OCD and Medical Cannabis: The Facts
370,000
young people in the UK reported symptoms of OCD in 2024, three times more than in 2014. [1]
17 years
is the estimated duration of untreated illness for patients with OCD. [2]
What Causes OCD?
Like most mental health conditions, there is not one single cause of OCD. It is usually the result of many different factors coming together.
OCD is more common in people who have a family history of OCD or other mental health conditions. This suggests a genetic component.
Research also suggests that OCD may be linked to differences in brain chemistry. This includes how certain chemical messengers, such as serotonin, work in the brain.
Symptoms can be worsened by periods of stress. Some people may notice changes in symptoms during significant life events, such as pregnancy.
What are the Symptoms of OCD?
OCD can present in many ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress. Many people with OCD recognise that these thoughts are irrational, but still find them difficult to control.
Common types of obsessions include:
- Fears of contamination, such as dirt or germs
- A strong need for symmetry, order, or exactness
- Worries about causing harm to yourself or others
OCD is diagnosed through a clinical assessment. A healthcare professional will talk to the individual about the obsessions and compulsions they experience, and how these affect daily life. Questionnaires are often used to help assess the severity of symptoms and to monitor how someone responds to treatment over time.
What are OCD behaviours?
Behaviours related to OCD are known as compulsions. These are repetitive physical actions or mental acts. A person feels driven to perform them in response to their obsessions.
Carrying out a compulsion may temporarily reduce anxiety. It may create a sense of relief. It may also feel like a way to prevent a feared outcome.
Unfortunately, this is not a strategy that works well in the long term. In many cases, there is no clear or logical connection between the compulsion and the obsession itself.
Common examples of compulsions include:
- Cleaning or hand washing
- Ordering or arranging items
- Hoarding
- Counting
- Repeating words or phrases
What are the Treatment Options for OCD?
Treatment for OCD often starts with education and self-help strategies, which can help people better understand their symptoms and reduce their impact on daily life.
Talking therapies are commonly recommended. These help individuals explore their obsessions and compulsions. They also help people recognise unhelpful thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
Common talking therapies for OCD include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Prescription medication, such as antidepressants, may also be considered. Where first-line treatments have not provided sufficient relief, and symptoms continue to significantly affect quality of life, some patients may explore additional options. This could include medical cannabis, as part of an individualised care plan developed with a specialist.
How does OCD Affect People?
People living with OCD can become caught in a cycle. Intrusive, distressing thoughts lead to compulsive behaviours. These behaviours may offer only temporary relief.
Over time, this cycle can increase stress and anxiety. Some individuals may avoid certain social situations, work commitments, or everyday activities. This is often an effort to reduce potential triggers.
This avoidance can contribute to feelings of isolation. It may affect how individuals view themselves. Some people experience guilt or shame related to their symptoms.
Living with OCD can have a significant emotional and practical impact. Experiences vary widely from person to person. Many people work with healthcare professionals over time. Together, they find strategies and treatments that help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
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Can Medical Cannabis Help OCD?
Medical cannabis is not considered a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In some cases, it may be explored where symptoms continue to have a significant impact on daily life. This is only after other medications have been tried.
Interest in medical cannabis for OCD has focused on its potential effects on symptoms such as anxiety and overall quality of life. However, evidence is still emerging. Its role in OCD care is not yet clearly defined.
As a result, any consideration of medical cannabis is done carefully. It requires consultation with a specialist prescriber.
Research Regarding Medical Cannabis and OCD
Research into the use of medical cannabis for OCD is still limited. Much of the available evidence comes from observational studies rather than randomised controlled trials.
Observational studies cannot prove that a treatment causes an improvement. They can only show associations between treatment and outcomes. Many factors could influence results. These studies also lack a control group for comparison.
One real-world study published in 2025 analysed outcomes for 257 patients with OCD. It used data from Project T21, following three months of medical cannabis treatment [3]. In this group, the most prescribed products were tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant dried flower.
The study reported changes in patient-reported quality of life during the observation period, including reported changes in symptoms such as anxiety and depression associated with OCD.
Side effects were also recorded, with 14 adverse events reported overall. The most commonly reported side effects included anxiety and increased heart rate, alongside dizziness, dry mouth, and headaches.
Real-world evidence provides insight into patient experiences in routine clinical care. However, randomised controlled trials are needed to better understand effectiveness, appropriate dosing, and how treatments compare under controlled conditions.
Can I be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for OCD?
Medical cannabis may be considered for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief or have caused difficult side effects. It is not a first-line treatment and is prescribed only following a specialist assessment.
Access to medical cannabis for OCD through the NHS is very limited. As a result, most patients who are prescribed medical cannabis for this condition do so through private specialist clinics.
In the UK, only doctors listed on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Specialist Register are permitted to initiate medical cannabis treatment.
If you are considering medical cannabis, you can complete an initial eligibility assessment with Curaleaf Clinic. We will review your full medical records. If appropriate, we will invite you to meet with a consultant psychiatrist. Together, you can discuss whether this may be a suitable next step in your care plan.