Cannabinoids and ADHD: a New Frontier in Neuropharmacology?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can significantly impair individuals' quality of life and lead to various challenges in their social interactions, relationships, professional endeavors, and academic pursuits. This disorder can manifest in both children and adults, and it has been established that genetic and environmental factors contribute to its etiology. Existing data indicate that individuals with ADHD are at a higher risk of substance use, and some may develop cannabis dependence or engage in self-medication with it. It has been hypothesized that individuals with ADHD may utilize cannabis to mitigate certain symptoms, such as anxiety, or to alleviate the adverse effects of their prescribed medication. Furthermore, both in vivo and clinical investigations have reported that cannabinoids, including cannabidiol, may possess potential therapeutic effects in ADHD patients or animal models. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on the impact of cannabinoids on ADHD and to elucidate the possible pharmacological mechanisms through which cannabinoids might exert their therapeutic outcomes.