Growing research shows that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) can play a crucial role in modulating fear, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors. The possibility of cannabinoids treating obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) was published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research by the Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University.

In this research, the team provided an overview of ECS’s complex operations and how the evidence implies that OCDs are treatable by these various forms of this drug.

What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Before we find out if ECS treats OCD, we must understand the characteristics of this mental disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a strain of frequent intrusive combination of obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that consume a significant amount of time. They are all-consuming, distressing, and represent an impairment of ordinary activities and functions. People who suffer from OCD can experience intense and physically-impairing feelings of anxiety that drives the cycle of compulsive behavior and obsession.

Some treatments can combat the symptoms of OCD. The procedure is often dependent on how severely the disorder affects the patient’s lifestyle. Regardless of whichever therapy that the patient will choose, it is highly likely that it will take months for the treatment to be effective—whether its psychotherapy or antidepressants.

a patient is talking to a medical marijuana doctor for his medical marijuana card

Medical Marijuana For OCD

Learning to manage mental disorders like OCD can take years of intensive therapy. For people who have seen nothing but debilitating conditions by this order, prescription medications can help only so much. They manage symptoms like anxiety and depression complemented by therapy sessions. However, they also come with a range of adverse side-effects. Given the side effects of these medications, you might want to consider medical marijuana as a treatment for OCD.

Practitioners around the world have been using marijuana to treat anxiety and pain for centuries. Medical marijuana has proven to be an effective treatment for disorders related to stress. Conventional medications work by producing serotonin—the happy chemical in your brain.

Medical marijuana doesn’t produce serotonin. It affects a specific substance in the brain called anandamide. Anandamide reacts with THC in marijuana, providing a soothing or calming effect throughout the body. It decreases the anxiety levels experienced by the person suffering from OCD. When anxiety levels are reduced, the compulsive urges also diminish.

Looking for a Medical Marijuana Doctor?

If you’re looking for a medical marijuana doctor in New York and California, you can get in touch with our experts at Indica MD. We can assist you in acquiring your medical marijuana card online. We also house the best medical marijuana doctors New York. You can visit our service pages to learn more!