Cannabis in College: Managing ADHD and Anxiety

In this episode we examine how cannabis can be used responsibly as a tool for managing ADHD and anxiety during college. Madison shares her personal experience, describing how cannabis helped her feel calmer, more focused, more productive, and happier. We also discuss safe use, choosing the right strains, and practical tips for students exploring cannabis as an alternative to conventional medications.

Features

• Release Date: Wednesday, July 19th, 2023
• Episode Number: Season 1, Episode 33
• Special Guest: Madison Maria

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Why You Will Love This Episode

Madison Maria joins the show to share her journey managing ADHD, anxiety, and depression while navigating college life. She explains how cannabis became a practical, calming option for her—helping to reduce racing thoughts, improve focus, and restore an overall sense of well-being.

Madison describes discovering which strains work best for specific tasks, and how experimenting carefully helped her avoid unwanted effects. She talks candidly about trial and error, the importance of intention and moderation, and how cannabis compared to prescription medications in her experience.

We discuss practical tools for students: how to try strains safely, how to test them on a “mock” day to measure productivity and focus, and tips for managing test anxiety. The conversation also touches on access challenges, especially for people in states with limited options, and on how cannabis can support mental health for veterans and others.

Tune in for an honest, hopeful discussion about benefits, risks, and real-life strategies for using cannabis responsibly to support mental health and academic life.

Full Transcript

Madison: All progress is progress, no matter how long it takes. If cannabis helps you get through it, then use what works for you.

Announcer: Welcome to the Well With Cannabis Podcast, where we share life-changing stories from people who live well with cannabis and provide guidance for others beginning their own journeys. Meet your host, Emily Kyle, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified holistic cannabis practitioner. Emily changed her life with the help of cannabis and now helps others discover options that may support their health.

Listen weekly for heartfelt stories, practical knowledge, and encouragement for both new and experienced cannabis users who want to improve wellness and quality of life.

Disclaimer: These episodes are intended for adult audiences and may cover sensitive topics, including mental health, substance use, and explicit language. The content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If any topic raises concerns for you, please reach out to a trusted professional or support network.

Emily Kyle: Welcome back. I’m thrilled to have Madison Maria here today. Let’s start with your background—how did you find your way to using cannabis to manage ADHD and anxiety?

Madison: I grew up highly energetic and was diagnosed with ADHD. I tried medications like Concerta as a teen, but stopping them left me in a difficult place emotionally. At 18 I tried cannabis for the first time and was surprised by how much deeper I slept and how calm I felt. In college I struggled with completing tasks—simple assignments could take me hours—so I experimented cautiously. Prescription stimulants gave me racing thoughts and compulsiveness, so when I tried an edible and finally felt quiet and centered, I cried. I felt like myself for the first time in a long time.

Madison: From there I learned fast that not all cannabis is the same. Some strains increased my anxiety, while others helped me focus. I became selective—discovering, through research and guidance at dispensaries, which hybrids or sativas helped me study and which indicas made me too sleepy.

Emily Kyle: How did you narrow down the right strains for studying and focus?

Madison: Trial and error. For example, Wedding Cake—a sativa-dominant hybrid—quieted my mind and let me focus. Blue Dream energized me to do chores but made sitting still difficult. I started keeping track of how different strains affected me during specific tasks: reading, math, or test-taking. Visiting knowledgeable dispensaries helped, and taking small doses in a safe setting made each test manageable.

Madison: Since moving from California to Georgia, access has been limited. I rely on CBD and Delta-8 products at times, but those can produce inconsistent effects. Many people—including veterans—could benefit from medicinal cannabis but face legal and access barriers. That’s frustrating when plant-based options could reduce suffering and improve quality of life.

Emily Kyle: You mentioned cannabis helped with patience and self-compassion. Can you expand on that?

Madison: Cannabis gave me patience with others and myself. It eased the self-criticism and constant worry, letting me breathe and be more present. Rather than making me apathetic, it helped me become more engaged and kinder, which can be life-changing.

Madison: My approach has been intentional. Start slow, choose strains carefully, and test them in predictable situations. For anxiety-prone users, hybrids with a lower sativa ratio may be gentler. I don’t recommend synthetic cannabinoids based on my experience—they can cause unpleasant reactions.

Madison: For a first try, take a small “baby hit” in a safe space with someone who understands anxiety. That support can make the experience reassuring and help you realize you can breathe and relax instead of spiraling into panic.

Emily Kyle: Do you share your cannabis use openly with family?

Madison: Yes. My family lived in California for much of my life, and although my parents were cautious, they supported me once they saw the benefits. My dad even researched cannabis for a school assignment and concluded he couldn’t find many convincing reasons against its responsible use. Their support has been invaluable.

Madison: For students curious about trying cannabis for assistance with focus, I recommend a “mock day” experiment: choose one or two strains and test them on days without major obligations. Track productivity—do tasks take less time? Do you stay focused or get distracted? Try a sativa for reading or an indica for anxiety-inducing subjects like math, and compare results. Different topics may benefit from different strains.

Emily Kyle: What about combining cannabis and alcohol?

Madison: I don’t recommend mixing them. I’ve been crossfaded before and it’s unpleasant. I prefer choosing one or the other. Cannabis alone helps me enjoy concerts and crowded events without anxiety; it enhances music and social experiences in a way alcohol doesn’t for me.

Emily Kyle: Any final advice for college students?

Madison: Don’t be hard on yourself about timelines. Everyone develops at their own pace. My motto is: we’re all different flowers and bloom at different rates. If cannabis supports your progress and mental health, use it thoughtfully. All progress counts, however long it takes.

Emily Kyle: Did you face stigma for using cannabis?

Madison: Not really among my peers—many were surprised in a good way when they saw how well I functioned. People often assume stereotypes, but when they see improvements in someone’s life, attitudes shift.

Emily Kyle: I ask every guest four questions. First: What are you most proud of?

Madison: I’m proud that I haven’t given up. I’ve felt like quitting many times, but finding strategies that work—including cannabis—helped me keep going.

Emily Kyle: How would your life look without cannabis?

Madison: Honestly, I don’t know if I’d be here without it. Cannabis gave me moments of relief when nothing else did. It saved me in a real way.

Emily Kyle: If you could give your younger self cannabis advice, what would you say?

Madison: Use it when you need it. Don’t shame yourself for needing support. If you respect it and use it intentionally, it can help without defining you.

Emily Kyle: Finally, how would you like to be remembered in the cannabis space?

Madison: As someone who shared and cared. I love cooking and baking for others—if my food can help people feel better, that’s enough. I want to be a safe, supportive presence.

Emily Kyle: Thank you, Madison. Any last words?

Madison: Stay cozy.

Emily Kyle: Perfect—thank you for joining us.

Announcer: You’ve finished another episode of the Well With Cannabis Podcast. Thank you for listening. For show notes, guest details, recipes, and more resources, visit emilykylenutrition.com.

If you’d like extra support on your cannabis journey, consider joining the Well With Cannabis Community for peer support, education, and encouragement.