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Can you use marijuana if you take Adderall?

Adderall pills laid out on a surface

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dr. Mark KasabuskiProvider Operations Manager

Table of contents

  1. What is Adderall?
  2. Is it safe to take Adderall and weed?
  3. Possible benefits of using cannabis with Adderall
  4. How to take Adderall and cannabis
  5. The takeaway: Mixing cannabis with Adderall might cause some side effects
  6. Resources

While cannabis may offer some benefits to people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mixing it with ADHD medications like dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) may increase side effects.

Combining Adderall with cannabis can cause side effects like:

  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased heart rate
  • Addiction 
  • Psychosis 

By understanding the possible dangers of an interaction, you can make the best choices when managing your ADHD symptoms and overall health.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a stimulant medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD, including:

  • Poor concentration
  • Poor impulse control
  • Hyperactivity

Adderall is usually taken once or twice daily. In addition to ADHD, Adderall is sometimes prescribed to treat narcolepsy.

How does Adderall work?

ADHD occurs when there’s an imbalance of brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine, that regulate functions like:

  • Mood
  • Focus
  • Energy levels
  • Impulse control
  • Decision making

ADHD medications like Adderall increase levels of these brain chemicals to improve symptoms. However, ADHD medications can also cause side effects such as:

Follow your doctor’s directions when taking Adderall to help lower your risk of side effects.

Is it safe to take Adderall and weed?

Research on the interactions between cannabis and Adderall is limited but some studies show potential risks.

Early research has found that cannabis may reduce the effectiveness of Adderall. Other research suggests that cannabis has the potential to help reduce your Adderall intake.

It’s essential to speak with your healthcare team if you notice a change in the effects of your Adderall dose. Always use caution if your healthcare team decides to increase your dose. Taking more Adderall than you truly need puts you at a greater risk of addiction and side effects.

People who have ADHD are at a higher risk of substance use disorders. Both Adderall and cannabis come with the risk of dependency.

Anecdotally, some people report that mixing the two can negatively impact sleep. Combining them can also increase the chance of their side effects. For example, both cannabis and Adderall can cause dry mouth and anxiety.

Is it okay to take CBD and Adderall together?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonintoxicating compound that’s found in cannabis. It’s commonly used to help with:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleep
  • Pain
  • Inflammation

While there aren’t any notable or common interactions between CBD and Adderall, the two substances may still cause combined effects, so it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider if you use both.

Possible benefits of using cannabis with Adderall

Combining cannabis and Adderall may also have some benefits. But before combining them, you should speak with your doctor to establish a safe dosing plan.

  • May reduce Adderall intake: Some people find that using cannabis allows them to take lower doses of ADHD medications.
  • May ease Adderall’s side effects: In an online survey, people with ADHD self-reported that cannabis may relieve Adderall side effects like anxiety and irritability.
  • May help with ADHD symptoms: Some people report that cannabis helps relieve ADHD symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sleep problems.

How to take Adderall and cannabis

If you plan to take Adderall with cannabis, including any CBD-based products, talk with your doctor. You can develop a plan with them to promote safety and avoid side effects.

You can also follow these general safety guidelines:

  • Start low and go slow: Take low doses of both cannabis and Adderall, as recommended by your doctor, to see how they affect you. Increase your dose gradually until you achieve the desired results. If you experience any unwanted side effects, reduce the dosage and ask your doctor for more guidance.
  • Be mindful of timing: Space out the dosages of cannabis and Adderall to reduce the risk of an interaction. Take into account how long it takes for each substance to work. When inhaled, cannabis can take effect in minutes and last for a couple of hours. Edibles can take effect in 1 to 2 hours and last up to 8 hours. Adderall can take effect in 30 minutes and last for 5 to 12 hours, depending on the dosage form.
  • Ask about other medications: If you’re taking any other medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about additional interaction risks, and develop a plan to limit these.

The takeaway: Mixing cannabis with Adderall might cause some side effects

Both cannabis and Adderall can be relatively safe to use on their own. But combining them may cause some side effects, and may even reduce the effectiveness of Adderall.

Although over time, some other people find that using cannabis allows them to take lower doses of ADHD medications.

Your doctor or a Leafwell provider can help you develop a safe dosage plan based on your health needs.

Resources

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to your FAQs about using cannabis alongside ADHD medications.

Can you take weed with ADHD meds?

Cannabis may negatively interact with certain ADHD medications by lowering their effectiveness and increasing your risk of side effects such as anxiety, dry mouth, and sleeping issues.

What type of weed is best for ADHD?

The type of cannabis that’s best for your ADHD symptoms will depend on your unique needs. You’ll need to consider the amounts of THC and CBD, the terpene profile, and whether it is a sativa- or indica-dominant strain. While there’s no single best strain for ADHD, popular options include Blue Dream, Green Crack, Tangerine Haze, Jack Herer, and White Widow.

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