By: Zoe Hudson
OCD, i.e. obsessive-compulsive disorder, is an anxiety disorder which can make daily life really difficult for individuals who suffer from it.
Typically, OCD is treated with anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. These can have plenty of negative side-effects, making patients reconsider treatment.
RELATED: I’m A Business Owner Who Uses Cannabis & CBD For Anxiety
However, medical marijuana has many of the same benefits without any of these side-effects caused by standard medication.
Just as there are different types of OCD, there are also different types of medical marijuana treatments.
Here is a helpful guide to the best cannabis strains for OCD treatment. You can decide for yourself which might be most effective and beneficial, depending on your complaints.
Best Cannabis Strains For OCD
Cherry Pie
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant hybrid, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene
Although it is hard to find the authentic version of the Cherry Pie strain, its benefits are still some of the best in easing anxiety. Just as the name suggests, it has a sweet and sour taste like cherry pie and smells even better.
Most people report feeling relaxed, happy, and slightly energized. These effects can already be felt in a matter of minutes and can last up to a couple hours.
For OCD patients who find most of their day hindered by stress or worry, Cherry Pie can help relieve these feelings.
Common side-effects include a dry mouth and dry eyes so make sure you have enough refreshments at hand. Its main terpenes have anti-anxiety, pain-relieving and sedating properties to them.
Charlotte’s Web
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant, CBD-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene
Available with a doctor’s prescription, this particular strain is known for helping many patients suffering from seizures or severe anxiety.
It won’t get you high due to its low THC levels but it is one of the most powerful medical marijuana strains.
It has an earthy taste to it and smells strongly of pine. Charlotte’s Web will make you feel relaxed, uplifted and even increase your focus. It can help alleviate pain and stress but can also leave you feeling dizzy.
This strain is good for OCD patients as it reduces the mental stress of anxiety, relieves physical symptoms, and helps you stay focused. Its main terpenes help in relieving pain, anxiety and depression.
Cannatonic
Cannabinoid profile: Hybrid, CBD-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene
The Cannatonic strain is very common around California and has an equal blend of sativa and indica.
It has an earthy aroma with a citrus taste. Cannatonic tends to be relaxing and uplifting, both mentally and physically.
It is best for those struggling with pain and anxiety since it has a sedating and relaxing effect that clears up your head. This strain is also highly unlikely to trigger any anxiety or paranoia.
The effects only last for a short period of time but are good for OCD patients who might struggle with moments of heightened stress, intrusive thoughts and pain.
Its main terpenes can have a highly sedative effect in high doses and leave you in a mellow state.
Harlequin
Cannabinoid profile: Sativa-dominant hybrid, CBD-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene
Harlequin is most commonly grown indoors and its high CBD levels are great for alleviating pain and anxiety.
It has a combination of an earthy and mango taste to it. Harlequin is great for clearing your head, making you feel more alert and energized.
In OCD treatment it can relax patients without sedating them. While you will feel calm and happy from this strain, you won’t experience a high.
Its main terpenes provide mental clarity and can counteract the usually sedating effects of THC.
Cherry Kola
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant hybrid, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: unknown
Cherry Kola can easily be found in the Pacific Northwest but is quite rare outside of that area. It has a unique chemical-cherry flavor and a very sweet aroma.
You will experience a relaxing, euphoric and hunger-inducing effect and it will give you a sedating body-high. For OCD patients who struggle with insomnia in particular, this can be a great solution to help relax and get to sleep.
Girl Scout Cookies
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant hybrid, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene
This strain has become so popular that it can be found in most places or even cultivated at home. It has an amazing sweet taste that will remind you of freshly baked cookies.
Girl Scout Cookies will make you feel euphoric, happy and giggly and can induce incredible hunger. It has very strong effects so a little amount goes a long way.
It’s especially beneficial for people struggling with chronic anxiety, pain and appetite loss.
In treating OCD, it relaxes both your body and mind and can help with both falling asleep and social engagements.
Its main terpenes can ease depression and stress and have many health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties.
Blackberry Kush
Cannabinoid profile: Indica-dominant, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene
This strain is great for medical use and is often prescribed to patients struggling with anxiety, insomnia and stress.
It will give you an amazing high for a very small dosage. Blackberry Kush tastes just like the name would suggest and will leave you feeling calm, relaxed and sleepy giving you a deep body-high.
It is great for treating OCD since a small amount will help relieve stress and pain and higher doses will put you right to sleep.
As with most indica strains, it is best for the night but might leave you with a bad case of cotton mouth and dry eyes so be sure to keep refreshments around in case you wake up from this.
OCD
Cannabinoid profile: Likely a sativa-dominant hybrid, THC-dominant
Main terpenes: unknown
There is still a lot that is unknown about this popular strain. It is very hard to find but your best bet will be to look around in Seattle where it originates from.
The OCD strain has a buttery aroma with hints of tar. It make you feel very energetic, focused, creative and possibly aroused.
Make sure you have something to do since otherwise you might experience anxiety from this strong high.
It is a great way to treat nervousness and fatigue in those struggling with OCD. There isn’t enough information on this strain’s terpenes yet.
Keep in mind that everybody reacts uniquely to different types of treatment. It’s always best to consult with a doctor and try out different strains to see what works best for you.
Also while some find relief in standard medications for OCD, medical marijuana could also be a helpful addition to your treatment in dealing with the negative side-effects.
RELATED: How I Used CBD & THC Tinctures To Stop Anxiety From My Stressful Job
Zoe Hudson is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.