Finding the right treatment option for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be challenging. When people turn to self-medication, they risk worsening their symptoms. Experimentally “treating” the symptoms of OCD with illicit drugs is never a safe option. If you’d like to buy Cannabis to Help with OCD use cannabis delivery to your home.
Marijuana, for example, is not exactly known for overdose potential or harsh side effects because they are usually minimal. However, when the drug is obtained in ways other than a prescription, like from a dealer off the street, there is no way to be certain of what is being taken or what may have been added to the drug.
Article at a Glance:
- There are forms of marijuana that can help decrease the symptoms of OCD
- Marijuana that is bought off the street can be dangerous and possibly fatal, due to the unknown substances that may be added
- Medical marijuana is an option that people can ask their physicians about
- Medical marijuana is a different style of marijuana than what is sold on the streets and it has the ability to help individuals with anxiety and compulsions
Does Marijuana Help OCD?
The severity of OCD varies from person to person. In search of holistic remedies, many people wonder, “Does marijuana help with OCD?” Depending on someone’s specific OCD symptoms, they may find marijuana helpful in reducing symptoms.
Frequently, OCD co-occurs with anxiety and the need to control parts of life. Some people living with OCD struggle with marijuana use because it provides a feeling of limited control. However, other people have found the drug can create much-needed moments of peace and a temporary calming of anxiety. Essentially, further research on marijuana to treat anxiety disorders (and OCD) must be published to prove marijuana’s safety and effectiveness as a remedy.
If someone has a history of drug abuse, using marijuana, even medical marijuana, can lead to dangerous consequences like addiction, the use of additional illicit drugs for self-medication and reduced reaction time.
What Is OCD?
Most people have experienced obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior at some point in their lives. For example, going on vacation and panicking about whether they left the gas on, or double-checking that the door is locked, even though they know it is.
However, for people with OCD, these problems can reach a whole new level. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors become entirely uncontrollable. When this happens, they can begin to take over the person’s life, even though they derive no pleasure from them.
Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can begin to take over the person’s life, even though they derive no pleasure from them.
Some people experience OCD so severely that their symptoms get in the way of everyday activities. Working or studying becomes more difficult, and interpersonal relationships can be strained.
Of note, obsessive-compulsive disorder is different from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). Oftentimes, people casually use the term OCD when what they are really referring to is OCPD. OCPD is characterized by an excessive need to be a perfectionist and remain neat and organized. This article is specifically about OCD, not OCPD.
Medical Marijuana for OCD
For some patients, medical marijuana for OCD may be helpful in the same way that it has been effective for anxiety treatment. Instead of THC, medical marijuana contains a chemical called cannabidiol (CBD). It doesn’t have the same effects as non-medical marijuana. Instead, it can decrease someone’s paranoia or anxiety.
However, medical marijuana for OCD may not provide the desired effect for each patient. The severity of anxiety varies from mild to severe. One patient may experience anxiety and OCD differently than another patient who has OCD. Each OCD patient has unique experiences that activate their anxiety and leads to compulsive behavior. Because everyone experiences the disorder differently, their symptoms may react differently to medical marijuana.
Medical Marijuana and OCD Symptoms
Patients with OCD experience a variety of symptoms. Fortunately, medical marijuana can help with most of these symptoms, including:
- Impulsive behavior
- Repetitive behavior and thoughts
- Urges
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress and tension
- Social isolation
Medical marijuana may also help limit the unwanted side effects of certain OCD medications, such as:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Restlessness
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Abdominal cramps
The Recovery Village offers co-occurring disorder treatment by mental health professionals. If you or someone you know has a marijuana use disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition, call The Recovery Village to speak to a representative and begin the recovery process.
Best Cannabis Strains For OCD
Cherry Pie
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant hybrid, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene
Although it is hard to find the authentic version of the Cherry Pie strain, its benefits are still some of the best in easing anxiety. Just as the name suggests, it has a sweet and sour taste like cherry pie and smells even better.
Most people report feeling relaxed, happy, and slightly energized. These effects can already be felt in a matter of minutes and can last up to a couple hours.
For OCD patients who find most of their day hindered by stress or worry, Cherry Pie can help relieve these feelings.
Common side-effects include a dry mouth and dry eyes so make sure you have enough refreshments at hand. Its main terpenes have anti-anxiety, pain-relieving and sedating properties to them.
Charlotte’s Web
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant, CBD-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene
Available with a doctor’s prescription, this particular strain is known for helping many patients suffering from seizures or severe anxiety.
It won’t get you high due to its low THC levels but it is one of the most powerful medical marijuana strains.
It has an earthy taste to it and smells strongly of pine. Charlotte’s Web will make you feel relaxed, uplifted and even increase your focus. It can help alleviate pain and stress but can also leave you feeling dizzy.
This strain is good for OCD patients as it reduces the mental stress of anxiety, relieves physical symptoms, and helps you stay focused. Its main terpenes help in relieving pain, anxiety and depression.
Cannatonic
Cannabinoid profile: Hybrid, CBD-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene
The Cannatonic strain is very common around California and has an equal blend of sativa and indica.
It has an earthy aroma with a citrus taste. Cannatonic tends to be relaxing and uplifting, both mentally and physically.
It is best for those struggling with pain and anxiety since it has a sedating and relaxing effect that clears up your head. This strain is also highly unlikely to trigger any anxiety or paranoia.
The effects only last for a short period of time but are good for OCD patients who might struggle with moments of heightened stress, intrusive thoughts and pain.
Its main terpenes can have a highly sedative effect in high doses and leave you in a mellow state.
Harlequin
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant hybrid, CBD-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene
Harlequin is most commonly grown indoors and its high CBD levels are great for alleviating pain and anxiety.
It has a combination of an earthy and mango taste to it. Harlequin is great for clearing your head, making you feel more alert and energized.
In OCD treatment it can relax patients without sedating them. While you will feel calm and happy from this strain, you won’t experience a high.
Its main terpenes provide mental clarity and can counteract the usually sedating effects of THC.
Cherry Kola
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant hybrid, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: unknown
Cherry Kola can easily be found in the Pacific Northwest but is quite rare outside of that area. It has a unique chemical-cherry flavor and a very sweet aroma.
You will experience a relaxing, euphoric and hunger-inducing effect and it will give you a sedating body-high. For OCD patients who struggle with insomnia in particular, this can be a great solution to help relax and get to sleep.
Girl Scout Cookies
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant hybrid, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene
This strain has become so popular that it can be found in most places or even cultivated at home. It has an amazing sweet taste that will remind you of freshly baked cookies.
Girl Scout Cookies will make you feel euphoric, happy and giggly and can induce incredible hunger. It has very strong effects so a little amount goes a long way.
It’s especially beneficial for people struggling with chronic anxiety, pain and appetite loss.
In treating OCD, it relaxes both your body and mind and can help with both falling asleep and social engagements.
Its main terpenes can ease depression and stress and have many health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties.
Blackberry Kush
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene
This strain is great for medical use and is often prescribed to patients struggling with anxiety, insomnia and stress.
It will give you an amazing high for a very small dosage. Blackberry Kush tastes just like the name would suggest and will leave you feeling calm, relaxed and sleepy giving you a deep body-high.
It is great for treating OCD since a small amount will help relieve stress and pain and higher doses will put you right to sleep.
As with most indica strains, it is best for the night but might leave you with a bad case of cotton mouth and dry eyes so be sure to keep refreshments around in case you wake up from this.
