Can You Use Adderall and Marijuana Together?
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Adderall and marijuana are two of the most commonly used drugs in the United States, and they have diverse physical and mental effects on the human system. The stimulant Adderall treats narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). On the other hand, marijuana is a psychoactive substance that is used both recreationally and medicinally. It is not advised to combine the two drugs even if they are both used for medical purposes.
Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of mixing Adderall with marijuana.
Adderall vs. Marijuana
As already noted, Adderall is widely prescribed as an ADHD medication, making it popular among young adults and college students. The drug helps improve focus and attention by facilitating an increase in brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. Adderall is a prescription drug and a central nervous system stimulant that’s comprised of amphetamine salts such as dextroamphetamine. Insomnia, loss of appetite, and weight loss are a few of the serious side effects of Adderall. Users can also experience discomforting withdrawal symptoms when weaning themselves off the drug.
It’s vital to keep in mind that there are natural alternatives to Adderall that can be taken into account, including exercise, nutritional therapy, mindfulness techniques, and sleep management. Commonly used for ADHD and narcolepsy, these complementary therapies may be able to manage symptoms without the use of prescription medication.
Contrarily, marijuana is a psychoactive substance that contains cannabinoids, which have a variety of effects on the body and brain, including sensations of relaxation, exhilaration, and increased hunger. Cannabis is used medically to treat a variety of ailments, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and chronic pain. It’s classified as a hallucinogen.
Since cannabis is a Schedule 1 medication in the U.S., marijuana use is prohibited in some states but permitted for both medical and recreational use in others. While dozens of states have legalized it for medical use, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still treats it like a substance that’s prone to cause drug abuse. The potential negative side effects of marijuana include increased heart rate, psychosis, and panic attacks.
Negative Effects of Combining Adderall and Marijuana
It’s crucial to remember that the effects of combining Adderall and marijuana might change depending on the user and the dosage taken. But generally, marijuana and Adderall, when taken together, can have harmful effects on the body and mind. Possible outcomes include:
Cardiovascular Risks
Adderall can raise blood pressure and heart rate because it stimulates certain neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, the cardiovascular system may be under stress. Marijuana and its ability to raise heart rate together may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues like hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke.
Impaired Cognitive Functioning
Marijuana includes substances called cannabinoids, which have a variety of physiological and psychological effects, including sensations of calmness, exhilaration, and increased hunger. It also has a sedative effect, which impairs cognitive abilities like memory, attention, and decision-making and causes drowsiness.
The cognitive depressant effects of marijuana may be increased when coupled with Adderall, which is meant to enhance focus and concentration, making it more challenging to concentrate or pay attention.
Increased Risk of Accidents or Injuries
The sedative effects of marijuana can cause drowsiness and impair coordination, which can increase the risk of accidents or injuries, such as car crashes, falls, or burns. When combined with Adderall, which can cause jitteriness or agitation, the risk of accidents or injuries may increase further, making it more dangerous to perform tasks requiring attention and fine motor skills such as driving.
Reduced Effectiveness of Adderall
Marijuana may also affect how the body processes Adderall, reducing its effectiveness or necessitating greater doses in some cases. This may result in a reduction in the medication’s effectiveness and make symptom management more challenging.
Addiction or Substance Abuse
Combining Adderall and marijuana may make someone more susceptible to addiction or substance abuse. Together, the use of these potentially addictive substances can result in the emergence of a substance use disorder.
Mental Health Problems
As a result of mixing Adderall and marijuana, a patient may experience anxiety, paranoia, and/or a depressive mood. An imbalance in the chemistry of the brain brought on by the use of a stimulant and sedative might result in mood swings and emotional instability.
It’s important to note that the interactions between Adderall and marijuana can vary depending on the individual, the dosage of each substance, and the method of consumption (smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting).
It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using marijuana or Adderall, even for a short-term period of time. They can give more information about potential interactions, risks, and alternative treatment options. Adderall use can lead to Adderall addiction/Adderall abuse, and the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana that makes it a psychoactive drug can interact adversely with certain health conditions.
How we reviewed this article:
- Effects of Adderall on the Body https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adderall-effects-on-body
- 9 Best Adderall Alternatives OTC in 2023 (Natural & Legal) https://wholisticresearch.com/over-the-counter-adderall/
- Is medical marijuana legal in the U.S.? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855
- When ADHD and Anxiety Occur Together https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/when-adhd-and-anxiety-occur-together
Current Version
February 9, 2023
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.
