Featured image ©️ ricardocostaphotography from Getty Images Signature
Hello to all my frazzled and fabulous moms out there. If you're anything like me, there are days when your ADHD feels like more of a challenging preschooler tugging at your clothes than an actual diagnosed condition. You feel as if everyone got the memo on how to adult properly, while you're stuck in a bit of a perpetual whirlwind. This is where cannabis comes into play. Now before you raise your eyebrows, I am talking about medicinal cannabis, a far cry from the giggly guerrilla of your college days. If you've been keeping your ear to the ground, you'll know that the use of medicinal cannabis, or medical marijuana, is gaining significant attention not just among the glitterati, but in the health and science circles ( 1 ). Now pour yourself a cup of coffee, or wine (no judgment here) and let's roll up and explore the highs, and lows, of medicinal cannabis together.
The THC (Ups) and the CBD (Downs) of Medicinal Cannabis
Pain Relief: A New Kind of Chill Pill
We all know motherhood is heavy business — mentally, emotionally and physically. In the midst of the chaos, the pain can sometimes take center stage. Here's the good news: one of the most celebrated advantages of medicinal cannabis is pain relief. It has been found to manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and neuropathic pain ( 2 ), so you can go back to performing your supermom duties. Plus, it's given me an excuse to use "You're harshing my mellow" whenever hubby complains about the laundry pile-up. In all seriousness though, the cannabinoids (complicated word for the good stuff in cannabis) interact with our body's endocannabinoid system — basically a rave party happening at microscopic level to keep us balanced.
For When You Can't Stomach Adulting: Bye-Bye Nausea
Certainly, all of us had our fair share of nausea and vomiting. And no, I'm not just talking about those crazy college nights or scary amusement park rides. Medicinal cannabis has shown positive effects in reducing nausea and even improving appetite ( 3 ). Really, when you're juggling life, kids, and ADHD, the last thing you need is to lose your lunch.
Taming the (Neurological) Beast
Beyond the scope of pain management and an anti-nausea magic wand, medicinal cannabis also appears to strike gold in managing neurological disorders--quite the multitasking maven ( 1 ). With disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, CBD, the non-psychoactive aspect of cannabis, has done some impressive work. And while I've dealt with ADHD and not these conditions, it's still comforting to know. The trick, of course, like any other fine wine or strong coffee, is in the dosage.
Head in the Clouds: Mental Health Benefits
ADHD and mental health conditions have a lot of overlap – rather like the kids' toys and your work documents on your living room floor. The word on the street is that medicinal cannabis has potential benefits for these conditions ( 2 ). While I'd never suggest you ditch your current care regimen or become your own chemist overnight, this news is still promising.
When the Munchies Hit Hard
Remember those college nights where you ate an entire pizza by yourself? That's a side effect of cannabis. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, impaired coordination and short-term memory loss ( 3 ). Some days, remembering where I left my car keys is already a hurdle. On the flip side, for once, I have a good excuse for forgetting the dreaded PTA meeting.
Getting High on Your Own Supply
THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, creates feelings of euphoria and altered perception, a 'high' feeling. Not everyone enjoys this side of cannabis: for me, certain strains can produce a feeling like my ADHD is on steroids ( 1 ). Terrifying. So micro-dosing throughout the day alleviates that worry of feeling out of control.
Legal Loop-de-loops
Navigating the waters of medicinal cannabis legally can feel like plunging into the labyrinth of immigration forms – you're left wondering when, why, and how you ended up here and if you'll ever figure it all out ( 2 ). Without standardized regulations, safety and consistency can be concerns. Consider getting a medicinal cannabis card if it’s available in your state; the boons and protections allotted you are worth the paperwork. As always, discernment is key.
One Pill Makes You Larger
And the other one might not work anymore thanks to cannabis. Medicinal cannabis can interact with other medications, affecting their effect. As all those prescription ads on TV warn us: always consult with your healthcare provider ( 3 ).
Think of medicinal cannabis as yet another power tool in our mom toolbox . As with any tool, you wouldn't use a hammer to put a puzzle together. But it is handy, and dare I say, necessary when you need to put together that Ikea furniture, that is, responsibly treating certain medical conditions. Discerning its potential benefits and risks is crucial, as well as receiving guidance from targeted professionals. So, here is to achieving balance - ADHD, motherhood, cannabis and all!
Embrace the Chaos
So there you have it. Not a miracle cure, but possibly a very helpful tool for your ADHD trench tool kit. Always remember, you're doing a great job, even on the days you feel like you aren't. Motherhood isn't a race; it's a journey, ADHD and all. Take care of yourselves, mamas. And remember, even a well-packed mom bag, like a medicinal cannabis regimen, should always be child-proof!
Sources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Marijuana as Medicine
- Healthline. (2021). Medical Marijuana: Benefits, Risks, and How It Works
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Medical marijuana
Note: This article provides a general overview of the subject, and is meant to encourage education on cannabis, as well as on other alternative natural remedies. Do not use this article as substitution for medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before consuming cannabis or any cannabis by-product. Please consult the legality of cannabis use in your state.