Chronic and Acute Cannabis Use Affects Cognition and Perceived Symptoms of ADHD

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Washington State University published a study examining the effects of chronic and acute cannabis use on cognition and perceived symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study, published in Psychopharmacology, found that while acute cannabis use may selectively reduce subjective and objective impulsivity in people with ADHD, chronic cannabis use appears to impair several aspects of cognition. Specifically, chronic cannabis users with ADHD self-reported less severe sluggish cognitive tempo than non-users with ADHD, but demonstrated worse performance on two objective tests of cognition.

Key Takeaways:

  • 104 adults (26 cannabis users with ADHD, 26 non-users with ADHD, 26 cannabis users without ADHD, and 26 non-users without ADHD) were recruited for the study.
  • Chronic cannabis users with ADHD self-reported less severe sluggish cognitive tempo than non-users with ADHD.
  • However, chronic cannabis users with (and without) ADHD demonstrated worse performance on two objective tests of cognition.
  • Intoxicated cannabis users with ADHD self-reported reductions in impulsivity, irritability, and anxiety as well as enhanced mood.
  • Intoxicated cannabis users with (and without) ADHD demonstrated reductions in impulsive responding on two cognitive tests.
  • Chronic cannabis use appears to reduce perceptions of sluggish cognitive tempo without producing any objective benefits to cognition.
  • The study provides limited evidence that acute cannabis intoxication may selectively reduce subjective and objective impulsivity in people with ADHD.

Statistics:

  • 26 cannabis users with ADHD, 26 non-users with ADHD, 26 cannabis users without ADHD, and 26 non-users without ADHD were recruited for the study.
  • Participants completed a battery of cognitive tests and provided ADHD symptom and affect ratings in session one.
  • In session two, cannabis users were observed using their own cannabis product while non-users remained sober, prior to completing the same battery of cognitive tests and symptom ratings.
  • Chronic cannabis users with ADHD self-reported less severe sluggish cognitive tempo than non-users with ADHD (p < 0.05).
  • Chronic cannabis users with (and without) ADHD demonstrated worse performance on two objective tests of cognition (p < 0.01).
  • Intoxicated cannabis users with ADHD demonstrated reductions in impulsive responding on two cognitive tests (p < 0.05).

Sources:

  • A naturalistic examination of the effects of chronic and acute cannabis use on cognition and perceived symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychopharmacology, 2025.
  • Washington State University. (2025). Findings in Marijuana Usage (A naturalistic examination of the effects of chronic and acute cannabis use on cognition and perceived symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 1324.