People with ADHD are three times more likely to use marijuana than their neurotypical peers1. And the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder is also two times higher for those with ADHD1.
Teens may succumb to the temptation of cannabis because it promises to alleviate anxiety and stress, and to quiet racing brains quickly. However, cannabis can negatively affect ADHD brains by slowing the brain’s signaling processes, affecting motivation and memory.
Still, teenagers may deny that their cannabis use is a problem or even dangerous, leaving their parents exasperated and worried.
“Parents should work deliberately not to shame their child and instead focus on understanding their child’s experience on cannabis,” wrote Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., in the ADDitude article “The Damaging Effects of Cannabis on the ADHD Brain.” “They should also set boundaries and consequences for substance use to remind their child it is not acceptable.”
We asked 198 ADDitude caregivers whether they are concerned about their teen or tween possibly or habitually using cannabis and how marijuana use impacts their child’s ADHD symptoms. Many parents expressed apprehension about the long-term effects of cannabis use and shared their strategies for monitoring and managing their child’s usage.
[Read: The ADHD and Addiction Link]
Are you concerned about your ADHD teenager using cannabis? Share your thoughts in the Comments link above.
Teen Cannabis Use Worries Parents
“I am very concerned about my teen son, who has ADHD and smokes cannabis. I don’t want to see him become a ‘stoner’ and lose interest in life’s possibilities.” — Lynne, Australia
“My son first used cannabis at university. He has since stopped but went on to cigarettes and now vapes. My thought is that the cannabis may have initiated the ADHD behavior.” — Jill, United Kingdom
“My young adult children went through a heavy weed phase as teens, which I could not stop. Thankfully, they have decided to stop by themselves. Weed made things more overwhelming for my daughter with inattentive ADHD. Neither of my children could get anything done.” — Jess, Spain
“I am very concerned. He seems to be very attracted to cannabis use despite knowing it’s illegal and not good for the growing brain. I’m afraid it’s going to become a problem, but I don’t know if I’m being paranoid or a helicopter mom.” — Casey, North Carolina
[Read: Substance Use Disorders and ADHD: 5 Key Facts and Additional Resources]
“The mind racing, the sleep issues, the overall overwhelm of the ADHD mind at times — cannabis use is very concerning.” — Anonymous
“Cannabis has been glorified as a ‘magic’ cure-all, when in reality it exacerbates or hides many ADHD symptoms like anxiety. It does not cure it.” — Anonymous
“We know he’s smoked some already, but I also know that with ADHD comes a lot of anxiety and stress, and cannabis offers quick short-term relief. I worry that it can become a habit, not to mention the effects on his developing brain.” — Anonymous
“It calms their anxiety but lessens their motivation to get things done.” — Sallie, Michigan
Strategies for Navigating Teen Cannabis Use
“We regularly speak about self-medicating and substance abuse in neurodivergent people. I think the worst thing that we can do as parents is not educate our children on the topic.” — Courtney, Tennessee
“I stress that they already use medication and already have a predisposition to a system that is more delicate. They need to be smart and informed about what they put in/on/around their bodies. I stress that I am there to support them and to do their research.” — Amber, Wisconsin
“It can be scary for me. All I can do is teach him healthy ways to cope with issues and hope he makes the right choices when no one’s watching.” — Chery, Colorado
“I know he smokes cannabis regularly. I monitor him closely to help him manage himself and his difficulties in such a way that he’ll not be tempted to use cannabis to escape his problems, but only as an enhancement.” — Inge, Netherlands
“Decision-making skills begin very early by allowing failures. We talk and discuss each failure, keep the communication and respect channels open, spend time together, and keep our children involved in healthy activities of their choice.” — Anonymous
“It’s all about openly discussing the risks and reasons for use, along with offering support so that teens do not turn to drugs to remediate or cover their problems.” — Cynthia, New Jersey
ADHD and Cannabis: Next Steps
Read: When Your Teen Says Weed Is the Only Thing That “Helps”
Self-Test: Could You Have a Substance Use Disorder?
Read: “Will Cannabis Ease My ADHD Symptoms?” ADDitude Readers Weigh In
View Article Sources
1 1. Lee, S. et. al. (2011). Prospective association of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use and abuse/dependence: a meta-analytic review. Clinical psychology review, 31(3), 328–341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.01.006
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