62: ADHD And Cannabis

Feb 9

In Episode #62 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about ADHD and cannabis. She specifically focuses on the adolescent ADHD brain. Discover: The history of cannabis in the United States Why the name was changed from cannabis to marijuana How immigrants popularized the recreational use of marijuana What state first passed the Cannabis Prohibition law. How the propaganda film Reefer Madness effectively criminalized marijuana What happened to cannabis in the 60s and 70s What the reports commissioned by Presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson said about marijuana Tracy then shares why she initially thought that cannabis was safer than substances like alcohol and her experience at a cannabis dispensary close to her home. Learn: The truth about whether or not there really are medicinal and or therapeutic benefits of cannabis to the ADHD brain. The two active compounds that make up cannabis If research supports the use of CBD oil as a treatment for ADHD At what age the frontal lobe is fully matured in the ADHD brain What THC actually does in the brain What the FDA has approved medical marijuana for What rates of cannabis use look like for adolescents and young adults. The negative effects of cannabis and how this mimics the symptoms of ADHD How dendrites help a healthy brain process and learn better How THC can alter the architecture of your brain Why fully formed brains are at much less risk for damage by THC If THC is a gateway drug Cannabis’ effect on the heart Cannabis’ effect on mental health If cannabis is addictive and if so, who is more likely to be addicted What it means to be chasing dopamine and why those with ADHD are at a greater risk for this What Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is What the link between CUD and psychosis is Why cannabis is so appealing to the ADHD brain How to treat CUD and ADHD Resources: 1-800-662- HELP to locate a treatment center.

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Quotes:

"I honestly think the science will freak them out. So there really is a difference between using cannabis before 25 versus after 25. And maybe it's even after 28 for ADHD brains, right?" 
-  Tracy Otsuka

"I'm ADHD right? For me personally, it means I'm willing to consider all sides to every story. And I don't care how firmly entrenched that story is."
-  Tracy Otsuka

"My goal is to change the conversation around ADHD helping as many women as we possibly can learn how their ADHD brains work so that they can discover their amazing strengths."
-  Tracy Otsuka

[00:00 - 14:33] ADHD Medication vs. Cannabis: Personal Insights

  • Tracy discusses the history of cannabis criminalization in the US, highlighting the role of propaganda and racial bias in drug arrests.
  • Tracy tried various cannabis products but found no positive effects, including bloodshot eyes and feeling tired and loopy.
  • Tracy discusses her research on cannabis and ADHD, finding little scientific evidence to support its medicinal or health benefits.

[14:33 - 22:25] Cannabis and Mental Health: Exploring Effects

  • Tracy explains that the ADHD brain takes longer to develop and mature than the non-ADHD brain, making it more susceptible to the effects of THC in cannabis.
  • Tracy shares her concerns about the increasing use of cannabis among teenagers, citing statistics that 4.8% of 10th graders and 8% of 12th graders use it daily.
  • Tracy  discusses how cannabis use in adolescence and young adulthood can lead to long-term cognitive impairment and increased risk of heart problems.

[22:25 - 34:30] Cannabis Effects on ADHD & Psychosis Risk

  • Tracy explains how cannabis affects the ADHD brain, including how it increases dopamine release but also blunts the brain's natural ability to produce it over time.
  • Tracy shares personal experiences of young people developing psychosis after heavy cannabis use, including a 16-year-old boy who experienced schizophrenia-like symptoms after consuming high THC edibles.
  • Tracy highlights a genetic variant associated with dopamine signaling issues in people with ADHD, which may increase the risk of psychosis when using cannabis in adolescence.





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EPISODE #62
Resources:
FindTreatment.gov
Reefer Madness! The Twisted History of America's Marijuana Laws
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.additudemag.com
chadd.org
“Marijuana and the ADHD Brain”
The Truth About ADHD and Addiction
CBD Oil for ADHD? Despite Scarce Research, Patients Are Trying It
www.sciencedirect.com


Hi, I'm Tracy

I teach Smart Ass ADHD women how to use their brilliant brains to build the life they want by embracing their too-muchness and focusing on their strengths.