Compare the Best CBD for OCD in 2022

How CBD May Help With OCD

OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental illness characterized by an individual’s uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive or repetitive behaviors⁽¹⁾. 

A 2015 study indicated that CBD may have anti-compulsive properties that may help with symptoms of OCD⁽²⁾.

The study also suggested CBD’s antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) potential. Anxiety and depression are also symptoms of OCD⁽³⁾. 

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant. 

 CBD’s potential benefits may be linked with the compound’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its receptors⁽⁴⁾.  

Serotonin receptors 5-TH1A are one of the endocannabinoid receptors activated by CBD⁽⁵⁾. 

Serotonin, the happy hormone, is a neurotransmitter that balances mood and causes the feeling of happiness. 

Most medications used to treat OCD, like antidepressants, also target these serotonin receptors to regulate mood⁽⁶⁾. 

Although the studies appear promising, further research is needed to determine the benefits of CBD for OCD. 

Benefits of Using CBD for OCD

CBD may have potential benefits in alleviating symptoms of mental conditions such as schizophrenia, general anxiety, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder⁽⁷⁾.

Individuals with OCD are more likely to develop a general anxiety disorder and depression⁽⁸⁾.

A 2014 animal study discussed that CBD might have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in animal models⁽⁹⁾. 

While the research was initially conducted on animals, the results may be potentially helpful in further human studies. 

A study published by the Journal of Brain Sciences in 2019 indicated that OCD and depression are closely linked⁽¹⁰⁾. 

CBD’s antidepressant properties may help manage symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as depression and anxiety symptoms⁽¹¹⁾. 

Individuals with OCD may often experience psychotic symptoms like paranoid and intrusive thoughts⁽¹²⁾. 

A study by BMC Psychiatry stated that OCD symptoms are correlated with symptoms of psychosis. Individuals with psychotic disorders may also have OCD⁽¹³⁾.

Meanwhile, a 2020 study has noted that individuals who received 300mg of CBD may have experienced the compound’s potential antipsychotic effects, unlike the participants who received a placebo dose ⁽¹⁴⁾. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With OCD?

There is no research on the quantity of time required to feel the biological effects of CBD for OCD. The time it takes for CBD to help with OCD depends on the form, administration, and dosage. 

Generally, you may feel the effects of CBD topicals within 10 minutes⁽¹⁵⁾. CBD tinctures may take effect within 15 to 30 minutes after administration⁽¹⁶⁾. CBD edibles take effect within 30 minutes to two hours after consumption. 

Meanwhile, CBD vapes may deliver the quickest effects within two minutes⁽¹⁷⁾. However, vaping may cause allergic reactions or lung disease, so caution is recommended for this method⁽¹⁸⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With OCD?

No study has determined how long the effects of CBD in the body can last to help with OCD.  

CBD may linger in the system depending on the frequency of use, dosage, and administration method⁽¹⁹⁾.

How to Choose the Right CBD for OCD

Choosing the best CBD oil or product relies on personal preference and the form and concentration of cannabidiol. 

CBD extracts

A full-spectrum CBD oil, also known as hemp oil, contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, like CBD and other cannabinoids, essential oils, flavonoids, and terpenes⁽²⁰⁾.

Flavonoids are plant compounds with antioxidant properties, while terpenes produce the plant’s unique fragrance.

Full-spectrum CBD oil also has less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound of cannabis⁽²¹⁾.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil is much like full-spectrum, except broad-spectrum CBD oil only contains small amounts of THC or none at all⁽²²⁾.  

Lastly, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD⁽²³⁾.

Hemp Source

Using low-potency CBD oils may not effectively deal with your medical conditions⁽²⁴⁾.

You should purchase hemp extracts from states that produce organic non-GMO CBD products from hemp plants, like Colorado. 

This ensures the product’s quality and potency.  

Carrier Oils 

Cannabidiol is usually combined with carrier oils, such as hempseed oil, coconut oil, and MCT oil. 

These carrier oils add fatty acids and moisturizing effects to CBD products like creams and balms. 

Third-Party Lab Tests

Trusted CBD companies that produce high-quality CBD products provide certificates of analysis (COA) and publicly show these certifications on their websites. 

COAs are third-party lab results that list the CBD product’s actual content. 

Third-party labs also thoroughly check CBD products for contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, that may be harmful to consumers.

Which Type of CBD Products Work Best for OCD?

CBD comes in many forms. However, there is no specific evidence to determine which form is more effective than others. The effectiveness of CBD may depend on an individual’s weight, metabolism, and diet. 

Types of CBD and How to Take Them for OCD

CBD Tinctures

CBD oil tinctures are a combination of CBD extracts and carrier oils like hemp oil⁽²⁵⁾, specifically hempseed oil. 

You may administer the tincture directly under your tongue (sublingually) and wait for one to two minutes before swallowing⁽²⁶⁾. 

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles like CBD supplements, gummies, capsules, and pills allow the compound to pass through the gastrointestinal tract before it enters the bloodstream.

CBD Vapes

CBD may be inhaled using CBD vape pens. Due to the direct passage through the bloodstream, vaping is the fastest way to administer CBD into the body⁽²⁷⁾.

However, there is a link between vaping and lung disease, so caution is advised⁽²⁸⁾.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of CBD to treat OCD. 

If you experience symptoms of OCD or any related disorders, it is best to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist first.

CBD Dosage for OCD

According to studies, humans can tolerate up to 1,500 mg of CBD per day⁽²⁹⁾. 

However, the FDA has not officially approved CBD as a treatment for OCD. 

However, it is best to consult your doctor on the appropriate CBD dosage for your medical condition.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for OCD

CBD may potentially offer several therapeutic benefits. They may, however, cause side effects in some people such as⁽³⁰⁾: 

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Weight changes
• Dry mouth
• Lower appetite
• Diarrhea

Additionally, using CBD products alongside prescription medications such as antipsychotics and antidepressants may cause side effects like fatigue and drowsiness⁽³¹⁾. 

Individuals with OCD may be prescribed antidepressants⁽³²⁾.

You should inform your doctor of all dietary prescriptions, medications, and mental health conditions you may have. 

Your doctor can determine any possible drug interactions from using CBD products. 

Legality of CBD 

CBD products with 0.3% or less THC are considered a legal substance in the federal United States⁽³³⁾. 

Epidiolex, a drug prescribed to control seizures caused by two rare forms of epilepsy in children, is the only FDA-approved cannabis-derived medication⁽³⁴⁾. 

Some states legalized the use of medical cannabis or medical marijuana⁽³⁵⁾. It is strongly advised to verify state laws before purchasing CBD products. 

Alternative Treatments for OCD

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or both⁽³⁶⁾. 

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. These include fear of germs or contamination, uncontrolled aggressive or violent thoughts, and the need to have things in symmetrical order.  

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors such as excessive handwashing or cleaning, repeated checking of locks, and repetitive counting. 

A medical professional may recommend the following for OCD treatment⁽³⁷⁾:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• Meditation

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of psychotherapy in which individuals with OCD are exposed to an obsession or a feared object, like dirt. 

People may also be tasked to resist compulsive behaviors like hand washing and repetitive checking⁽³⁸⁾.

Additionally, doctors may prescribe SSRIs. These are common antidepressants that may improve OCD symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Examples of SSRIs for OCD are⁽³⁹⁾: 

• Sertraline (Zoloft) is for adults and children under six. This medication is prescribed for newly diagnosed OCD patients⁽⁴⁰⁾. 
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), recommended for adults only, is the most potent and strongest drug used for OCD among the SSRIs⁽⁴¹⁾.

Your doctor may prescribe these or other psychiatric medications. These medicines are known to best deal with symptoms of OCD, like anxiety and depression.

Some psychiatrists may also recommend meditation to help people with OCD relax and help deal with insomnia, another symptom of the disorder⁽⁴²⁾.