As the popularity of CBD is on the rise, it’s becoming common to hear people testifying how they were able to relieve their anxiety or attention deficits with CBD oil.
Multiple studies have shown that cannabidiol can reduce the symptoms of many neurological and mental conditions, from mood disorders to hyperactivity and fear of public speaking.
In this article, we’ll focus on the benefits and safety of using CBD oil for ADHD, a less popular topic among consumers. We’ll also show you how to distinguish between reliable companies and sketchy businesses.
Let’s start with our brand recommendations.
Best CBD Oils for ADHD: Our Top 5 Picks
When it comes to using CBD oil for ADHD, quality is paramount. The source of hemp, extraction method and cannabinoid spectrum can make or break that quality.
Buying CBD oil requires you to research the above features on top of checking the reviews and reading lab reports for each product you want to purchase.
That’s a lot of time to spend.
And not everybody can afford that time.
To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled my own list of the top 5 CBD brands I’m using in 2022. Some of them have been with me for quite some time now, others are newcomers who impressed me with their transparency, quality, and the effects their products have on my mood, focus, and daily stress.
1. Royal CBD (Best CBD Oil for ADHD)
| Potency | 250 mg – 2500 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Berry, Mint, Vanilla |
| CBD per serving | 8.3 mg – 83.3 mg |
Why Royal CBD is the Best CBD Oil for ADHD
It’s quite uncommon for new companies to enter the market with so many mentions in the industry’s leading magazines, but Royal CBD proves nothing is impossible. This brand follows my creed to the letter, which is “quality over quantity.” Royal CBD offers only traditional forms of CBD, such as oil drops, capsules, gummies, and topicals — all of which are made with premium quality ingredients.
The hemp used for extraction comes from organic farms in California and Colorado, and the company uses supercritical CO2 to pull the CBD along with other beneficial compounds from the source plant. These are full-spectrum extracts, so you’re getting the synergy from CBD and other cannabinoids and terpenes present in the oil.
The Royal CBD oil is available in 4 strengths, from 250 mg to 2500 mg of total CBD. The highest potency provides a whopping 83.33 mg of CBD in each mL. This is the strength I’ve been using for my sleeping problems when I couldn’t focus during the day. I often ended up restless in the evening, which is why I decided to go for the most potent option. The combination of the 500 mg bottle in the morning with my evening dose of the 2500 mg oil made me both more alert during the day and relaxed in the evening, with no running thoughts to bother me before bed.
This is the best CBD oil for persistent ADHD symptoms in my opinion.
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2. Gold Bee
Product Details
| Potency | 300 – 1200 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Honey |
| CBD per serving | 10 mg – 40 mg |
About Gold Bee
Gold Bee is another California-based company offering premium CBD products from organic hemp. Gold Bee’s mission is to destigmatize hemp, which was unfairly demonized for the past few decades in the mainstream media, and provide the health benefits of CBD at affordable prices.
Gold Bee uses hemp from its local farmers as well as from Colorado growers to make their own blend of high-CBD hemp strains, resulting in clean and concentrated extracts infused with the full-spectrum of non-psychoactive cannabinoids, terpenes, and polyphenols.
I give this brand the second place only because they don’t offer such a wide potency range as Royal CBD. The maximum CBD content of the Gold Bee CBD oil is 1200 mg, which translates to about 40 mg CBD/mL. If your daily dose doesn’t exceed 30 mg, this company offers the best value for the price.
Not to mention the amazing honey flavor.
I was satisfied with the effects, especially when taking this CBD oil in the morning before work. I spend about 5 hours before my laptop’s screen a day being surrounded by a plethora of stimuli. I noticed a nice improvement both in my focus and my ability to sit still without getting distracted every few minutes.
I’d definitely recommend it if you want to use CBD oil for being more productive at work.
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3. CBDPure
Product Details
| Potency | 100 – 1000 mg |
| Available Flavors | None |
| CBD per serving | 3.3 – 33 mg/mL |
About CBDPure CBD Oil
CBDPure is the best company if you’re looking for a true full-spectrum CBD oil in lower potencies. This company offers CBD oil in 4 different strengths, including 100 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1000 mg. CBDPure has recently added the 1000 mg bottle to its collection to cater to those who need more CBD in their routine.
Nevertheless, I find the 100 – 600 mg dosage range very effective when it comes to promoting focus. I’ve been testing all 4 potencies — one per week — and they did a decent job at easing my daily stress and lowering anxiety I usually experience before getting down to work.
Similar to Royal CBD and Gold Bee, CBDPure uses organic hemp plants as its source of CBD. This is one of the most transparent brands I’ve ever come across. The guys at CBDPure describe every process of their activity to their customers. They also have a great 90-day return policy, which tells pretty much about their confidence in their products.
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4. Hemp Bombs
Product Details
| Potency | 125 – 4000 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Acai Berry, Orange Creamsicle, Peppermint, Watermelon |
| CBD per serving | 4 – 133 mg/mL |
About Hemp Bombs
Hemp Bombs currently offers the best isolate-based CBD oil in the United States. The company’s products are made with 99% pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes in the extract. Hemp Bombs CBD oil provides the highest potency per serving of all the companies from our list. All of their products are also rigorously tested in a third-party laboratory.
Although I usually prefer full-spectrum CBD, I like to use the Hemp Bombs CBD oil when my anxiety levels are particularly high in the evening. Higher doses of CBD make me calmer and sometimes even sleepy, so I find it easier to clean my head before bed, and my sleep is deeper too.
You can choose from 5 different potencies, from 125 mg to 4000 mg per bottle. The strongest oil can get you supplied for months to come at a very affordable price.
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5. CBDistillery
Product Details
| Potency | 250 – 5000 mg |
| Available Flavors | None |
| Potency | 8.3 – 166 mg/mL |
About CBDistillery
CBDistillery has been selling premium CBD products for over 4 years now, upholding the reputation of one of the most trusted brands in North America. Recently, the company has reformulated its line of CBD oils, introducing broad-spectrum CBD extracts labeled as “pure CBD oil.” This pure oil contains CBD and other cannabinoids from hemp but without any THC. The intoxicating compound has been removed during further filtration.
The CBDistillery CBD oil is available in five different potencies, starting at 250 mg up to 5000 mg of total CBD — covering the entire potency range for CBD products. Although this brand doesn’t use organic hemp, the quality of its CBD oil remains on the top shelf, especially when you consider the price.
My thoughts on CBDistillery?
It’s a great company if you want a diverse selection of high-quality products at friendly prices. My preferred potency with this brand is the 1000 mg; it did a great job for my college presentations; normally, I would have problems with vocalizing my thoughts in front of so many people, but after taking a full dropper before the lecture, I could barely feel any stress aside from the positive excitement. As I said, I give CBDistillery the last place only because the hemp isn’t organic.
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What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of the major cannabinoids in the cannabis plants. Cannabis has been used for medical purposes for centuries, but only recently scientists have discovered the mechanisms behind its therapeutic properties.
The main reason why CBD has remained in the shadow of THC is the legal status of marijuana throughout the U.S.
CBD comes from cannabis plants, so it can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana. Hemp is legal in the majority of countries because it contains 0.3% or less, which isn’t enough to produce any psychoactive effects. On the other hand, hemp plants are high in CBD, hence their sudden rise in popularity.
Hemp-derived CBD products are the best way to get your hands on legal CBD oil that won’t get you high. According to the WHO, CBD has no dependence potential and can help with addiction withdrawal symptoms on top of other benefits such as anxiety and inflammation reduction.
As it turns out, CBD oil can be used for the management of ADHD in children and adults.
But before we elaborate on that, let’s shed more light on the legal status of CBD.
Is CBD Legal?
The laws surrounding CBD and its use can be difficult to understand for new consumers. The legal status of CBD in the United States depends on its source.
As mentioned, CBD can be extracted from hemp or marijuana.
Hemp was federally legalized in 2018 upon the introduction of the amended Farm Bill. The new legislation removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, reclassifying it as an agricultural commodity.
In simple words, you can easily buy CBD oil and other hemp-derived products without prescription. They’re widely available over the counter in dispensaries, head shops, vape stores, and health outlets.
Marijuana, on the other hand, is illegal on the federal level, although 11 states have legalized its recreational use and 33 states have a medical marijuana program for patients.
When seeking CBD products that are federally legal, make sure that they meet the following criteria:
- Made from locally grown hemp: products made from locally grown hemp are less likely to be questioned than CBD extracts produced overseas and imported, especially if they’re untested.
- Certificate of Analysis: this document comes from a lab report that determines the potency and purity in the end product. For example, the state of Indiana requires all CBD products to have a QR code on the label that redirects the user to the certificate of analysis online.
- Low-THC stamp: the “low-THC” label means that the product has been tested and contains less than 0.3% THC. Some CBD products are labeled as “THC-free”, meaning they’re either broad-spectrum or isolates.
Now that you know how to tell that your CBD oil is legal, let’s discuss the potential benefits of CBD for people with ADHD.
CBD and ADHD
Research in this subject is still in its early stage, although a large share of anecdotal evidence from patients suggests that CBD oil can be an effective alternative to conventional treatments in the management of ADHD, which many experts consider to be an incurable condition.
ADHD: Definition and Symptoms
Abbreviated to ADHD, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a common medical condition that changes the activity and development of one’s brain. People diagnosed with ADHD tend to have trouble with specific tasks that require them to stay alert and focused for their duration.
Although prevalent in childhood, ADHD often manifests itself well into adulthood.
ADHD sufferers may find it very difficult to sit still and have problems with any forms of self-control. Doctors describe this behavior as “hyperactive” because it reflects the exact way a patient’s brain acts. The hyperactive brain is most common among children who cannot seem to sit down for prolonged periods or experience difficulty falling asleep.
The symptoms of ADHD vary between individuals and by age. The most common signs of this disorder include:
- Chaotic lifestyle
- Mood instability
- Poor time management
- Inability to sit still
- Restlessness
Conventional treatments for ADHD include psychotherapy and/or medication. The goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy is to change the patterns of thinking to alter the way people with ADHD cope with their problems. However, this approach doesn’t seem to fit everyone.
While medications such as Adderall or Ritalin help to mitigate the symptoms of ADHD, these medications can also trigger second-hand side effects such as anxiety or insomnia. Certain prescription drugs are also marked by stigmas, which is why parents of children with ADHD or adults struggling with this condition may want to abstain from them.
The irritating symptoms of ADHD and the struggle to find a long-lasting solution through therapy or pharmaceuticals are the reasons why many people have begun to seek help in natural resources, such as CBD oil and other hemp products.
Benefits of Using CBD for ADHD
CBD oil can be a great alternative to the above solutions for people diagnosed with ADHD. In this section, we cover the best-researched areas with regards to CBD and the symptoms of this condition.
Lowers Anxiety
Anxiety is common among most patients with ADHD. CBD oil has proven to lower the severity of anxiety-related illnesses. According to a 2014 animal study, the use of CBD can positively affect serotonin receptors, resulting in better management of this neurotransmitter and reduced markers of anxiety.
That being said, the FDA hasn’t approved hemp-derived CBD for anxiety treatment. Still, it’s reasonable to believe that reducing any symptoms of ADHD can make this condition more manageable.
Helps Manage Depression
Depression is another common condition for people diagnosed with ADHD. It can be triggered by medications or difficulty coping with other cognitive effects of ADHD. A study conducted in 2018 showed that the anti-stress properties of CBD can result in the lessening of stress-related depression.
Shows Faster Response Rates than Conventional Medications
This is another benefit of CBD oil over popular antidepressants. CBD works faster than the active ingredients in those meds. The New York Times mentioned a study from the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, where researchers suggested that CBD may not only work faster than traditional antidepressants, but it also has a higher safety profile. However, it’s worth noting that it’s more common to use the oil as a supplement rather than a replacement for regular treatment.
Comes with Fewer Side Effects than Pharmaceuticals
As mentioned, some prescription medications come with serious side effects. As people become more aware of those adverse reactions, they begin to turn to natural alternatives for their problems, such as CBD oil.
A survey run by the data research firm Brightfield Group found that patients who use CBD reported better efficacy in the management of their symptoms than with pharmaceuticals.
Moreover, studies have shown that the human body releases its own cannabinoids and contains two dedicated receptors — CB1 and CB2. The CB2 receptors are found among the immune system, regulating inflammation and pain signaling. Scientists once believed that CBD has the ability to attach to the CB2 receptors, but now they know that CBD stimulates the body to produce more of its natural cannabinoids and helps them stay active for longer. Therefore, CBD is a natural compound that can prompt the body to create its own form of medication.
It’s important to note that while CBD is a natural substance harvested from a plant, the way it works is still unknown to researchers and some of its effects may not manifest themselves until later.
Here we discuss the safety profile of CBD oil and its potential side effects.
Is CBD Oil Safe?
CBD oil is a natural regulator of the endocannabinoid system. It has natural painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties and can help in the management of symptoms related to many neurological disorders. Taking CBD oil for anxiety disorders such as PTSD, OCD, or ADHD is proven to have a positive effect on them.
CBD oil is considered a safe substance. Even doses as high as 1500 mg daily are well tolerable in humans. Some patients who use CBD to deal with medical conditions have reported nausea, fatigue, and changes in appetite. CBD can increase the concentration of the body’s natural blood thinner Coumadin, leading to lower blood pressure and dizziness. However, the most common problem with CBD is the lack of regulation in the industry.
Since CBD isn’t an acknowledged medication, the FDA doesn’t regulate the product’s safety and purity. Therefore, the fact that a product is marketed as high-potency CBD oil doesn’t mean it contains the advertised concentration of CBD. In fact, it might not carry any CBD at all.
The World Health Organization issued a report in 2017, claiming that CBD is a generally safe substance provided that it comes from a reputable source. The WHO also noted that those who use CBD oil should do so with caution, especially when taking prescribed medication due to potential drug interactions with CBD.
Key Takeaways on Best Practices to Managing ADHD with CBD Oil
Although CBD oil isn’t an officially accepted treatment for ADHD, it can relieve several symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety, depression and attention deficits. Current research is inconclusive in that matter but the potential benefits of CBD oil for people with ADHD are promising.
Just make sure you always choose high-quality CBD products from a reputable brand. There are too many mediocre CBD oils on the market, and the abundance of sketchy companies can make it difficult to find a trusted source of cannabidiol. If you’ve never used CBD before, you can use our recommendations to find the best CBD oil for your needs. All of the companies from this ranking offer premium, full-spectrum extracts tested in independent laboratories for their potency and purity.
If you have any further questions about using CBD oil for ADHD, consult your doctor to avoid potential drug interactions and get the most out of your supplementation.