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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects nearly 10% of children and approximately 4% of adults in the United States. Some of the most common symptoms include hyperactivity, inattentiveness, difficulty focusing, and impulsive behaviors.
While there is no cure for ADHD, there are many ways to manage the symptoms, including medication and behavioral therapy. More recently, people are finding that cannabis also helps, leading some individuals to wonder if they can use medical marijuana to manage their ADHD. It depends on whether you live in a state with legal medical cannabis and if your state considers ADHD a qualifying condition. So, can you get a medical card for ADHD in Arizona? Here’s what you need to know.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Arizona
You may qualify for an Arizona medical card if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Severe or chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Crohn’s disease
- Nausea associated with medication usage and health conditions such as diverticulosis, Meniere’s disease, sprue, and other gastrointestinal disorders
- Muscle spasms caused by Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Tourette’s syndrome, restless leg syndrome, limb trauma, and other conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease agitation
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Cachexia (also known as wasting syndrome)
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So Can You Get a Medical Card for ADHD in Arizona?
In Arizona, ADHD is not a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a medical card. While you might not be able to get a card specifically for your ADHD diagnosis, you could still get one if you have one or more other qualifying conditions that occur alongside ADHD in many people.
For instance, PTSD is common in people with ADHD. Current research shows a strong link between the two and suggests that those with ADHD have a greater risk of developing PTSD than those who don’t.
Research also suggests a link between ADHD and chronic pain. If you have any condition that causes you severe or chronic discomfort, you can qualify for a medical card, no matter how or if it affects — or is affected by — your ADHD.
Do you take any medication to manage your ADHD symptoms? Although you can’t get a medical card specifically for ADHD, you may be able to get one if your medication causes side effects such as nausea or migraines.
The Effects of Cannabis on ADHD
ADHD isn’t a qualifying condition for a medical card in Arizona as of now, but research shows that cannabis could provide some benefits for ADHD management.
Dopamine Regulation
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, one prevailing theory is that dopamine deficiency may play a role. This theory suggests that low levels of dopamine — the body’s natural “feel good” hormone — contribute to decreased motivation and focus. Low dopamine also reduces the reward sensation you feel from completing tasks.
Similar to stimulant medications, cannabis could help with dopamine regulation, combatting dopamine deficiency. It may do this in a couple of ways. First, plant compounds stimulate the release of dopamine. Second, these compounds slow dopamine breakdown, allowing more of the hormone to remain longer. These effects could improve executive function challenges.
Improved Focus
By increasing dopamine levels in the brain and improving dopamine regulation, cannabis could enhance your focus. Improved focus can make it easier to stay on task and complete tasks you might otherwise find difficult to finish.
Reduced Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Some individuals with ADHD struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity. Certain strains of cannabis have calming effects, which can promote relaxation and counteract these behaviors. Cannabis may also help with emotional regulation, improving symptoms like overwhelm, irritability, restlessness, and impatience.
Impact on Adverse Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Despite being effective, prescription medications for ADHD may come with unwanted side effects for some people. These symptoms may include nausea, appetite loss, irritability, anxiety, and migraine headaches. Medical cannabis doesn’t come with these same side effects. What’s more, it may alleviate any uncomfortable symptoms you experience from your ADHD medication.
Schedule an Appointment With a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Arizona Today!
Unfortunately, you can’t get a medical card for ADHD in Arizona, at least not yet. However, if you have another qualifying condition, you may still be able to get one. It all starts with a consultation with a medical marijuana doctor.
At Green Health Docs, you can book your appointment online or by phone. With same-day appointments available, we can see you within as little as 15 minutes after booking. Following a quick evaluation, your doctor can determine if you qualify for a medical card and, if so, provide you with a written certification that day. Ready to get started? Visit Green Health Docs online and schedule your appointment today!
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.