750,000
people in the UK may be living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at any one time.
40%
of people living with OCD globally don’t respond to conventional treatments.
60%
reduction in the severity of compulsions reported by patients after cannabis-based treatment, according to one analysis of self-reported symptoms.
97%
of the 1,669 respondents to the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted reported an improved quality of life.
Symptoms
Anxiety
Compulsive behaviours
Feeling stressed or panicked
Intrusive images or urges
Repeated behaviours or routines
Unwanted thoughts
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
When treating obsessive compulsive disorder, talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are commonly used to help people face their obsessive thoughts and work towards lessening their impact on everyday life. There are also a number of medications that may be prescribed to help balance brain chemicals, such as SSRIs and antidepressants.
Citalopram
Clomipramine
Escitalopram
Fluoxetine
Mirtazapine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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"OCD is a mental health condition characterized by repetitive and intrusive thoughts, images and impulses which cause a great deal of distress for the individual. These could be thoughts about contamination, dirt and germs for example – resulting in behaviours such as cleaning, handwashing etc as a response. This can go on endlessly, throughout the day affecting all aspects of the individuals’ life - including work and home life.
Standard treatments for OCD include medication and CBT; however, they may not suit everyone and indeed they can be ineffective for some individuals. Medical cannabis can be helpful in treating the anxiety/ distress associated with the symptoms of OCD. For a lot of individuals this could be the first time that they are able to relax in years!"
Dr Sue Clenton
Medical Director
13. 07. 2023
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an often misunderstood and misrepresented mental health condition characterised by symptoms such as extreme anxiety, obsessive intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviours. This condition can affect people of all ages and genders, and can have been seen in children as young as six.
13. 07. 2023
06. 07. 2023
Anxiety disorders come in many forms, and they all share one thing in common. That is, they are on the rise. With one in six adults in the United Kingdom now diagnosed with some form of anxiety, the need for additional treatment options has never been more pronounced. Below, we will look at what anxiety is exactly, how it can affect you, and the possible ways medical cannabis may be able to help.
06. 07. 2023
05. 07. 2023
CBD (a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in both hemp and cannabis), has quickly become a popular natural therapeutic option for anxiety sufferers worldwide. Despite the need for further research into the cannabinoid before making any definitive statements regarding its effectiveness in reducing anxiety, the available data suggests that CBD may provide relief for a broad range of anxiety-related issues.
05. 07. 2023
Some people may be prescribed medical cannabis for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to help potentially alleviate the anxiety associated with the condition and, in some cases, promote relaxation and a more settled state of mind. OCD can be a disabling psychiatric condition, leading many people to seek out alternative treatments for their symptoms.
Some patients may already have tried CBD for OCD, as CBD products are available in some health shops and online. Medical cannabis is different as it contains CBD and other potentially therapeutic compounds, which may, for some people, offer a more holistic approach to symptom management.
If eligible, you might be prescribed medical cannabis for OCD to help manage the following symptoms:
|
OCD symptom |
How symptom presents |
How medical cannabis for OCD may help |
|
Intrusive thoughts |
One of the defining symptoms of OCD is the intrusive thoughts, fears, and emotions that may drive compulsive behaviours. These may be based around a persistent need for order, or environmental fears, such as germs. A person may become frightened that they’re going to hurt themselves or someone else, and feel unable to think about anything else. |
An analysis of the self-reported symptoms of 87 patients who self-identified as having OCD showed that cannabis-based treatments appeared to reduce the severity of intrusive thoughts by 49%. |
|
Compulsions |
Intrusive thoughts can lead to compulsive behaviours, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding people or places, organising things in a particular way, or hoarding items. The compulsion to do these things feels impossible to resist, and further intrusive thoughts may make the person feel as if something bad will happen if they do not follow through on these compulsions. Some people may pick at their skin or pull their hair out, which can lead to pain and distress. |
Preclinical research suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may have a role to play in regulating compulsive behaviours, such as habitual and repetitive actions. Medication that has a potentially therapeutic effect on the ECS could, for some people, offer relief from compulsions. |
|
Anxiety and OCD have a complex, intertwined relationship. Some people with OCD feel a deep feeling of anxiety, unrest, or unease until they have followed through on a compulsion. Others may have more generalised anxiety caused by the fear of being overcome by compulsions or intrusive thoughts. |
A review of research from 2025 concludes that 70% of studies on cannabis-based treatments and mood suggest that treating anxiety with CBD or THC could be beneficial. |
|
|
Living with OCD can be challenging, and treatment processes may take years, leading some people to feel persistently hopeless, helpless, or in despair. |
One study from 2025 suggests that cannabis-based treatments may lead to sustained reductions in depression symptoms. |
|
|
Sleep disorders may be more common in people living with OCD who have also developed depression. Fear, anxiety, and nighttime compulsions may all contribute to poor sleep or regular nighttime waking, leading to fatigue and brain fog. |
A 2022 review of medical cannabis and sleep studies suggests that medical cannabis may be linked to at least small improvements in sleep quality. |
|
|
OCD can lead to changed habits around food that can decrease or increase the amount someone eats, potentially leading to eating disorders. |
Some people may be prescribed medical cannabis to help manage various symptoms associated with eating disorders, from potential appetite management to anxiety relief. |
Medical cannabis for obsessive-compulsive disorder has been legal, in select cases, since 2018. As a treatment for OCD, medical cannabis in the UK must be prescribed and supervised by a specialist medical professional. A GP will not be able to prescribe medical cannabis for OCD (or any other condition at this time), so patients must look to expert clinics like Releaf to understand their options.
There is limited evidence showing the exact effects CBD and other cannabinoids have on the primary symptoms of OCD. Some research seems to suggest that the ECS is linked to OCD, which could suggest that medications that offer a therapeutic effect on the ECS may have potentially beneficial effects.
People living with OCD are more likely to have tried CBD because of other possible effects, such as the potential for lowering anxiety, promoting a more relaxed state of mind, and improving sleep in some individuals.
THC is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant that produces a feeling of intoxication when taken at high doses. It’s a phytocannabinoid (plant-based cannabinoid) that may mimic the effects of some endocannabinoids (the cannabinoids found in your ECS) by binding to receptors that impact various aspects of wellness.
CBD is another cannabinoid that may have a more supportive effect on the ECS, modulating how it responds to other compounds.
When considering OCD medical cannabis treatment options, it’s important to note that some compounds in medical cannabis, particularly THC, are associated with worsened mental health in some people. Although research is limited, some evidence links THC to an increased risk of psychotic experiences and traits. These may be more likely to occur in people with a genetic predisposition to these mental health concerns, such as a family history of psychosis.
If someone has experienced heightened anxiety in relation to cannabis-based products in the past, they may find that it’s not the right choice for them, as anxiety can worsen the symptoms of OCD. However, many people’s experiences with cannabis and intrusive thoughts or anxiety may stem from uncontrolled, high doses. A carefully monitored dose supervised by a medical professional could offer a more therapeutic effect. A consultant will consider all these aspects before deciding if prescribing medical cannabis for OCD is the right approach.
OCD is a complex condition that’s often concurrent with multiple other mental health disorders, sometimes related to the challenges of living with OCD, and sometimes not. Anxiety can occur because of OCD-related fears, but it can also be present before OCD develops. A patient may already be receiving anxiety treatment, such as medication or talking therapies, and then require further treatment for intrusive thoughts or compulsions.
OCD and PTSD may occur together, and evidence suggests that one condition may often be misdiagnosed as the other. The flashbacks of PTSD, for example, may be mistaken for OCD-related intrusive thoughts. Trauma could lead to repetitive behaviours and habits that may be diagnosed as OCD, and require a different approach to treatment.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is currently the most effective treatment for OCD. CBT is a talking therapy that involves attempting to address and reframe the thoughts that can lead to compulsive behaviours. Some people may find group CBT helpful, while others will require one-on-one therapy.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment is sometimes provided alongside CBT or as an aspect of CBT. It forces the individual to “face their fears” and feel the associated anxiety, and then feel that anxiety reduce to manageable levels, gradually learning that they are safe. This treatment needs to be managed very carefully to avoid backwards slides and avoidance, as too much anxiety too fast can convince someone that their worst fears are actually valid.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medication that may be prescribed, usually alongside talking therapies. They are rarely effective for OCD on their own, although they can manage the symptoms of associated depression and anxiety.
Medical cannabis will not replace any of these treatments. You may be prescribed medical cannabis to help manage a range of symptoms associated with OCD, such as potentially addressing sleep difficulties or managing anxiety.
In the UK, medical cannabis for OCD can be prescribed by an expert clinic, for some patients. Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, which is shown by our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews. Our world-class clinical team includes more than 50 specialists, including experts in mental health conditions like OCD.
Book a consultation
Discuss medication formats
Order your prescription, if eligible
If you’re ready to join the 240,000+ Releaf community and learn more about medical cannabis for OCD in the UK, fill out the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team.
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