Cannabis is often seen as a one-stop treatment for many conditions. As such, people wonder whether cannabis can be used to treat OCD. In this post, we will break down everything you need to know about the relationship between cannabis and OCD.
What is OCD and Why is it Associated with Cannabis?
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental illness that plagues many people. Cannabis is often seen as a miracle drug, but it doesn’t appear you can cure OCD with the plant.
However, many people have had successful results using CBD for treating their obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. Although THC has sometimes been noted to positively counteract OCD symptoms, CBD is usually the safer choice.
Many people are not aware that CBD is non-psychoactive and is also where many of the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant come from. This is usually the compound accepted as a potential treatment for mental disorders like this.
Symptoms of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a term used to describe a mental condition where one experiences a wide range of potential compulsions or obsessions. Often times, these two things manifest together in the form of strange, unnecessary, and neurotic behavior.
The exact symptoms of this disorder can vary depending on the individual. It is difficult to find two cases of this disorder which are the exact same.
Typically, the symptoms of OCD are:
- Anxiety.
- The paranoia of being dirty and needing to clean oneself.
- Fear of hurting others.
- Extreme levels of precise organization
- Radical definitions of “good” and “bad.”
- Suspicions that are unfounded.
- Obsessive awareness of blinking and breathing.
It’s important to note that this is not a complete list of all the potential OCD symptoms. However, this is a great starting point for us to reference while we discuss the potential uses of cannabis for treating OCD.
Known Benefits Of Cannabis For Treating OCD
Before we break down what science says about treating this disorder with cannabis, let’s spend a moment exploring some of the known benefits of cannabis which can have a positive impact during OCD treatment.
For starters, it’s important to understand that CBD is what is best known for practically treating OCD.
If you get a strain high in CBD you may experience effects like:
- Anti-epileptic
- Anti-psychotic
- Anti-anxiety
Put together, these qualities of cannabis strains high in CBD are great for treating a wide range of potential anxiety disorders. When used in accordance with the treatment advice of your doctor, CBD can help improve the negative mental impacts of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Should People With OCD Use Cannabis?
There is not a definitive answer to this question. After all, to treat a disorder of any sort, it is best to fix the cause of the issue. Since OCD can be caused by an array of factors, including the personal beliefs of the individual, genetic factors, and brain abnormalities, it’s important to start with the cause first.
Changing one’s beliefs in order to rid themselves of the mental disorder, for example, is not something that can be universally done with the cannabis plant. However, there are also documented cases where CBD has had a positive effect on the treatment process.
What Does the Science Say?
There has been a lot of research on the practicality of using cannabis for fighting anxiety disorders. The results thus far can help us understand the divisive nature of this topic.
One study done by the University of Washington illustrates that anxiety disorders like OCD can, in fact, be treated with cannabis. CBD, in particular, has been noted to decrease anxiety levels at both low and high doses. This same study said that THC can fight anxiety at lower doses, but also add anxiety to users at higher doses.
Another peer-reviewed journal study from Neurotherapeutics agrees with the consensus that CBD can have a positive impact on OCD treatment. In fact, CBD was determined by this study to be an effective potential treatment for any sort of anxiety disorder.
Thinking About Trying Cannabis For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Here at Elyon Cannabis, we are expert cannabis producers. We are proud to offer strains high in CBD for treating anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder.
But, its important to consult a trusted medical professional before making any major changes to your treatment regimen.
If you are ready to use cannabis for treating OCD, it’s important that you purchase strains high in CBD. You can locate our products in a retailer near you.
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