CBD & ADHD

Symptom management has never been so healthy

I have to laugh at me writing an article about ADHD, and for those who know me I'm sure you are giggling as well. I have struggled for years with this "oh look there's a shiny shiny squirrel" syndrome. The good news? NO! The Great news!... I have been able to stop taking prescription drugs to manage the ten thousand shiny squirrels I chase around.. but we will come back to that.... :-D


In this article we will take a look at ADHD & how CBD can help you or your loved one suffering from ADHD.


Is there a difference between ADD & ADHD?

Yes. These two terms have been confused for many years, and to this day many people use them interchangeably. Alot of the information out there tends to group everything into ADHD because evidently sometime in the 90's doctors began using the term ADHD as a blanket term for the disorders.

ADHD
 is characterized by trouble concentrating, trouble with impulse control, & excessive activity. Typically people who suffer with ADHD are extremely hyper and always need to be moving.
ADD
 is characterized by trouble concentrating and inability to focus on a task for a long period of time without the excessive movement and hyperactivity.


What causes ADHD/ADD?

While the exact cause is not known, there is research out there that points to genetics, disturbances in early brain development, environmental factors, toxins and brain injury/trauma.


What are the symptoms of ADHD/ADD?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 3 "subtypes" of ADHD/ADD.

  • Predominately Inattentive : Otherwise known (or formerly known) as ADD, most of the symptoms are inattentive or "daydreaming" and unable to focus on tasks for any length of time without becoming distracted. People with inattentive type often are discouraged by careless mistakes they make because of their inability to sustain focus or stay organized.
  • Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive : Most of the symptoms presented are hyperactive and/or impulsive. People with hyperactive-impulsive type tend to talk non-stop, interrupt conversations, blurt out things at inappropriate times, have little to no patience, inability to sit (or sit still) for any length of time, running from place to place as if driven by a motor.
  • Combined : This is the most commonly diagnosed form and is a mix of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsive subtypes.


Another thing I wanted to discuss in this article is the things once thought to be the culprit for ADHD that research does not support


Sugar : Sugar should be consumed in moderation because it can lead to diabetes and cavities, not ADHD


Bad Parenting : I've heard this thrown around alot in my life and it's just simply not accurate. While environmental factors, social circumstance, and home life can most certainly aggravate symptoms of ADHD, there is no research to back up the thought that it is a cause of the development of ADHD.


TV & Video Games : There is so far zero proof that tv and video games cause ADHD to develop. However, it needs to be said that too much tv or video games can be over stimulating & affect focus and sleep.


Diet : Once upon a time it was believed that food allergies and diet were high on the list of culprits for ADHD, however the research just does not support it. That being said, nutrition is extremely important in body and brain development in children so diet plays a huge role in raising a healthy child.


Sometimes the side effects of pharmaceuticals are worse than the disorder....


So, what is used to treat ADHD and what sort of side effects are you in for? The answer actually surprised me. I was on a stimulant for years and didn't even realize that some of the symptoms I was experiencing was from the medication I was taking.


There are 2 types of ADHD medications classified as stimulant and non-stimulant.


Recognizable stimulant medications include but are certainly not limited to Adderal, Focalin, & Ritalin & carry the following possible side effects:


  • rapid heart rate
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • stomach pain/upset stomach
  • trouble sleeping
  • agitation/mood swings
  • uptick in agitation/irritability when medication wears off
  • risk of abuse and addiction


Recognizable non-stimulant medications include but are certainly not limited to Strattera, Kapvay, Intuniv & carry the following possible side effects:

  • nausea/vomiting
  • lightheadedness
  • fatigue
  • indigestion
  • dizziness
  • mood swings
  • suicidal thoughts


Of course there are many more possible side effects with any medication, these are just some of the most reported side effects I found.

A change in a few things can offer help with symptoms as well.


  1. Avoid or limit sugar & artificial sweeteners (try honey in moderation)
  2. Avoid or limit foods with artificial colors (Red Dye #40 seems to be high on the list of aggravating offenders)
  3. Avoid or limit sodium (avoid MSG all together)
  4. Cut out caffeine
  5. Establish an exercise program, & make it fun!
  6. Establish a strict evening routine to aid in a good nights sleep. Avoid your phone or tv at least half hour before bed, have a warm caffeine free beverage before bed, play soft music or white noise to help you drift off to sleep, make sure you go to bed and wake up at the same times daily, etc.


How does CBD help with ADHD?



CBD helps with ADHD symptoms by modulating the Endocannabinoid System. CBD interacts with CB1 & CB2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex play a key role in modulating impulsive behavior. This is a key symptom of ADHD and one that many times leads to trouble. Many people (absolutely including myself) have found relief with CBD and been able to quit pharmaceutical interventions or avoid them all together. Modulating the Endocannabinoid System with structure, fun exercise, proper nutrition (Avoiding red dyes), and CBD does wonders for the unwanted symptoms of ADHD. Another huge benefit to CBD is better sleep. You do not have to suffer with ADHD, medications that have side effects or don't work at all. CBD should be 1st line of defense or added to a therapeutic program and never the last resort.


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


Rustic Oils CBD Of Lee's Summit LLC Blog

By Rachel Crawford January 28, 2026
We’ve all had that moment.... . During a belly rub, you feel it—a new "lump or bump" that wasn't there last week. Your heart sinks, and suddenly, nothing else matters than the health of your fur baby This is where the ancient wisdom of mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi steps in. Think of them as nature’s quiet protectors. I have given them to Abbey for a couple of years but I so wish I would have started from the beginning. Turkey Tail is the "Immune Architect." It’s packed with beta-glucans that help the body’s natural defenses recognize and respond to cellular changes. It’s like giving your dog’s immune system a pair of glasses so it can see exactly where it needs to go to work. Reishi is often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," but for our pups, it’s the "Mushroom of Zen." It supports longevity, helps manage the body’s response to occasional stress, and provides much-needed relief for those pesky seasonal allergies. When we combine these in our homemade treats or as a food topper, we aren't just feeding them; we’re fighting for more "zoomies," more tail wags, and more years of companionship. Why We Trust Verdant Leaf When it comes to our pets, "good enough" isn't an option. That’s why I’ve always been uncompromising about the brands I bring into the shop. Verdant Leaf is the gold standard for clean, reliable supplements for a few very specific reasons: Purity First: Their powders are free from the fillers, grains, and "fluff" that often plague commercial pet supplements. You are getting 100% functional mushroom power. Transparent Sourcing: They prioritize high-quality extraction methods, ensuring the beneficial compounds (like those vital beta-glucans) are actually bioavailable for your dog to absorb. Tested & Trusted: Every batch is held to rigorous standards, so you can feel confident that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bowl. Using a clean brand like Verdant Leaf ensures that your "fur baby" is getting the support they deserve without any of the junk they don't. Here are links to Verdant Leaf Turkey Tail & Verdant Leaf Reishi Recipes you can make at home! I actually use these powders as a topper for Abbey's food or I make a mushroom broth for her to drink, but you can also create these yummy treats at home for pups that are a little pickier "Immune-Boost" No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Best for: Quick prep and masking the earthy mushroom taste. Ingredients : 1 cup Oat flour (or blended rolled oats) 1/2 cup Natural peanut butter (ensure it is Xylitol-free) 1/4 cup Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Verdant Leaf Powder: 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per 10 lbs of dog weight (totaled for the batch size) Instructions : Mix the mushroom powder into the peanut butter and applesauce until well-blended. Stir in the oat flour until a dough forms. Roll into bite-sized balls based on the dog's daily dosage needs. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer. Sweet Potato & Reishi "Cookies" Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Ingredients: 1 cup Mashed cooked sweet potato 1 1/2 cups Brown rice flour (or whole wheat flour if tolerated) 1 Egg Verdant Leaf Powder: Calculate total dosage for the number of cookies (e.g., if making 20 cookies and the dog needs 1/2 tsp daily {1/4 tsp each species, or 1/2 tsp of any single species}, add 10 tsp to the batch). Instructions : Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).Mix all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm. Golden Mushroom Bone Broth (Liquid Topper) Best for: Older dogs who might enjoy a warm topper on their meals. Ingredients : 2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken bone broth (onion/garlic-free) 1/2 tsp Turmeric (for extra anti-inflammatory benefits) Dash of black pepper (needed to activate anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric) 1 tsp coconut oil, beef tallow, or fish oil Verdant Leaf Powder: Whisk in 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per serving. Instructions : Warm the broth slightly (not boiling).Whisk in the mushroom powder and turmeric until dissolved. Pour over kibble or freeze in ice cube trays for "pupsicles." MUSHROOM DOSING GUIDELINE * Daily Maintenance Dosage (Give once daily for general health) Under 20 lbs: 1/4 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 3/4 teaspoon Over 90 lbs: 1 teaspoon Therapeutic/ Loading Dosage (Give for "lumps and bumps" or the first 2 weeks of use) Under 20 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons Over 90 lbs: 2 teaspoons *The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
By Emily Held January 19, 2026
A simple guide + DIY cleanser recipe
Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt
By Ian Hilley March 24, 2025
Let's hear from the experts on the benefits of Celtic Sea Salt
What is CBG?
By Rachel N. Crawford September 26, 2024
CBG is known as the "Mother of all cannabinoids". In this article we will explore CBG, its many benefits, and how to choose the right product for your needs.
•	The Greek Physician Dioscorides described Agarikon mushrooms as the elixir of long life
By Rachel N. Crawford May 18, 2023
Agarikon loves your respiratory system. Read about this amazing nutritional mushroom
Explore the benefits of the Reishi Mushroom
By Rachel N. Crawford March 15, 2023
Reishi was first documented in one of the world's oldest pharmacopeia, possibly written as long as 5000 years ago! That's wild. Known in Chinese medicine as "Ling Zhi" meaning "plant that nourishes the spirit", this little mushie has a big personality.
Cordyceps - a boost of caffeine free energy
By Rachel N. Crawford March 8, 2023
Improve your energy levels, endurance, & immunity with cordyceps
Beginners guide to nutritional mushrooms:  How do I use them?
By Rachel N. Crawford February 7, 2023
When Studying the health benefits of mushrooms, one could easily become overwhelmed. In this article we are going to focus on 6 species of nutritional/medicinal mushrooms. Lions Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Cordyceps, Agarikon, & Chaga.
There is much more to cannabis than THC & CBD.  Let's look at minor cannabinoids
By Rachel N. Crawford December 29, 2022
CBD & THC are not the only beneficial cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, not by a long shot. In this article we are going to look at some of the lesser known cannabinoids & the role they play in your health.
Many plants and super foods are cannabimimetic, meaning that they have properties that mimic cannabi
By Rachel N. Crawford July 24, 2021
Many plants and super foods are cannabimimetic, meaning that they have properties that mimic cannabinoids in our bodies. Our Endocannabinoid System needs cannabinoids to function properly.
More Posts