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Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adults. Since 38 states have legalized the use of medical marijuana, more people with ADHD are choosing to self-medicate with cannabis. Most states can issue patients a medical card permitting them to obtain, possess, or cultivate medical marijuana to relieve ADHD symptoms. If you’re a Louisiana resident or planning to relocate to the state soon, you may be wondering, “Can you get a medical card for ADHD in Louisiana?”
A medical cannabis card, or medical marijuana card, is a state-issued identification card that allows patients with a qualifying condition to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. Patients with a valid medical card must purchase and use medical cannabis in compliance with their state law.
Keep reading to learn more about acquiring a medical card for ADHD in Louisiana.
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Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana
Louisiana recognizes 30 specific conditions for acquiring medical marijuana. While any debilitating condition may qualify for treatment if recommended by a licensed physician, the list below includes the most commonly approved conditions:
- ADHD
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Severe Nausea
- Muscle Spasms
- Anxiety
- Chronic Pain
- Cachexia
- PTSD
- Persistent Seizures
So Can You Get a Medical Card for ADHD in Louisiana?
The simple answer to “Can you get a medical card for ADHD in Louisiana?” is yes. Medical marijuana is legal in Louisiana, and ADHD is considered a qualifying condition. However, the state has unique rules and regulations regarding its use.
Louisiana no longer requires state registration. Instead, you must complete an assessment with a licensed healthcare professional to receive a written recommendation. Rather than provide state-issued medical cards, the healthcare professional faxes the recommendation to the state-authorized medical dispensary of your choice and enters your name in the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Registry. This recommendation serves as proof that you qualify for medical marijuana, and it can be used to access medical cannabis from medical dispensaries.
With your “virtual” medical card, you can possess a maximum of a 30-day supply and must refill the prescription every 90 days. The state currently doesn’t allow residents to cultivate cannabis. However, nine state-wide pharmacies sell a variety of permitted cannabis forms that are easily accessible to patients.
Qualified patients in Louisiana can obtain medical marijuana in various forms, including:
- Oils
- Extracts
- Tinctures
- Pills
- Chewables
- Solutions
- Suspensions
- Patches
- Suppositories
- Sprays
- Lotion
The Effects of Cannabis on ADHD
Several studies have linked cannabis to positive health outcomes for people with ADHD. They demonstrate that cannabis, or medical marijuana, has the potential to improve ADHD symptoms like inattention and anxiety. This recent study, for example, described three ADHD patients who showed “substantial improvements” in their symptoms and quality of life after adding cannabis to their treatment plan.
One notable effect is the increase in dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in your brain that serves as a “reward center” and gives you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. People with ADHD tend to have low levels of dopamine in the brain. However, results from a 2017 randomized controlled trial suggest cannabis might deliver dopamine, helping to offset the imbalance experienced by people with ADHD.
It’s also important to consider the different components of cannabis and how they may improve ADHD symptoms:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that makes you feel high when you use it. The chemical binds with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and activates neurons in the reward system to release high levels of dopamine.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a nonpsychoactive component in cannabis and, therefore, doesn’t produce a “high.” It’s known to improve blood flow in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, which is an important area of the brain associated with memory and emotion. As such, people with ADHD experience therapeutic effects when using cannabis, helping to reduce symptoms of psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.
Below are additional benefits of cannabis reported by ADHD patients:
- Increased focus
- Improved memory and attention
- Increased efficiency at completing tasks
- Reduced hyperactivity
- Reduced depression and anxiety symptoms
While research on the efficacy and safety of cannabis for ADHD is limited, available data show that cannabis plays a positive role in managing ADHD symptoms. Obtaining a medical card for ADHD in Louisiana can give you access to a broad range of high-quality cannabis products to help ease your symptoms.
Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Louisiana Today!
Are you still asking, “Can you get a medical card for ADHD in Louisiana?” Check out Green Health Docs to get your medical card in three easy steps! We are a national brand of medical marijuana doctors offering affordable medical marijuana cards and renewals in person or via telemedicine. Simply book an appointment with one of our doctors, complete an evaluation, and get your card to start purchasing medical cannabis.
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.