Dr. Hallowell, a leader in ADHD education is entitled to his opinion, even if he is wrong.

Posted by SuperADDMom on November 30, 2009

**please note. I have google Adsense on my pages, I cannot control the content that always shows up. I DO NOT agree with the negative ads showing here for marijuana.**

If you ask me….

SOURCE:http://www.adhdmarriage.com/content/hallowell-against-use-marijuana-treat-adhd

Hallowell Against Use of Marijuana to Treat ADHD

A quote in the New York Times on November 21 misled some people into believing that Dr. Ned Hallowell thinks that using marijuana to treat ADHD is a good idea.  Just the opposite, he thinks it is a very bad idea and has said so for many years.  Here is his response to those who had questions about this:

“I am trying to correct misunderstandings of what I was quoted as saying in the Nov. 21 NY Times. Many people came away believing I am in favor of people who have ADHD using marijuana as a medication.  THIS IS NOT AT ALL TRUE!!!!  In fact, it is the opposite of what I believe.  I am TOTALLY opposed to the use of marijuana for two practical and important reasons.  First, it is illegal.  Using pot can cause major trouble with the law.  Second, it can lead to a dependency such that all a person wants to do is smoke pot all day.  I have spent many hours trying to help people give up marijuana.  It is cruelly ironic that my words should be so misconstrued.  Please understand, I am a fervent opponent of the use of marijuana, especially by people who have ADHD.  It can cause huge life problems.”

Ok, First let me point out that Dr Hallowell DID NOT say that marijuana was not EFFECTIVE, he said he didn’t agree with it, or advocate it, because it was illegal. Which in fact is true, in the USA, where he is.

Second let me point out, that though Dr Hallowell was trained as an allopathic doctor, is an author, and  is credited as a “leading expert in ADHD of today…he is not an expert in all things. Being a doctor who has seen people “addicted” to marijuana makes him no more an expert in the effects of marijuana than a mechanic who specialized in BMW motorcycles would be an expert in snowmobiles.

He states that it is addictive and therefore “dangerous” as fact by his implication, and that is simply false. Not everyone who uses Marijuana becomes addicted. I base my opinion on MANY studies I have read ( done outside of the USA) on the effects of Marijuana on people with ADHD, as well as personal experience. I used marijuana in my teen years to be “cool” and could take it or leave it, mainly because I’m ADHD and it doesn’t get me “high” but rather regulates my brain, and allowed me to focus better. Being focused at a party where everyone else was buzzed is kind of pointless.

I point out that I base my info on  studies done outside of the USA because USA is FAR from impartial when it comes to marijuana given the political stance of it since before Dr Hallowell was even born.

Do keep in mind that Dr Hallowell grew up and studied to be a doctor in a time where he was being taught by the generations that were brainwashed to believe that marijuana is addictive, and terrible, and a “gateway” drug. His personal opinion is colouring his professional opinion, and therefore is not impartial to say the least.

I’m not “for” people being buzzed all day. But I recognize as a herbalist the benefits the cannabis plant can hold for people with neurological based imbalances in their chemical makeup. Used properly under the guidance of a experienced herbalist or naturopathic doctor etc, people with ADHD can find a lot of benefits from the use of the drug, just as many find benefits of drugs like Ritalin and Concertta etc.

Also, the side effects are far more minimal with marijuana than with prescribed medications, which are Meth ( speed) stimulant based/related.

Just as caffeine is a beneficial substance when used properly, it can and is overused, in our gluttony society, so too is marijuana.

Yes it is illegal in most of North America, so if you chose to experiment with the use of marijuana, you need to exercise caution and take responsibility for any legal ramifications that come about from it. All ramifications are soley your own. Dr Hallowell is covering his ass by disclaiming any implied acceptance or endorsement of the medication. If anyone was charged with possession of Marijuana and they said they used it medically because the top leading Dr. in ADHD who has been on the likes of Dr Phil, and who’s face is all over book covers about ADHD, he could be questioned and held partially responsible for advocating an illegal “illicit” drug, and his medical lisence would be on the line.

I don;t have a medical lisense. so mine isn;t on the line, and I’m telling you, as a Herbalist with 5 years of study, and over 15 years of experience as an apprentice using all types of herbs for medical purposes. Marijuana can and IS being used as a ligitimate beneficial medication for people with ADHD, bi Polar, depression, Oppositional defiance, and sensory integration problems.

It should not be smoke, it should be used in an alcohol based tincture. A tea won’t work becasue it is not water soluble. Making it into a butter or alcohol tincture is effective, and small doses can and should be be taken at a time to determine if and what the best dose for any certain individual may be. Just as with any chemical not found naturally in your body, people CAN be allergic to marijuana as well as any other herbal remedy.

When smoking marijuana, you are effectively overdosing on a herbal medicinal plant by the method of introducing it to your body ( too fast), not to mention wasting the herb. The same kinds of things would happen to a person with ADHD if they chewed their slow release Ritalin or Concertta.

If a person has an addictive personality,  whether it be marijuana or prescribed speed, there is potential for addiction.

The fact is… ANY chemical or drug whether illegal due to idiotic laws, or prescribed by a Dr. can be abused. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t have benefits for the people who use it responsibly.

In fact there are statistics out there ( I will post them when I find them again) that say people with ADHD who have used illegal drugs to self medicate and become “addicted” are at a higher risk and should be closely monitored by their doctors, for  signs of RX addiction as well.

It is the PERSON, not the medication, Dr Hallowell, and I respectfully must say, that though I admire a great deal of what you do for people with ADHD, you are FAR FAR off the mark on this one.

As a Herbalist who has advised countless people on how to use medical marijuana properly and safely ( not smoking it) and who has studied greatly the effects it has on ADHD characteristics  in people, I respectfully 100 percent disagree with you.