Using Adderall and weed together may feel appealing if you’re looking to balance stimulation with relaxation. These are the two most commonly abused drugs among the young population in the US, but many don’t realize that mixing these substances can lead to serious and unpredictable effects.
Unfortunately, weed and Adderall are a dangerous combination that can have devastating results if ingested in large quantities. At Avenues Recovery, polysubstance use is treated with comprehensive, individualized care that addresses both substances and the underlying factors contributing to use.
Key Takeaways
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Mixing Adderall and weed is common but can be dangerous.
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The combination can cause unpredictable physical and mental effects.
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Weed may reduce the perceived effects of Adderall, leading people to take higher doses.
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Using both together may increase the risk of heart problems and overdose.
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Mixing weed and Adderall also raises the risk of addiction.
What is Adderall?
Adderall (chemically, dextroamphetamine with levoamphetamine) is a stimulant drug that changes the natural levels of hormones in the brain to produce a feeling of euphoria and elation. It is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. For people struggling with ADHD, Adderall assists by improving focus, attention span, and organizational skills.
When used responsibly, under the supervision of a doctor or psychiatrist, Adderall is relatively safe. However, if the dosage is increased, or if Adderall is taken more often than prescribed, or for a longer period than advised, it can become addictive.
Side Effects of Adderall Abuse
Prolonged misuse of Adderall can have adverse effects on the body and mind, including:
- Headaches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain/loss
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Seizures
- Breathing problems
- Chest pains
- Paranoia and mania
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Aggression
- Vision issues
What is Weed?
Marijuana, or weed, is a naturally occurring substance that originates from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a depressant with hallucinogenic properties and causes a calming, mind-altering experience. It is used mostly recreationally, except for one strain of marijuana that is approved to treat seizures.
Weed can be smoked in joints, vaped, mixed with foods and drinks, or injected. Using marijuana recreationally can often cause the body to develop tolerance, which can eventually lead you to become addicted.
Side Effects of Marijuana Abuse
There are many negative side effects of abusing marijuana, including:
- Lack of coordination
- Distorted senses
- Altered sense of time
- Hallucinations
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Stroke
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory loss
- Impaired judgment
- Cognitive dysfunction
Mixing Adderall and Weed
Adderall and weed interactions create very unpredictable results, so it’s difficult to list the exact effects they can have. This is especially true because different people react differently to every drug, and different amounts of Adderall and weed in the mixture can make a significant difference to the outcome. Also, the side effects of Adderall and weed are not always immediately noticeable, even when they are dangerous.
Using marijuana and Adderall together can be common because they complement each other and reduce one another’s adverse effects. Weed can temper the unpleasant emotions that result from Adderall use, while Adderall is reported to lower the fatigue that is an effect of marijuana use.
Can You Smoke Weed on Adderall?
Smoking weed on Adderall is hazardous to your health and can have devastating effects.
Can You Mix Adderall and Weed?
Mixing Adderall and weed is risky and should definitely be avoided. The two substances interact in complex ways, and their combined effects can be difficult to predict.
What Happens When You Mix Adderall and Weed?
Since Adderall is a stimulant and weed is a depressant, they usually have opposite effects, but using them together can sometimes intensify certain reactions. For example, both Adderall and weed can raise your heart rate, so using them together can produce an especially fast heart rate. Over time, this could put strain on your cardiovascular system and increase the risk of serious issues, including a heart attack.
There are also mental health concerns when mixing Adderall and weed. Prolonged misuse of Adderall and marijuana together can make you much more susceptible to paranoia, anxiety, depression, and mania. There have also been reports of impaired judgment, memory loss, and suicidal tendencies in people who mix the two drugs.
Another serious concern about mixing the two drugs is that the resulting levels of intoxication are higher than when only one drug is used. This can lead a person to take a fatal dose, causing an overdose.
Also, because weed can blunt some of Adderall’s stimulant effects, people may take higher doses of Adderall to feel the same results, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and other serious complications.
Adderall and Weed Addiction
Some people occasionally pop an Adderall pill or experiment with weed. Although this is certainly never advised, if the dosage is small, the damage will usually be minimal, and the risk of becoming addicted is small. However, if you use Adderall and weed together, even infrequently, the risk of becoming addicted is significantly higher.
Adderall and Weed Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
If you or a loved one is abusing Adderall, marijuana, or both, seeking professional help can be an important step. Addiction can make it feel impossible to regain control on your own, and often rehab is the most effective way of taking your life back.
At Avenues Recovery, we have helped thousands of individuals detox safely and complete residential treatment successfully. Through a combination of individual and group sessions, holistic therapies, and comprehensive, professional support, we provide all the resources you need to rediscover the beauty of life in sobriety. Reach out today to start your journey with skilled therapists, mental health counselors, and peers who understand your challenges and are committed to helping you heal.
FAQs About Adderall and Weed
How long after Adderall can I smoke weed?
Wait at least 24 hours after taking Adderall before using cannabis. Combining them too soon increases risks of anxiety, elevated heart rate, and impaired judgment. Some people may need to wait longer, depending on how their bodies process the drugs.
What happens when you take CBD with Adderall?
Taking CBD with Adderall can change how Adderall affects you. Unlike marijuana, CBD doesn’t produce a “high,” but it may reduce some anxiety caused by Adderall. At the same time, it can slow how your body processes Adderall, which might increase side effects like a fast heart rate, trouble sleeping, or jitteriness.
What enhances Adderall?
Adderall works best when you take it exactly as prescribed, get regular sleep, eat balanced meals with enough protein, and stay hydrated. Certain things, like acidic foods or vitamin C close to your dose, can make it less effective, while keeping a consistent routine helps it work better. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to how you take it.
Are people with ADHD more likely to use weed?
People with ADHD tend to use cannabis more often than those without ADHD, about 1.5 to 2 times as much in large studies. This higher use is linked to traits like impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and co-occurring anxiety or mood disorders. Cannabis does not treat ADHD and can actually make attention, memory, and motivation worse.
Which drugs make ADHD worse?
Drugs like cannabis, alcohol, nicotine, benzodiazepines, opioids, and some antihistamines can make ADHD symptoms worse by increasing inattention, impulsivity, or disrupting sleep. Misusing stimulants or taking certain antidepressants can also aggravate symptoms. While effects vary, none of these drugs treat ADHD.