Photo by Brittney Butler
In the United States, a growing number of adults and children live with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Today, as many as 9.8% of American children between ages 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.
While the symptoms tend to change as children reach their adult years, anywhere from 35 to 78% of American adults with a childhood diagnosis continue to have symptoms. There are also those who only receive an ADHD diagnosis as adults.
Living with ADHD can bring many challenges, along with medications and other health care expenses. If you have ADHD, you might be wondering if medical marijuana can ease your symptoms. What about state rules, too? Can you get a medical card for ADHD in Missouri?
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Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is the most important place to look for qualifying conditions. The state department oversees the medical marijuana program and issues cards to patients. What does the DHSS show for qualifying medical conditions? Under Patient Services, you’ll find different topics related to medical marijuana, including the medical conditions that let you get a medical card.
As of 2024, specific conditions include the following:
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- HIV or AIDS
- Epilepsy
- Intractable migraines
- Terminal illness
The state department also lists broader language, particularly for:
- Chronic conditions that lead to severe pain or muscle spasms
- Psychiatric disorders a state-licensed psychiatrist diagnoses as debilitating
- Certain chronic or debilitating medical conditions that a doctor deems applicable
- Chronic medical conditions with habit-forming medications, if medical marijuana could be a safe and appropriate alternative
So Can You Get a Medical Card for ADHD in Missouri?
Likely, yes, you can get a medical marijuana card in Missouri if you are living with ADHD. To find the answer, you’d look more closely at one of two categories in the state’s Constitution, under Amendment Article XIV for qualifying conditions.
In part 22 J of the amendment, it states: “In the professional judgment of a physician, any other chronic, debilitating or other medical condition, including, but not limited to, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, autism, neuropathies, sickle cell anemia, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia, and wasting syndrome.”
Another section, 22 H, states: “A chronic medical condition that is normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to physical or psychological dependence, when a physician determines that medical use of marijuana could be effective in treating that condition and would serve as a safer alternative to the prescription medication.”
A physician could decide your ADHD fits point one, as a chronic or debilitating condition that would benefit from cannabis treatment. That same physician could also agree that your ADHD fits the second point, as many ADHD medications can lead to psychological or physical dependence. In fact, methylphenidate and amphetamine are two active ingredients in ADHD drugs, and both are classified as Schedule II drugs. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers them habit forming because they could lead to substance abuse.
In either case, your doctor may feel your ADHD qualifies you for a medical marijuana card in Missouri. To get your card, you would need to submit an application on the DHSS website and have your doctor fill out a physician certification form.
Cards are valid for three years and let you have up to 6 ounces of medical marijuana for each 30-day period.
The Effects of Cannabis on ADHD
Although studies are more limited for cannabis use with ADHD, the results are showing some promise. A 2017 study showed that cannabis use reduced participants’ hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, although it didn’t enhance their cognitive abilities like problem-solving, thinking, and remembering.
Another cannabis study from 2018 showed promise for hyperactive ADHD subtypes, reducing hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and frustration. This individualized study took place over five years, in which the participant used prescribed cannabinoid therapeutic medications. The participant started with a high-THC cannabis medication and later added high-CBD cannabis medication to improve sleep quality.
Apart from limited scientific studies, you can find anecdotal support for self-medicating with cannabis. A 2016 study used anecdotal evidence to show that some people report a calmer state, better focus, and enhanced sleep when taking cannabis. Others report the opposite effect, stating that cannabis makes their ADHD worse.
Such limited evidence may be the reason the Missouri DHSS doesn’t specifically mention ADHD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. However, further studies can add to the support. The more research exists, the easier it may be to get a medical card if you have ADHD.
Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Missouri Today!
If you’re living with ADHD and want an alternative to traditional medications, consider getting your medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with us online and find out if you qualify.
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.