Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition. People with OCD experience persistent, anxiety-provoking thoughts. They may feel compelled to carry out repetitive behaviours or rituals.
In some cases, medical cannabis may be considered for people affected by OCD. This is only when first-line treatments have not provided sufficient relief. It may also be considered when other treatments have had a limited impact on quality of life.
OCD can present in many ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress. Many people with OCD recognise that these thoughts are irrational, but still find them difficult to control.
Common types of obsessions include:
OCD is diagnosed through a clinical assessment. A healthcare professional will talk to the individual about the obsessions and compulsions they experience, and how these affect daily life. Questionnaires are often used to help assess the severity of symptoms and to monitor how someone responds to treatment over time.
Behaviours related to OCD are known as compulsions. These are repetitive physical actions or mental acts. A person feels driven to perform them in response to their obsessions.
Carrying out a compulsion may temporarily reduce anxiety. It may create a sense of relief. It may also feel like a way to prevent a feared outcome.
Unfortunately, this is not a strategy that works well in the long term. In many cases, there is no clear or logical connection between the compulsion and the obsession itself.
Common examples of compulsions include:
Treatment for OCD often starts with education and self-help strategies, which can help people better understand their symptoms and reduce their impact on daily life.
Talking therapies are commonly recommended. These help individuals explore their obsessions and compulsions. They also help people recognise unhelpful thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
Common talking therapies for OCD include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Prescription medication, such as antidepressants, may also be considered. Where first-line treatments have not provided sufficient relief, and symptoms continue to significantly affect quality of life, some patients may explore additional options. This could include medical cannabis, as part of an individualised care plan developed with a specialist.
Medical cannabis is not considered a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In some cases, it may be explored where symptoms continue to have a significant impact on daily life. This is only after other medications have been tried.
Interest in medical cannabis for OCD has focused on its potential effects on symptoms such as anxiety and overall quality of life. However, evidence is still emerging. Its role in OCD care is not yet clearly defined.
As a result, any consideration of medical cannabis is done carefully. It requires consultation with a specialist prescriber.
View our FAQ’s section and learn more about all the conditions that can be treatable with medical cannabis.
