Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Those affected often struggle with inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, with consequences for school, family life and self-esteem.
Because conventional medications such as stimulants do not help all children or cause side effects, some parents look for alternatives. CBD oil is increasingly being discussed as a possible option. But what is really known so far?
ADHD in childhood: more than just “fidgetiness”
ADHD manifests itself differently from child to child. Typical symptoms include:
- Difficulty maintaining attention and concentrating
- Impulsivity, acting without thinking
- Motor restlessness and inner agitation
- Emotional instability and frustration
Standard therapy usually consists of behavioural interventions, support at school and, in severe cases, medication (for example methylphenidate).
Why CBD is being discussed in ADHD
CBD influences the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating attention, impulse control and emotional processing. In adult studies, CBD has shown calming, anxiety-reducing and sleep-promoting effects, all factors that can also play a role in ADHD.
This has led to the hypothesis that CBD could help some children better regulate their attention and mood. However, this assumption has only been investigated to a very limited extent in scientific studies so far.
Current state of research on CBD and ADHD
To date, there are hardly any high-quality clinical studies on CBD in children with ADHD. Most data come from:
- Small pilot trials in adults with ADHD,
- surveys in which patients report subjective improvements,
- and individual case reports.
These early findings suggest that CBD could improve sleep, reduce inner restlessness and positively influence mood in some people with ADHD. At the same time, the available data are not sufficient to recommend CBD as a standard therapy, especially not for children.
Possible advantages and risks
Potential advantages:
- Calming effect and reduction of inner restlessness
- Improved sleep quality, which can secondarily stabilise attention
- Anxiety reduction in socially stressful situations
Possible risks and uncertainties:
- Insufficient study situation for children and adolescents
- Possible interactions with ADHD medication (e.g. via liver enzymes)
- Risk of incorrect dosing with freely available products
Because the developing brain is particularly sensitive, CBD should only be tried in ADHD under medical supervision and never without the knowledge of the treating specialists.
Practical considerations for parents
- CBD is not a replacement for behavioural therapy, school support or evidence-based medication.
- If CBD is considered at all, this should only be done together with an experienced physician or child psychiatrist.
- Only certified products with verifiable CBD and THC content should be used.
- The dose should be started low and increased slowly while carefully observing effects and side effects.
Conclusion: Research still in its infancy
At present, CBD for children with ADHD is an experimental approach. Isolated reports of improvement are contrasted by a lack of robust clinical trials.
Parents should therefore be cautious with promises and advertising claims. CBD may become a useful adjunctive option in the future, but for now, established therapies remain the basis of treatment.
References
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie...gen">https://www.dgkjp.de/adhs-und-verwandte-stoerungen
- NDR Ratgeber Gesundheit. (2025). ADHS bei Kindern: Symptome,...S-bei-Kindern-Symptome-Ursachen-Behandlung,adhs198.html">https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/adhs/ADHS-bei-Kindern-Symptome-Ursachen-Behandlung,adhs198.html
- Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabid...1-015-0387-1">https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
- Cooper RE, Williams E, Seegobin S, et al. Impact of cannabin...9881116687071">https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116687071
- Crippa JA, et al. Cannabidiol and the endocannabinoid system...rg/10.1159/000484698">https://doi.org/10.1159/000484698
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie...www.dgkjp.de/news/detail/stellungnahme-cannabisprodukte">https://www.dgkjp.de/news/detail/stellungnahme-cannabisprodukte
- Iffland K, Grotenhermen F. An update on safety and side effe...89/can.2016.0034">https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
- Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (Bf...arm.de/EN/Drugs/licensing/medicinal-products/_node.html">https://www.bfarm.de/EN/Drugs/licensing/medicinal-products/_node.html
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie...www.dgkjp.de/news/detail/stellungnahme-cannabisprodukte">https://www.dgkjp.de/news/detail/stellungnahme-cannabisprodukte
