CBD Cheat-sheet: Cannabis and OCD

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD is characterised by having repeated behaviours and thoughts that are unwanted. More often than not, these behaviours and thoughts are incapacitating the normalcy of a person’s life.

The cause of OCD is unknown. A person usually notices indicators of the symptoms during puberty and evolve throughout the person’s life when left untreated. People with OCD usually have an obsession over a certain task or thought. It is also common for sufferers to have multiple obsessive behaviours.

Treating OCD

One way to treat OCD is with anti-depressants. However, they are an ineffective long-term solution. Anti-depressants are addicting and have side effects when used for a long time. OCD requires long-term solutions so that the patient is able to resume their normal life. One of the best alternatives to anti-depressants is CBD.

CBD derived from hemp is non-psychoactive. It is 100 percent legal to export, import, buy, sell and use CBD in the UK and the rest of Europe. It has neurogenic and neuroprotective properties that make it potentially a great herbal remedy for OCD.

People use CBD to treat various autoimmune and mental disorders. Research showed CBD has the potential to treat OCD as well. Researchers gave rats and mice CBD orally and assessed their behaviour through a marble burying test.  Rats were injected with mCPP, a compound found in the drug ecstasy. The compound induced panic attacks and OCD-like symptoms. The rats were placed in a cage filled with sand and several marbles. The rats started burying the marbles as soon as scientists placed them in the cage.

After the rats showed OCD-like symptoms, researchers gave the rats liquid CBD. They changed their behaviour almost in an instant. Most rats stopped burying marbles and acted normal again. The rats resumed normal brain function as well.

Potential of CBD for OCD

CBD has anti-compulsive effects that can help reverse the patient’s obsessive-compulsive behaviour. Scientists stated that the relief from OCD is due to the interaction of the serotonergic with the cannabinoid system.

The results of the study were amazing. It showed that people suffering from OCD could use CBD. It is the potential to be an effective therapy and major alternative to pharmaceutical ‘meds’.

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