Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is where people develop obsessive and compulsive behaviours. Obsessive thoughts, urges or images enter the mind, causing unease and anxiety. A compulsion is a repetitive act that will help relieve these obsessive thoughts.
As you can imagine, this can significantly impact quality of life. But unfortunately there’s no cure for OCD, and instead treatments - like talking therapy and medication - are used to help relieve symptoms and reduce the impact it has on your life. But, can CBD reduce OCD compulsions?
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. Below we’ll be exploring how cannabis affects OCD as well as the potential benefits of cannabis for OCD anxiety.
Can Cannabis & CBD help ease symptoms of OCD?
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Both compounds work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis might work so positively on so many different conditions, including OCD. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like THC and CBD, it’s possible to interact with these receptors. And it’s possible that CBD could interact with the brain's serotonin receptors, potentially reducing anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors.
Best form of Cannabis for OCD
When it comes to medical cannabis, the way you consume is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll advise a method of consumption based on your symptoms and condition, but they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with. Remember, you may not choose the right form at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences. Below we’ve got a brief explanation of different ways to use medical cannabis:
- Vaporisers: This method of consumption provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain. However, remember that smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD & THC Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.
Cannabis for obsessive-compulsive disorder can vary from person to person. From personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, to you as an individual, this really can be completely different for everyone. It’s best to speak to your clinician about THC vs CBD for OCD relief as well as best strains for OCD symptoms, dosage and any other questions we haven’t answered in this article. They’ll take all of the above into account, as well as your own preferences and opinion. You can also check out our Cannaverse, where you’ll find lots more information on a range of other conditions.
And remember you may not get it right the first time. Medical cannabis can affect everyone differently. And just because someone you know has a certain experience, doesn't mean the same will happen to you. Your body, and everyone else's, is different.
Are there any side effects to be aware of?
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different. However, serious side effects are uncommon and can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method (for example oil, vaporiser, edible), and THC and CBD content.
Don’t worry too much, and if you’re ever concerned, speak to your clinician. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. But, some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis due to the dosage guidance of a clinician.
Can Cannabis interact with other medications taken for OCD?
Currently, there’s not a lot of research on THC and CBD for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Medical cannabis could potentially interact with other more traditional medications you may be taking for OCD.This can include anti-anxiety medication and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant which can alter the balance of chemicals in your brain. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to speak to your Doctor or clinician.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Medicinal Cannabis
Let’s explore the possibility of treating OCD with CBD or THC.
This small 2020 study on a group of 87 people with OCD resulted in:
- Compulsions reduced by 60% reduction in compulsions
- Intrusive thoughts reduced by 49%
- Anxiety reduced by 52%
- Higher levels of CBD had more effect than lower levels
When it comes to THC and OCD symptoms there’s even less research. A phenomenon known as the entourage effect suggests both CBD and THC can sometimes work better together. This study supports this, as it found that consuming cannabis containing primarily CBD or primarily THC had little impact on OCD symptoms. However, it only involved 14 participants.
We do know that both CBD and THC have the potential to reduce anxiety - a symptom of OCD. In a recent trial of 300 adults with anxiety, both THC and CBD-dominant cannabis helped reduce people’s anxiety. However, this wasn’t specifically tested on people with OCD.
Summary
Medical cannabis as a therapy for OCD does have the potential to ease some symptoms. There are people who seek CBD and serotonin in OCD management, with a handful of reports observing this. The key is now backing this up with research and evidence and more large-scale clinical trials.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis for OCD management. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.