Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Marijuana

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has both negative and positive attributes. Those with OCD find themselves genetically endowed with traits that will help them succeed in life-- creativity, a sense of detail/symmetry, tenacious motivation, and a propensity for achievement in the arts, writing, and education. Without one major caveat though, OCD would be a strong quality for general success--the life of one with OCD may be overly complex and mentally tortuous. In this condition, 24/7, the patient with OCD is in an almost constant battle with frustrating obsessive thoughts (bringing on anxiety, guilt, or depressive moods).The other side of the OCD coin is dealing with not only the onerous obsessions themselves but the actions of subsequent behavioral compulsions. Obsessive thoughts bring on compulsive activities in the form of hand washing, counting for distraction, and/or checking behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checking the door locks or seeing if anyone left the stove burner on). Cannabis/marijuana contains high concentrations of two primary substances: delta 9-THC and CBD. Delta 9-THC is responsible for the intoxication and euphoria usually associated with marijuana. On the contrary, cannabidiol (CBD), making up to 40% of the contents of some strains of marijuana, acts as a virtual antagonist to delta 9-THC. Furthermore, CBD is not intoxicating and therapeutically suppresses compulsive activity in OCD. The pharmacological actions of CBD may bring about OCD remission or lives with a less debilitating form of the disorder.

Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, marijuana, cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), delta 9-THC

Cite this Article

Flaer P, AlRubaie M. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Marijuana. Research and Reviews: Journal of Neuroscience. 2016; 6(3): 31–35p.