pot as a smoker smokes cigarettes, it doesn't really get you "stoned" anymore. My reaction after a few years was a pleasant stimulation that helped me focus and gave me energy. After quitting, I gained weight, became lazy and couldn't force myself to work beyond my minimum abilities (physical labor or mental). This stimulation is actually what eventually caused the anxiety I believe. It was obvious I had underlying mental health issues, and as my brain was finishing developing (age 18), these surfaced and I found I couldn't handle the pot anymore. Phew! Sorry, long post. Been wondering if this would come up... There is some evidence that marijuana helps with ADHD symptoms, but I don't know what the precedence is when it comes to prescribing it for that. Last I heard it was still very controversial, and I think you'd have to find a doc that would prescribe it for something else. As for prescribing it to help with the affects of the Adderall, I think that is brilliant except that doctors may fear it actually causing anxiety if taken for the crash. But, if you tell your doc that it helps, and they are open to the idea, then you might help set some sort of precedence for Adderall users getting Medical MJ prescribed to offset effects of stimulant medication. That would be great in my opinion, MJ is deserving of so much more recognition as a medicine than it receives. I say if you live in the right state (CA was only an example) then ask your doctor about it for sure! If your doctor is smart, they'll realize that chances are you'll smoke MJ to relieve your crash symptoms regardless of whether it's legal or not... Forgive me if I'm making an assumption, but that's what the case often is. | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | Marijuana and ADD Therapeutic uses of Medical Marijuana in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder It was mentioned in the Portland newspaper that the Oregon Health Division is considering allowing medical marijuana to be used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act. At first glance it might seem counter-intuitive to use a medication that has a public perception of decreasing attention to treat a condition whose primary symptom is a deficit of attention. But just as taking stimulants often calms those with hyperactivity, medical marijuana improves the ability to concentrate in some types of ADD. visit - http://www.onlinepot.org/medical/add&mmj.htm | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | 137 | Does SCT often cause social anxiety? | 2013 | Well said. It would be fun experiment to have several of us together in a room having a conversation. How well would we be able to communicate with each other knowing we all have SCT? I have found that medical marijuana speeds up the processing and reduces the social anxiety by the way. | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | 179 | Medical Marijuana and ADHD " Attention-deficit hyperactivity diso | 2010 | Hi I am the truth and I am 21 years of age and strongly believe in medical marijuana and why people with adhd should be getting percribed it in this country. these are the facts in writing http://davidbearmanm...inoidSystem.pdf (http://davidbearmanmd.com/docs/ADHD&EndocannabinoidSystem.pdf) now that is to be opened using adobe reader or some thing simular this is the facts in a seminar now there are 3 parts to this: THERE IS A YOUTUBE VIDEO IN THE RAW DATA—PLEASE WATCH IT FOR CODING Need we show any more evidence is obserd I have adhd and suffer from this I can learn and be able to get so many better results from tests that show what he is saying works and i believe its time australia speaks out about this. | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | 179 | Medical Marijuana and ADHD " Attention-deficit hyperactivity diso | 2010 | yeh i find im able to concentrate so much better after a bit of cannabis, especially reading! i love reading news and articles when im medicated | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | 221 | Pot & Add/Adhd | 2011 | I have heard that for people diagnosed w/ add or adhd medicinal MJ use can be beneficial for them. I have been diagnosed w/ adhd since I was in kindergarden and have always been thought of mj as a medicine. I have been told that pot makes you lazy and demotivated but have found from personal experience that I feel able to focus better on mj than other medications such as ritalin/aderall. Does anyone have any supportive evidence or info on studies done on this topic? | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | Kids with ADHD prescribed medical marijuana in California, 11/25/09 - Catey Hill | California -- Hey, hyperactive kids, in California you can get stoned - legally. California doctors are now prescribing marijuana to children diagnosed with attention hyperactivity disorder, Sphere reports. Since 2004, California has given out more than 36,000 medical marijuana prescriptions. The number of these prescriptions going to children is not known, though experts say it's on the rise. And it's creating quite a controversy. "Let me count the ways in which prescribing marijuana for teens with ADHD is a bad idea," Stephen Hinshaw, professor of psychology at the University of California at Berkeley, told Sphere. "The active ingredient in pot, THC, causes short-term memory problems and inattention, the very same things you want a medicine for ADHD to help alleviate," Hinshaw said. Others have fewer qualms about giving a kid with ADHD some pot. "I'd have no hesitation giving a youngster with ADHD a trial of oral marijuana," Lester Grinspoon, emeritus professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of "Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine," told Sphere. "For some kids, it appears to be more effective than traditional treatments. And marijuana certainly has fewer potential dangers than Ritalin." Ritalin, like its cousin Adderall, is a treatment for ADHD, but it's also an amphetamine. "My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6," a Grass Valley, Calif., woman who wished to remain anonymous told Sphere. "He was hyperactive and had trouble in school, but we didn't want to put him on Ritalin. Too many side effects. When he got to high school, I suddenly noticed that he'd calmed and could concentrate. I couldn't figure it out. Then he told me that he'd started smoking pot." Click > here < for more. | Y | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | 199 | Best Strain For Adhd | 2013 | Hey, I have adult ADD. Figured a few years ago and I did the amphetamine lambada trying to find the "right" med, dose, etc. Did that little dance for almost three years and got fed up. The money, time, and bullshit meds/pharmaceuticals and "doctors" was just too much. I guess I'm a bit cantankerous. "They" forced me into investigating other ways, and I found it in medical cannabis. I'm off concerta, adderall, Ritalin,. No more welbutrin. I use a sativa oil (http://find.grasscity.com/search?w=oil) in the AM and an Indica too sleep. Sleep. OMG. Delicious is all I can say. Do yourself a huge favor and get some RSO for night. You won't need much but boy howdy does it work. And it's, well, to say MM is good for you is like saying that big yellow thing in the sky is the sun. Ya think? It's ridiculously good for you. We all have different "needs" and the strains have a lot of variety. And vaping at lower temps releases the up, energetic elements of the med so you don't become "couch locked". I do not want to be tired or groggy until about 10 pm when I plant my ass for an hour of tv. Anyhoo, howdy... | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | Jensen said she regularly writes prescriptions recommending the use of marijuana for patients —particularly those suffering pain and nausea from chronic illnesses, such as AIDS, cancer, glaucoma and arthritis. She has also worked with one family of a 15-year-old — whose family had tried every drug available to help their son, who by age 13 had become a problem student diagnosed as suffering from ADHD. Under Jensen’s supervision, he began marijuana treatment, settling on cannabis in food and candy form, and he has since found equilibrium and regularly attends school. But not everyone is so high on the idea of pot for students with neurological illnesses. Subcommittee Chairman Mark Souder, R-Ind., who invited Jensen to testify after reading about her ideas in the newspaper, was hardly convinced by her testimony. visit - http://www.freewebs.com/medcanaware/behavioural.htm | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | 14 | Marijuana Addiction - Beat it! | 2011 | I take Medical Marijuana as my medicine and I don't find it emasculating at all. I don't feel addicted to it what so ever. No withdrawal or anything if I don't want to take it. Don't spread lies about marijuana. The Government is doing a great job already. I've tried a lot of medications for my ADHD/Anxiety, but Medical Marijuana is the best for me. I don't get any side effects other than getting a good appetite, which keeps me at a healthy weight. | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD and Cannabinoïds MCforADHD web page This site is dedicated to scientific information on the experienced benefits of Cannabinoids for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It includes the treatment of typical chronic symptoms expressed in many ADHD adults ; impulsivity, anxiety, lack of attention, depression tendency, drug abuses tendencies and death / suicidal ideations, PTSD, tics... It is an undeniable fact that thousands of diagnosed, or undiagnosed ADHD people, all over the world, independently of local national laws, use cannabis and cannabinoids as an alternative medication to standard medications (methylphenidate, anxiolytics, antidepressant, benzodiazepines, ...) or as self-medication. The actual situation regarding the medical use of cannabis active constituents (cannabinoids : THC, CBD, CBG, ...) for treating ADHD is very different depending on countries. Some countries like Canada, The Netherlands, Spain, and 14 US States (including California, Oregon,...), tolerate the medical use of cannabis for a variety of conditions , including ADHD and other mental disorders like Bipolar Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD. In those countries, it is possible for ADHD patients to obtain a legal prescription for medicinal cannabis with the approval, and control, of a doctor. In the other countries, medicinal cannabis is strictly prohibited by national laws and therapeutic bebefits denied. Click > here < for more. | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | ADD / ADHD and Marijuana | There are a number of new studies on ADHD at this link and the benefits from cannabis used medicinally. What is ADD / ADHD? Individuals with ADHD essentially have problems with self-regulation and self-motivation, predominantly due to problems with distractibility, procrastination, organization, and prioritization. It is a chronic condition, beginning in early childhood and persisting throughout a person’s lifetime. It is estimated that up to 70% of children with ADHD will continue to have significant ADHD-related symptoms persisting into adulthood, resulting in a significant impact on education, employment, interpersonal relationships, and in social settings. (Wikipedia). Click > here < for more. | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | Medical marijuana good for kids with ADD & ADHD - video | Dr. Claudia Jensen of the University of Southern California recommends medical marijuana for children with ADD and ADHD. It is a life debilitating condition for a lot of children who have an inability to focus and a short attention span. The most commonly perscribed drug is Ritalin, which has many known side effects including death. What is the best way to administer cannabinoids to children? In a cookie or on a piece of toast with cannabis peanut butter. Click > here < for more. | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis is debating medical marijuana on the Opposing Views forum. This is one of the rare places that drug warriors actually show up to debate. AAMC claims that medical marijuana treats the symptoms of ADHD. Without divulging too much of my personal life I’ll have to agree whole heartedly by saying that I’ve experienced the benefits first-hand. Click > here < for more. | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 21 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | Cannabis as a medical treatment for attention deficit disorder Why would anyone want to give their child an expensive pill... with unacceptable side effects, when he or she could just go into the backyard, pick a few leaves off a plant and make tea for him or her instead? Cannabinoids are a very viable alternative to treating adolescents with ADD and ADHD. visit - http://www.onlinepot.org/medical/addandcannabis.htm | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 22 | 244 | Info on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Medical Cannabis | 2014 | AboveTheIGNORANCE.org, Live Above The In... ADD & ADHD. • Marijuana and ADD Therapeutic uses of Medical Marijuana in the treatment of ADD. • Cannabis as a medical treatment for attention deficit disorder ... • Marijuana and ADD Therapeutic uses of Medical Marijuana in the treatment of ADD • Cannabis as a medical treatment for attention deficit disorder • Cannabinoids effective in animal model of hyperactivity disorder • Cannabis 'Scrips to Calm Kids? Visit - http://www.abovetheignorance.org/ | Y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | 179 | Medical Marijuana and ADHD " Attention-deficit hyperactivity diso | 2010 | Crunchy, on Apr 5 2010, 06:22 PM, said: Crunchy, on Apr 5 2010, 06:22 PM, said: I too have ADHD and feel the benefits from Cannabis, though i wouldnt say it would work for everyone, because not everyone with ADHD experiences it the same, and not everyone reacts to cannabis the same Response to embedded text: I must say you are right its not for every one but people with adhd i think can benifort alot and depends on what else you have who you are are factors but if doctors could percribe it medically i think it would be the right thing for australia | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 24 | 235 | ADD / ADHD Users... I'm literally begging for your help | 2008 | IN RESPONSE TO: What kind of school work do you do shibshib? Lots of business classes, lots of working with numbers, statistics, and reading. IN RESPONSE TO: It is legal to have MMJ in my state however barely anyone can get a prescription, it definately helps me but there's no way in hell any doctor would give me a prescription for mmj they are still on that propaganda shit and would rather put me on a pill instead.(none of which ever works the way they are supposed to) So not to be rude but I wouldn't get your hopes up about being given a prescription for mmj. Keep in mind, while it helps me greatly with my ADHD, I did not get a recommendation *for* ADHD. My marijuana recommendation was for my anxiety disorder, which was caused by my ADHD drugs. When they wanted to put me on Xanax, I took that prescription for Xanax and went in to the place (along with other paperwork) and they were happy to give me a recommendation. | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 | 188 | Low dose for motivation and adhd? | 2009 | Well... swim did read that cannabis is actually used medically to treat adhd patients... if swiy lives in a place which allows Medical Marijuana, swiy could even try to get a "MMJ card", and so be able to medicate swiyourself legally. | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | 235 | ADD / ADHD Users... I'm literally begging for your help | 2008 | oh man i have adhd and am (was) on concerta, i guess i could go get some more if i wanted, but marijuana has haleped me greatly. i have been prescribed to adhd meds since around 3rd grade it has never worked for me so i stick to pot id say go and get some see how it goes and talk to your doctor about your situation and tell her you have heard about using marijuana | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 27 | 188 | Low dose for motivation and adhd? | 2009 | SWIM the other day used a very small amount of mj not expecting to feel much but what he did feel was quite pleasantly stimulating even motivating. Swim's been diagnosed with adhd and is supposed to be takingamphetamine but doesn't like the way it feels. The low amount of mj increased my focus and upped my motivation to do things. He has read that THC has an effect on dopamine transmission which could have an effect on adhd. Has anyone else felt this effect? How often would it be safe to consume a small amount of THC to feel this effect? | y | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 28 | 196 | Marijuana For ADD | 2011 | I have a Michigan Medical Marijuana card and have ADD. I am not prescribed pot for ADD and take Adderral for that. I take 2 30mg instant release pills a day. In my opinion, Marijuana is not the best drug for ADD or even a good choice. The stimulant family of drugs are usually the best working for ADD/ADHD. I have a Medical card for pain and pot works great for that. For me, pot does nothing for my ADD. If anything, it makes it worse. I cant pay attention sober much less high. | y | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 29 | 201 | Prescribed Marijuana for ADD/ADHD | 2014 | It's mine and most of the ADHD community's opinion that cannabis makes ADHD symptoms worse for the majority of people. If you have ADHD you think slower because of misfires in your frontal cortex. A depressant like weed (http://find.grasscity.com/search? w=weed) is exactly opposite of what you would need. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants. Most of them abuse nicotine, coffee, etc before getting properly treated. Myself I only smoke weed (http://find.grasscity.com/search?w=weed) to relax, not when I have to be alert. You can obtain a MMJ card in California I believe, but only while you are in the states. It can't be shipped to you. I don't know anything about England to know if it's available there, sorry. Hope you find what you need. | y | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | my question. i have no medical history proving a way to get a card but i cant sleep at night. its like im on adys or something. and when i smoke marijuana i can easily fall asleep. do i need to go see me PCP first or can i just go show up at a clinic stating what im going through without records. im from mass | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 | 244 | Treatment, CANNABIS Therapeutics | 2014 | HowStuffWorks "How Medical Marijuana Works" | So how, exactly, does medical marijuana work to treat these conditions? Why, if this medicine is so effective for some people, does it remain controversial and, in many places, illegal? In this article, we'll take a look at the medical, legal, and practical issues surrounding medical marijuana in the United States. We'll examine why some people, like Burton Aldrich, depend on it to live normally. We'll also examine some of the intriguing intersections between pharmaceutical companies, the government and the medical marijuana industry. Visit - science.howstuffworks.com/medical-marijuana.htm - for more. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 32 | 244 | Treatment, CANNABIS Therapeutics | 2014 | Medical marijuana (cannabis) - common uses | Common Medical Uses for Cannabis (Marijuana) ... Medical Marijuana Dispensaries - Directory of Medical Marijuana ... Cannabidiol improves symptoms of generalized social anxiety disorder in… ... Medical Marijuana Dispensaries - Directory of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Project CBD Cannabinoid Profiles of Cannabis Strains Cannabis Laboratories: The Testing Landscape in America See also: An Overview of the Endogenous Cannabinoid System Visit - www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/index.htm - for more. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 33 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | http://massmedcard.com/listings/category/evaluations-prescriptions/ Jon B. First step get your medical records then find a Dr that is close or that you can afford from the list of 8 currently listed on this site. If you have a doctor alreadly have him review the proper forms as you should yourself do if you have not already. They are printable in pdf format and can be found here : http://www.evanscultler.com only one in my area. I am also a fellow veteran who is finding this method of medication somewhat hard to navigate. Please get informed and attend your local DPH hearings on the 19th of april 2013. All three hearings will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at the following locations: 1. Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth, MA 02360 2. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Public Health Council Room, 250 Washington St., 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02108 3. Look Park Garden House, 300 N. Main St., Florence, MA 01062 These meetings will inform you & will effect future policies in this state. Get your voice heard now or simply show up as a true sign of support. Your input on this often misunderstood medicine could make a difference. Veterans need a National voice on this often misunderstood alternative to treat conditions that effect so many. Thanks and Best of luck with your search for safer alternatives. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 34 | 32 | What do you think.... (medical marijuana) -ADD Forums -Attention Deficit Hyperactivitity | 2010 | I've been wondering for a while now if it would be possible for someone with ADHD who is taking a stimulant medication to be prescribed medical marijuana. Do you think a doctor could be convinced on the basis that it be smoked each night before dinner (when you are on your meds) in order to bring back your appetite and also to help you loosen up and fall asleep? This would be interesting to know because I've heard through the grape vine (from someone who isn't me) that marijuana can truly be of assistance to someone taking a stimulant at the end of a stressful day to simple wind down (come back to earth so to speak). What has anyone else heard about medical marijuana and its application to stimulant medications specifically ADHD medications. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 35 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | Josh you certainly qualify. As far as studies I would start by asking your doctor about getting a prescription, if he says no, find one that will say yes using the link in this article. Whomever gets you a prescription would be the person to ask about studies. Or you could contact organizations like NORML, and they may be able to put you in touch with people doing medical studies. Best of Luck. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 36 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | Absolutely, visit your doctor or go to a specialist listed here http://massmedcard.com/listings/category/evaluations-prescriptions/ | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 37 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | Josh, Cancer is on the list and research in the field of “CURE” is what many consider cutting edge technology. Hopefully sooner in Massachusetts and this country united or The World, if I may say, that we will have a better understanding and safe access to cannabis. Measurable amounts of cannabis and the many of its misunderstood derivatives, like cannabidiol CBD, CBD-A, CBN, THC, and THC-A that are on the rise as alternatives. I truly want to help people that need safer alternatives for treatment with many of this countries chronic health issues that are hard to treat. Most who need these medicines legal to use would prefer to be healthy without the risk and in some case real life negative side effects of FDA approved medicines and procedures used by and preformed on many Americans daily. Here is a good site to get started with lots of info : http://www.mpp.org/issues/research/ Thanks and I wish you the best with your selection of cancer treatment and researching it. The search for safer alternatives to a healthier life should never end. Peace and Green Blessings | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 38 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2014 | My son has had 4 major ear surgeries for Cholestiatomas. Now he suffers from migraine headaches & muscular & skeletal pain around the ear area. He does not want to take any more pain meds & has tried Marijiuana, it really helps him with the headaches & ear pain. Do you think he s a candidate for medical Marijiuana ? We discussed it with his Primary Care, she said, it was a good idea if it works for him. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Kat | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 39 | 244 | Treatment, CANNABIS Therapeutics | 2014 | Updated NORML Report Highlights Marijuana's Role In Moderating Disease Progression; 'Emerging Clinical Applications' Booklet Reviews Nearly 200 Studies On The Therapeutic Use Of Cannabis Clinical and preclinical research on the therapeutic use of cannabis indicates that cannabinoids may curb the progression of various life-threatening diseases – including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and brain cancer, according to an updated report published by the NORML Foundation. NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, who authored the report, said: "The conditions profiled in this report were chosen because patients frequently ask me about the use of cannabis to treat these disorders. Ideally, with this report in their hands, patients can now begin talking openly with their physicians about whether cannabis therapy is appropriate for them." Visit - norml.org/component/zoo/category/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana - for more. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 40 | 244 | Treatment, CANNABIS Therapeutics | 2014 | Medical Use of Cannabis (marijuana) | Here to Help > On this page: How does cannabis work as medicine? What conditions or symptoms is cannabis used to treat? How do people use cannabis for medical purposes? What is pharmaceutical cannabis, and how does it compare to herbal cannabis? What are the side effects and risks of using cannabis to treat symptoms or medical conditions? Drug interactions Quality Is using cannabis for medicinal purposes legal? What are compassion clubs? What are some barriers to using cannabis for medicinal purposes? What to do if you or someone you know needs more information about medical cannabis Visit - heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/medical-use-of-cannabis - for more. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 41 | 190 | SWIM failed a doctor's drug test; can he get his ADHD meds from another doctor? | 2010 | tell you doctor that it's Medicinal Cannibus (please don't use the fake name marijuana). That and it's #@$&%! weed!!!!! i'ts not like you tested positive for Meth...... look your doctor in the face. tell him that if he has a problem with cannabis then you have a problem with him holding a license as a doctor......it's a FREAKING HERB. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 42 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | Doug the law is very vague about this. It basically states that any long standing illness that marijuana can be of help for. It ranges from cancer, to ADD and everything in between. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 43 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | Im 23 and was diagnosed with stage two brain cancer would I be qualified, and if so do you know of any studies I could take part in with my sickness to help further the medicinal purpose of marijuana? JuiceMan Josh, Cancer is on the list and research in the field of “CURE” is what many consider cutting edge technology. Hopefully sooner in Massachusetts and this country united or The World, if I may say, that we will have a better understanding and safe access to cannabis. Measurable amounts of cannabis and the many of its misunderstood derivatives, like cannabidiol CBD, CBD-A, CBN, THC, and THC-A that are on the rise as alternatives. I truly want to help people that need safer alternatives for treatment with many of this countries chronic health issues that are hard to treat. Most who need these medicines legal to use would prefer to be healthy without the risk and in some case real life negative side effects of FDA approved medicines and procedures used by and preformed on many Americans daily. Here is a good site to get started with lots of info : http://www.mpp.org/issues/research/ Thanks and I wish you the best with your selection of cancer treatment and researching it. The search for safer alternatives to a healthier life should never end. Peace and Green Blessings 2013. All three hearings will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at the following locations: 1. Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth, MA 02360 2. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Public Health Council Room, 250 Washington St., 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02108 3. Look Park Garden House, 300 N. Main St., Florence, MA 01062 These meetings will inform you & will effect future policies in this state. Get your voice heard now or simply show up as a true sign of support. Your input on this often misunderstood medicine could make a difference. Other healthy alternatives to consider: http://www.medicinalherbalplants.info/wild-food-and-medicinal-plants.html JuiceMan | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 44 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2013 | Hey, i am 17 years of age and diagnosed with ADD. I will be 18 in about a month and a half but i would like to get my medical card now before i turn 18 because i have the money at the moment. I’ve searched about if I could obtain one still being under 18 and not having a life threatening condition and have gotten different answers but id really like to know. | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 45 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2014 | Hi i have a physican recomendation from a liceseced physican in colorado, i grew up in mass but now live and am a resident of colorado. Does my physican recomendation from colorado protect me in massachusetts unti they have there system up an running? | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 46 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2014 | Hi, currently I am a medical marijuana patient in the state of California, will this be considered if I already have a perscription for a year in my current state. Also I have cronic anxiety and would much rather something more holistic to cure my symptoms, migraines ect… will I be considered , also I will not have insurance, what are the effects of not having insurance to get a documented ailment from a local DR.? | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 47 | 241 | How do I become a Massachusetts medical marijuana patient | 2014 | As I understand the law : One must get their card from a doctor who would issue u a Card. The office doctors note allows u to purchase until ur Card arrives… Many doctors on line.. Many many ailments will qualify u. From cancers to DJD to ADHD. But MUST have records of ur diagnosis !!! | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 48 | 244 | Information on ADHD | 2014 | Dr. David Bearman is one of the most clinically knowledgable physicians in the U.S. in the field of medicinal marijuana. He has spent 40 years working in substance and drug abuse treatment and prevention programs. Dr. Bearman was a pioneer in the free and community clinic movement. His career includes public health, administrative medicine, provision of primary care, pain management and cannabinology. His almost 40 year professional experience in the drug abuse treatment and prevention field includes being the Co-Director of the Haight-Ashbury Drug Treatment Program, being a member of Governor Reagan's Inter Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse, a member of both the Santa Barbara and the San Diego County Drug Abuse Technical Advisor Committees, and a consultant to Hoffman-LaRoche, Santa Barbara County Schools and the National PTA. Several physicians who recommend/approve medicinal cannabis as an important part of their medical practice have seen/noticed an increasing the number of patients coming in who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or who they diagnose as ADD/ADHD. Visit - http://davidbearmanmd.com/index.htm | Y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 49 | 168 | For Men with ADHD Who Aren't Convinced it Matters | ADHD and Marriage | 2012 | Agree with Editor's comments. Medical pot does have several well-documented beneficial effects such as stimulating hunger in chemotherapy and AIDS patients and reducing eye pressure for sufferers of glaucoma. However, as many users of medical pot will tell you, the side effect of being STONED all the time loses its charm pretty darn quick. And more importantly, there is no scientific evidence showing any benefit for the use of medical pot for ADHD symptoms. | y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 50 | 196 | Marijuana For ADD | 2010 | Hi I have been reading allot of new studies on the use of marijuana to treat AD Anyone with more experience with medical weed? | y | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Specific Posts - part by codedSheet1
The additional file “S1_Dataset” contains data.
In this Excel file, we provide one file: S1_Dataset.xlsx.
(XLSX)
S1 Dataset. The additional file “S1_Dataset” contains data.
In this Excel file, we provide one file: S1_Dataset.xlsx.
(XLSX)
Acknowledgments
We thank Chelsea Hagmann and Simar Nagyal for assistance with data collection and cleaning. Preliminary findings from this study were presented at the 77th annual conference for the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, Phoenix, AZ.
