Could Medical Cannabis Help Manage ADHD? A Closer Look at the Finnish Case Study

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions worldwide, and in the UK, it’s estimated that around 2.6 million people live with the condition. For many, stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or dexamphetamine are the standard line of treatment. But what happens when those conventional options fail or come with intolerable side effects?

A fascinating case study out of Finland has shed some light on an alternative approach that’s slowly gaining traction: medical cannabis.

The finnish case report: A real-world example

In 2020, a peer-reviewed report published in Frontiers in Psychiatry documented the case of a 33-year-old Finnish man living with severe ADHD. Despite trying standard pharmaceutical interventions, he continued to struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and focus.

What set this case apart was the treatment that followed: a prescription of medical cannabis, specifically using Bedrocan and Bediol, two regulated cannabis products containing defined ratios of THC and CBD.

The outcome? Marked symptom improvement, including better attention control, reduced hyperactivity, and improved emotional regulation. Over time, the patient resumed steady work and experienced noticeable gains in quality of life.

Why did cannabis seem to work?

Researchers suggested that cannabinoids may influence the brain’s dopamine regulation via the endocannabinoid system, a biological network thought to play a role in both mood and attention.

While this is only a single case, it aligns with anecdotal reports from ADHD patients globally who say cannabis calms their racing thoughts, reduces impulsivity, and enhances focus. That said, there are still serious gaps in research, and what works for one individual may not be effective, or safe, for another.

UK perspective: Can you get a cannabis prescription for ADHD?

Currently, medical cannabis is not prescribed on the NHS for ADHD. However, under UK law, private cannabis clinics with specialist prescribers are able to assess individual cases where first-line treatments have failed. If deemed clinically appropriate, a prescription may be issued.

Bedrocan and Bediol are available through UK medical cannabis suppliers under prescription, although accessibility is still limited and costly compared to standard treatments.

Proceeding with caution

Before running to book an appointment with a cannabis clinic, it’s essential to note:

• This was one patient, not a clinical trial.
• Long-term effects of cannabis use in ADHD, especially with high-THC products, remain unknown.
• Cannabis can negatively affect cognition and mental health in some individuals.

In other words, this is not a blanket endorsement but rather a signal that more research is desperately needed.

Final thoughts: A glimpse into future ADHD treatment?

The Finnish case study isn’t proof, but it is a promising piece of the puzzle in understanding how cannabis might benefit a subset of people with ADHD.

For UK patients who feel they’ve exhausted traditional medications and are looking for other options, medical cannabis for ADHD via private prescription could be a valid next step, but only when undertaken with medical supervision and realistic expectations.

As clinical trials slowly catch up with public interest, we may soon have a clearer picture of whether cannabis belongs in the ADHD treatment toolkit.