Many studies have discovered the important role played by the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and fear.  However, can the ECS do the same for obstructive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its symptoms? This question has lead to the growing research on the effectiveness of marijuana for OCD and finding the best strain for ocd. Medical marijuana contains cannabinoids that act on cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system in cells.

What is OCD?                                                      

OCD is characterized by frequent intrusive obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Those who have this disorder can also experience anxiety that drives the cycle of obsession and compulsive behavior.

Treatment options are available to fight the effects of OCD but the specific treatment a sufferer needs depends on how serious their disorder is. Often, sufferers will go through some form of psychological therapy and take antidepressants to help deal with their symptoms. But, it can take many months for the treatment to produce results. Also, medications can lead to adverse side effects like insomnia, dizziness, distorted vision, headaches, and more. As a result, the medical community continues to develop novel OCD treatments. This is where ECS comes in.

Medical Marijuana and OCD

Traditional treatment for people with OCD combines extensive cognitive therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or anti-anxiety medications and tricyclic anti-depressants. Managing OCD takes years of intensive therapy, depending on the disorder’s severity. Given the many side effects that accompany OCD symptoms medications, people with OCD can consider using medical marijuana as an alternative treatment option. This substance provides a lot of the same benefits of prescription drugs without the undesirable negative side effects.

A lot of studies have shown that medical marijuana is a great anti-nausea drug. For people with OCD who  continuously need traditional medications, adding medical marijuana into their treatment options can be the best way to alleviate some of the side effects they experience. Medical marijuana is rich in cannabidiol or CBD. Studies reveal that CBD contains chemical properties that alleviate anxiety and nausea associated with OCD and OCD medications respectively.

The Best Marijuana Strains for OCD

Strains are a significant factor to consider when a patient with OCD chooses to take cannabis. Although some OCD patients may find relief from a THC-dominant strain, others may feel uncomfortable with this kind of strain. If this case is true to yours, you may want to choose a strain that is rich in CBD.