A review published in The Journal of Psychiatric Research found that psychedelic treatments, specifically psilocybin, show promise in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis has little effect.
Dr. Michael Van Ameringen and his team reviewed existing evidence and concluded that psilocybin, which impacts the brain’s default mode network, is more effective than cannabinoids, which activate CB1 receptors but fail to provide lasting relief. Psychedelic clinical trials encourage patients to confront their OCD deeply, a method that contrasts with cannabis’ short-term relief.
Preliminary results from trials suggest psilocybin helps reduce OCD symptoms and provides valuable insights into compulsive behaviors. However, legal barriers and research challenges remain, with psilocybin still classified as a Schedule I substance in the U.S. Despite these obstacles, the findings offer hope for OCD patients who struggle with traditional treatments.
