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Does Weed Help With OCD? Relief & Benefits

This post is part of our Best Dispensary in San Diego series, sponsored by Cannabist.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. 

If you are among the 2.5 million Americans seeking relief from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you might be scrambling to find alternative sources to help you manage this complex condition.  If so, you’re in the right place.  There’s a natural option that’s gaining popularity that might provide relief. We’re talking about weed for OCD.  But before you bring out the bong or fire up a joint, let’s take a closer look at the potential power marijuana has and conclusively answer the question, does weed help with OCD?

Weed and OCD

Although research is ongoing, consumers who use weed for OCD report that it has helped them manage their symptoms by producing a relaxed, calming effect.  The THC found in marijuana interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system. This, in turn, regulates a variety of bodily functions – including anxiety levels and overall mood.  In individual experiences, we’re seeing weed indeed has the potential to reduce intrusive thoughts common with OCD sufferers. Anectodal reports also claim that marijuana helps staunch compulsions and provides a general feeling of ease and well-being.  But, based on these consumer reviews, does weed help OCD? More robust research in the medical field still needs to be done to answer that definitively. However, weed may show promise in managing relentless symptoms of OCD.

Is Smoking Weed The Only Way To Consume THC for OCD Treatment?

Nope! Thankfully, there are many ways to consume weed for OCD. So, if you are unable to smoke for other health reasons or out of personal preference – you have options:

• Edibles: These are weed-infused goodies you can eat, such as cookies, chocolate, gummies, candy, etc.
• Drinkables: Choose from cannabis-infused waters, carbonated drinks, teas, and even coffee.
• Patches: These are similar to nicotine patches. When applied to the skin, cannabinoids are released into the body.
• Vaping: This is less harsh than smoking, as it produces a vapor or steam that many find less abrasive than smoking a joint.
• Sublinguals: These are consumable products like liquid drops or lozenges that are placed under the tongue (sublingual) for absorption.
• Topicals: These are creams, lotions, or balms infused with cannabinoids and rubbed into the skin. Topicals might be a good option if OCD manifests in anxious behaviors such as skin picking.

As you can see, when it comes to weed and OCD, there are many different options to try.  The trick here is finding a method of consumption that works for you.

Is Sativa or Indica Better for OCD?

Great question, both have their pros and cons when determining if weed is good for OCD.  The big difference between the two is, of course, the type of effects each provides.

Sativa is known for its “cerebral high.” It can provide a burst of creativity and is known for helping with focus and motivation.  Consequently, sativa may be beneficial for some people with OCD who struggle with concentration or meeting deadlines. In this way, sativa may help people live more productively and better manage daily routines and tasks.

Alternatively, indica is known for its “full body high.” It can promote intense sleep and deep relaxation.  In some instances, people with OCD grapple with insomnia, and this is where indica might be helpful. Indica may also help with easing muscle tension, soothing stress, and help regulate restlessness.

Best Strains for OCD

Marijuana comes in a dizzying array of different strains. In fact, there are hundreds of strains available to you or anyone exploring the effects of weed on OCD.  Each strain proffers up different responses, and here are a few that might be ideal for obsessive-compulsive disorders.

• Blue Dream: This strain is sativa-dominant, which means it can potentially provide a boost of creativity or help you stay focused. Because it doesn’t make you lethargic, Blue Dream might be a good choice for staying productive.
• ACDC: This is an indica-dominant strain, so you’re likely to feel full-body relaxation. It doesn’t have as hefty euphoric properties as strains high in sativa, so it might be helpful in getting restful sleep or feeling calmer.
• OG Kush: This is another indica-heavy strain that promotes relaxation. It also has a sativa blend, providing a balanced high and inducing serenity without feeling totally sedated.   

Can Weed Trigger OCD?

In our quest to answer the question, “Does weed help OCD?” we’d be remiss if we didn’t address some potential snafus when people with obsessive-compulsive disorders use marijuana. And while it’s true that some individuals find genuine relief – others may find weed might exacerbate their condition.

Some studies show that the psychoactive agent known as THC found in marijuana might be overstimulating – causing runaway thoughts – which can be troublesome for people with OCD.  Then again, certain people (and different strains) could have the opposite effect, actually quelling an overactive mind and promoting calm thoughts.  

The critical point of note here is that every person is different. Combine this with the vast assortment of different types of weed, and you have a lot of variables whose outcomes cannot be fully predicted.

How to Purchase Marijuana

Now for the good part – getting some of that sweet herb to potentially help with your OCD symptoms. But how do you get it? The answer largely depends on where you live. If you’re fortunate enough to live in California, where marijuana is legalized, we recommend hopping over to see our friends at the Cannabist in San Diego.  The budtenders at Cannabist are incredibly helpful and will answer all of your questions while guiding you to various products that may be beneficial for your unique situation.  If you happen to live in one of the 24 states in the nation that hasn’t decriminalized weed use, you may be eligible for a medical marijuana card (MMJ). Check with the requirements of your state to see how to get an MMJ for OCD. 

Key Takeaways About Weed and OCD

So, does weed help OCD?  Let’s rehash what we’ve learned in this article:

• More studies need to be conducted, but anecdotal evidence suggests that weed does help some individuals relax, get better sleep, and in some cases, stay more focused.  For people with OCD, this may be beneficial in curbing obsessive thoughts or behaviors.
• You don’t have to smoke weed to get its benefits.  There are edibles, drinkables, topicals, and many other methods to consume marijuana to reap the advantages.
• Indica might be better for OCD because it tends to have more relaxing and calming effects on the brain. Sativa, however, might be better for staying focused and energized.
• While marijuana can be a great salve for OCD symptoms – please be aware that in some individuals, it can exacerbate this condition.

Conclusion

We hope these insights about whether or not weed is good for OCD have been eye-opening and insightful for you.  We further hope that marijuana might offer some relief for your symptoms.  Having said that, please talk to a trusted medical professional to get very clear and specific advice about using weed for OCD. 

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