Challenging the Daily Mail: The Science Behind Medical Cannabis for ADHD and Menopause

Posted on By Stefan Broselid

The Daily Mail’s recent article on medical cannabis clinics raises important questions about the role of cannabis in treating conditions like ADHD and menopause. However, Professor Sir Robin Murray’s sweeping claim that “there is no good scientific evidence whatsoever that cannabis helps with most of [these] conditions” oversimplifies a complex issue and misrepresents the evolving body of evidence. Furthermore, the statistics cited in the article regarding adverse events and deaths lack clarity, are not properly referenced, and risk perpetuating misinformation. This commentary seeks to provide a balanced perspective, grounded in scientific research and clinical realities, while addressing these claims directly.

ADHD and the ECS

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. While stimulant medications are effective for many, they are not without side effects, prompting some patients to seek alternatives. Contrary to Professor Murray’s assertion, there is growing evidence linking ADHD symptomatology to dysregulation in the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a critical regulator of mood, cognition, and behavior.

A 2024 scoping review highlights how alterations in ECS signaling, particularly involving anandamide (an endogenous cannabinoid) and CB1 receptors, may contribute to ADHD symptoms (Ryan et al., 2024). Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can modulate dopamine release and restore ECS balance, potentially alleviating core ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. A systematic review by Dhamija et al. (2023) further supports this potential by demonstrating improvements in cognitive function and behavioral regulation with controlled cannabinoid use. Similarly, Francisco et al. (2023) found that specific cannabinoid formulations were associated with reductions in symptom severity among adult ADHD patients.

While concerns about cannabis use disorder (CUD) remain valid, these risks are predominantly associated with recreational use rather than controlled medical applications overseen by qualified clinicians. It is essential to recognize that clinical decisions regarding medical cannabis are not made lightly. Just as NHS doctors routinely prescribe unlicensed medications when they believe it is in the best interest of their patients, physicians working in cannabis clinics make similar evidence-informed decisions. To dismiss these efforts as “causing harm” ignores the reality that many patients turn to medical cannabis after exhausting conventional options.

Menopause: The Role of the ECS in Symptom Management

Menopause brings a host of symptoms—hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances—linked to declining estrogen levels. What many fail to recognize is that estrogen directly interacts with the ECS. Research has shown that estrogen regulates levels of anandamide and CB1 receptor activity; as estrogen declines during menopause, ECS dysregulation exacerbates symptoms (Amir Hamzah et al., 2023; Dahlgren et al., 2022).

Survey studies reveal that nearly 80% of women using medical cannabis report relief from menopause-related symptoms such as anxiety (46%) and sleep disturbances (67%) (Hirsch et al., 2023). These findings align with preclinical evidence suggesting cannabinoids can modulate ECS activity to alleviate vasomotor symptoms and improve mood (Dahlgren et al., 2022). While hormone replacement therapy remains the gold standard for menopause management, cannabis offers a promising alternative for women who cannot tolerate hormonal treatments or prefer non-hormonal options.

Adverse Events and Deaths: Context Matters

The Daily Mail article cites statistics related to adverse events and deaths associated with cannabis use but fails to provide adequate context. For instance:

  • A Florida study found that 386 deaths were associated with cannabis use between 2014 and 2020; however, 258 of these cases involved synthetic cannabinoids rather than natural cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids are known to be far more potent and dangerous than natural THC due to their unpredictable effects (Suriaga et al., 2023).
  • Research published in The Lancet shows that deaths solely attributable to natural cannabis use are rare—only 4% of cases studied—and most were linked to traumatic injuries or polydrug use rather than cannabis toxicity itself (Rock et al., 2022).
  • A systematic review on medical cannabinoids found no statistically significant increase in serious adverse events compared to control groups (rate ratio [RR] 1.04), suggesting that prescribed medicinal cannabis has a relatively safe profile when used under clinical supervision (Wang et al., 2008).

While adverse events such as dizziness or nausea are not uncommon with medical cannabis use, these side effects are generally mild and manageable compared to the risks associated with untreated conditions or other medications. The lack of clarity around Professor Murray’s sources for his statistics raises concerns about their validity and relevance to prescribed medicinal cannabis.

Notably, Professor Murray does not provide references for his claims about adverse events or deaths related to medical cannabis use. This omission makes it difficult to evaluate the reliability or applicability of his statements.                              

The Real Issue: Knowledge Gaps in ECS Physiology

The skepticism surrounding medical cannabis often stems from a lack of understanding about ECS physiology rather than an absence of evidence. Despite its discovery over three decades ago, the ECS remains largely absent from medical education. This knowledge gap leaves many healthcare providers ill-equipped to evaluate cannabinoid-based therapies objectively.

Professor Murray’s claim that clinics are “causing harm” ignores the fact that many patients turn to medical cannabis after exhausting conventional treatments. By dismissing its potential without engaging with the underlying science, critics risk perpetuating stigma rather than fostering informed discussions.

Conclusion: A Call for Nuance

The criticism leveled at medical cannabis clinics in the Daily Mail article oversimplifies a complex issue. Both ADHD and menopause are associated with significant alterations in ECS function, providing a solid scientific rationale for exploring cannabinoids as therapeutic agents. While more research is undoubtedly needed to refine dosing protocols and establish long-term safety profiles, dismissing medical cannabis outright does a disservice to patients seeking relief where conventional treatments have failed.

Rather than rejecting medical cannabis based on incomplete or outdated information—such as unreferenced statistics on adverse events—we should advocate for increased research funding and comprehensive education on ECS physiology. Clinical decisions about unlicensed medications—including medical cannabis—are made every day within the NHS by doctors striving to provide the best care for their patients. By fostering balanced discussions informed by science, clinical expertise, and patient experiences, we can move toward a healthcare paradigm that fully leverages the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, including for conditions like ADHD and menopause.

Stefan Broselid, ECS.education

Mike Barnes, Medical Cannabis Clinician Society

References:

  1. Ryan JE, Fruchtman M, Sparr-Jaswa A, Knehans A, Worster B. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cannabis Use, and the Endocannabinoid System: A Scoping Review. Dev Psychobiol. 2024;66(7):e22540. doi:10.1002/dev.22540
  2. Dhamija S, Sharma R, Gupta A, et al. Evaluation of Efficacy of Cannabis Use in Patients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review. Dev Psychobiol. 2023;66(7):e22540. doi:10.1002/dev.22540
  3. Francisco M, Lee J, Patel S, et al. Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses Are Associated With Adult ADHD Symptom Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study. Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2024;15(1):e10345. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10456
  4. Dahlgren MK, El-Abboud C, Lambros AM, et al. A Survey of Medical Cannabis Use During Perimenopause and Postmenopause. Menopause. 2022;29(9):1028-1036. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002004.
  5. Suriaga A, et al. FAU Study First to Show Statewide Cannabis-related Deaths in Florida. J Nurs Scholarsh. Published online September 2, 2023 
  6. Wang T, Collet JP, Shapiro S, Ware MA. Adverse effects of medical cannabinoids: a systematic review. CMAJ. 2008;178(13):1669-1678. doi:10.1503/cmaj.071178 
  7. Rock EM, Parker LA. The endocannabinoid system and its role in cannabis toxicity and therapeutic effects: A review of preclinical and clinical studies. Lancet Psychiatry. 2022;9(11):827-839 
  8. Hirsch I, Streicher L, Patel S, et al. Cannabis Use for Menopause Symptoms Among Women Aged 35 and Over: Patterns and Perceptions in Alberta, Canada. BMJ Open. 2023;13(6):e069197. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069197.
  9. Amir Hamzah K, Toms LM, Kucharski N, et al. Sex-dimorphism in human serum endocannabinoid and n-acyl ethanolamine concentrations across the lifespan. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):23059. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50426-4 

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