The exploration of cannabis as a treatment option for mental illness has only just begun. The two primary derivatives of the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have the potential to counteract negative symptoms of illnesses such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Symptomatically, these maladies look alike. In some cases these two disorders have been known to exist as a comorbidity, though in others, one might be mistaken for the other. Though they have distinctive symptoms, causes and demonstrations, the symptoms PTSD and ADHD have in common complicates the diagnosis of both. Diagnosis and treatment for both often require trial and error. Cannabis products have the potential to relieve symptoms of both these afflictions.

The coexistence of PTSD and ADHD is possible, in fact some studies suggest that individuals with ADHD are more sensitive to trauma, and therefore more likely to develop PTSD in the wake of traumatic experiences. In cases of comorbidity, a doctor must consider both disorders when considering treatment. Due to the complexity of symptoms, and the inability to physically test for such disorders, doctors sometimes misdiagnose mental illnesses. Diagnoses and treatments are often winding, rarely straightforward, and never uniform. In many cases, though, marijuana or its derivatives may be an option as a course or component of treatment.

The diagnosis of PTSD is complicated by the symptoms themselves, as avoidance is one such symptom. Both PTSD and ADHD exhibit differently person to person. ADHD is often overlooked in children who do not exhibit the symptom of hyperactivity. Many mental disorders are commonly mistaken for one another. For example, a medical specialist may misinterpret attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and diagnosis the patient with general anxiety disorder. While ADHD patients may benefit from the SSRIs frequently prescribed for anxiety, these medications largely fail to address difficulties in focusing. Other times, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might be mistaken for ADHD (because both may cause mental disengagement) or Bipolar Disorder (because both can have an effect on mood and emotional reactivity). Treatments often used for ADHD (stimulants) and Bipolar disorder (antipsychotics) risk worsening PTSD symptoms.

Mental illness is no less risky than physical ailments. Medications used to treat PTSD and ADHD that work wonders in some individuals may prove risky to others. Since both PTSD and ADHD vary in exhibition and are incurable, many different approaches to treatment may be taken. Inaccurate administration of treatments in mental illness has the potential for heavy and unfortunate side effects. Stimulants prescribed as treatment for ADHD may worsen anxiety in some patients, for example. In some cases, SSRI prescriptions might increase or cause suicidal thoughts in PTSD patients. Though cannabis can cause anxiety spikes or paranoia in some users, it may offer a more natural option with lower risk factors.

Cannabis products have the ability to counteract the signals produced by the traumatized brain.

Both cannabidiol and THC can help treat PTSD symptoms. CBD, the dominant component of cannabis that does not cause a “highness” effect, works as a regulator of chemical receptors rather than a trigger to release feel good chemicals like dopamine or serotonin. CBD helps the body get better use of the chemicals already at its disposal. Using CBD might help patients suffering from PTSD regulate dopamine, a chemical that regulates fear and anxiety, and serotonin, a mood stabilizing compound. This might help feelings of fear and stress. CBD can help individuals with ADHD and PTSD feel more balanced, as both conditions influence neurotransmitters.

Low dose THC products have produced measurable results in PTSD patients. According to medical specialist Dr. Matty Moore, THC actively sends mood signals rather than simply regulating already present chemicals. THC imitates anandamide in the nervous system. Anandamide is a fatty acid compound that works as a neurotransmitter to regulate pleasure and release sensations of bliss or joy. Compounds such as as anandamide are called endocannabinoids, molecules that resemble cannaboids but are made naturally by our bodies. THC is similiar to Anandamide, and therefore can produce the same outcomes as this naturally occurring chemical. THC interacts with these the receptors of the endocannabinoids molecules, essentially tricking them into producing the effects of anandamide. Some of these effects include stimulation of appetite, reduction of pain, improved sleep, and regulation of stress. Some of these effects counteract the symptoms of PTSD, and allow the patient to feel more calm and at peace.

When I spoke with her, Rosie Ettinger, an advocate of plant based medicinal treatment, pointed out that cPTSD (complex PTSD, which is caused by repeated trauma) affects the body as much as the mind. The signals released by the amygdala during a PTSD experience highly effect the nervous system (such as heart rate and blood pressure). In fact, the nervous system regulates the “fight or flight response” that becomes over-engaged in PTSD sufferers. PTSD impacts those experiencing it on a psychophysiological level, and can negatively impact the functioning of the nervous system. Since studies and research often suggest that cannabis fights to prevent further harm to the nervous system, cannabis has the potential to improve nervous system functioning.

Rosie has been diagnosed with both ADHD and cPTSD. For the past five years, she’s investigated natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, the latter of which have caused her more harm than good in the past. While cannabis may work beneath the surface in the ways discussed thus far, she also spoke on ways that cannabis use benefited her symptoms on a surface level. “The ritual of packing what you're smoking out of can be a kinesthetic reminder to turn your attention to your body and the present moment. If you're smoking cannabis, the extended inhale that is used to smoke can have a down regulating effect on the state of your nervous system.” She also said that cannabis has noticeably improved her sleep and appetite.

For individuals with ADHD, cannabis can be a useful substance for managing anxiety. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, long after my first exposure to cannabis products. In my case, my ADHD symptoms, because they don’t include hyperactivity, resembled anxiety and depression symptoms. Many of the symptoms I experienced growing up were dismissed as anxiety or laziness. Cannabis helped in my managing of anxiety associated with the sensation of feeling overwhelmed— an ADHD symptom— due to environmental or mental stimuli. Cannabis can also help with the sleeplessness that sometimes affects those with ADHD.

Less conclusive research surrounding ADHD and cannabis use has been conducted than that of PTSD. Many individuals with ADHD use cannabis products to manage their anxiety. Cannabis can be risky for these individuals, though, as individuals with ADHD disproportionately develop substance abuse disorders, including cannabis use disorder. In some people with ADHD, symptoms might be worsened by the use of cannabis products containing THC. Some online communities of individuals with ADHD have been analyzed to find that a large percentage — twenty five percent — said that cannabis had therapeutic effects for them. No treatment for a mental condition is one size fits all. While cannabis can be effective in addressing PTSD symptoms in some people, in others it might do little to nothing, or negatively effect them. Any mental illness related medicinal plan requires honing. In my experience, THC does not help with my tendency to procrastinate, but Rosie told me that caffeine and cannabis work best toward adjusting her ADHD related focus problems. While THC containing products have never helped me focus, CBD products have. THC does however have the ability to reduce my anxiety, especially in the case that the anxiety is related to the wearing off of my prescription ADHD medication. Rosie’s and my varying experiences with cannabis products proves that different people experience symptoms of ADHD differently, and that cannabis offers different solutions depending on the person.