As with any medical treatment, cannabis use can have a wide range of effects on the liver. Some may be beneficial, while others could have negative consequences.
A few studies have shown that cannabis use can help to protect against alcoholic liver disease. Another study found that cannabis can help to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well.
Chronic Use
The effects of cannabis on the liver vary depending on how frequently the drug is used. Chronic use can cause inflammation, scarring and even liver cancer. It also can worsen existing liver diseases. Therefore, it is important to use marijuana responsibly.
Medicinal cannabis is often recommended as a treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The plant contains a high concentration of THC, which can make you feel euphoria and relaxation. However, THC can also cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and psychosis.
Heavy or long-term cannabis use has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity and NAFLD. The relationship between cannabis and NAFLD is largely unknown, but there are some genetic factors that can influence the risk of NAFLD.
One gene variant that is linked to cannabis use is CYP2D6. This gene is responsible for a number of different functions in the body, including metabolism and digestion. In particular, it plays a role in the breakdown of fats and proteins.
The CYP2D6 gene is also responsible for the breakdown of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound that is found in cannabis. Using the CYP2D6 gene in combination with tetrahydrocannabinol can lead to the production of toxic metabolites that may have adverse effects on your liver.
Some people with pre-existing liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis C, are at higher risk of developing hepatotoxicity from marijuana use. These patients should talk to their doctors about how the plant might affect their disease.
In some cases, marijuana may also be used as a treatment for hepatitis B virus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Several studies have shown that cannabis may help to relieve hepatitis B symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Another study found that cannabidiol, a chemical in cannabis that doesn’t get you high, helps to prevent oxidative stress and liver steatosis in people with alcoholic liver disease. This is a common problem in people who have had a lot of alcohol over time, and it can cause liver damage.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. It is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors that are found throughout the body. Activation of these receptors can have various effects, from easing pain to reducing inflammation and fibrosis.
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an inflammatory liver disease that occurs when you drink too much alcohol. This can cause damage to your liver and even death.
The liver is a vital organ that helps control the amount of waste that your body makes. It also helps your digestive system work properly. It processes fats, toxins, and other substances so that they aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream.
Liver problems can be caused by a number of things, including genetics, environmental factors and medical conditions. However, the most common problem is chronic alcoholic liver disease.
This is when your liver becomes enlarged or doesn’t work properly because it can’t break down alcohol. It can also become fatty and develop into alcoholic hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis.
Your doctor can tell if you have a problem with your liver by asking you about your drinking habits and checking your weight and blood tests. They will also ask you about other health conditions that may affect your liver.
When you get a test, your doctor will check your blood for the presence of liver enzymes. They will also ask about your medications and what foods you eat.
In addition, your doctor will look for a condition called jaundice. This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can happen if you have high levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in your blood.
Hepatitis is the most serious complication of chronic alcoholic liver disease. It involves inflammation and swelling of the liver cells that causes scarring, which is called fibrosis.
This can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. It’s usually reversible if you stop drinking permanently, but it can be difficult to treat.
A person’s risk for alcoholic liver disease depends on several factors, such as their age, race and gender. They are more likely to develop this condition if they have a family history of it, if they drink regularly and if they have a lot of fatty liver.
The main cause of alcoholic liver disease is chronic alcohol abuse. This can occur from drinking in a binge or on an ongoing basis.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
The liver is one of the organs in the body that can be damaged by a number of things, including viruses, toxins, and other unknown factors. But alcohol is among the most common causes of liver disease, with alcoholic fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis accounting for over 50% of all deaths caused by liver diseases worldwide [2, 3].
The effects of cannabis on the liver are not well-known yet, but there are some indications that it might be helpful in treating certain types of liver disorders. For example, a recent study found that people who use marijuana had a lower chance of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than those who did not.
This may be because cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could help reverse the damage to the liver caused by heavy or moderate drinking. Additionally, cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-fibrosis properties that help reduce the buildup of scar tissue and improve liver function in patients with various chronic liver conditions.
Medical cannabis has also been used as an adjunct agent in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-treated patients to promote compliance with antiviral treatment. It has also been linked to improved rates of treatment completion and cure.
Researchers also suggest that cannabinoids might have a therapeutic benefit in NAFLD, possibly because of the way they influence the endocannabinoid system. However, more research is needed to understand how they might have this effect.
There are two main kinds of NAFLD: simple fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In simple fatty liver, there is fat in the liver but no inflammation or liver cell damage.
NASH can cause fibrosis, or scarring of the liver, and it can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. It’s more common in heavy drinkers and those who are overweight or obese.
The most effective way to avoid the effects of fatty liver disease is to avoid drinking too much alcohol and to make sure you’re at a healthy weight. Exercise can also help. But it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start any exercise plan or herbal treatment.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C can lead to lifelong health problems and death if left untreated. It’s usually spread through unsafe injection practices, blood transfusions and injection drug use.
People with hepatitis C often have no symptoms until their livers are severely damaged. Hepatitis C can also cause a condition called cirrhosis, which causes scarring in the liver. Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications, which can clear the virus and improve liver function.
A recent study has found that patients with hepatitis C who use cannabis for a long time tend to have a lower tendency to develop cirrhosis, or liver scarring. This is helpful for those who are undergoing treatment because it may reduce the risk of complications associated with the disease and lower costs.
The liver is a vital organ that protects the body against bacteria and other infections. Its functions include removing toxins from the body, making bile, producing red blood cells and regulating blood sugar levels.
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes inflammation in the liver. It can be mild or severe, and can sometimes lead to cirrhosis, which is a condition that makes the liver stiff and weak. Hepatitis C can be prevented by staying alcohol-free, eating healthy foods and by screening for the virus.
There are many treatments for hepatitis C, but they’re not always effective. They can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting or they can make you unable to work.
Another type of treatment is a liver transplant, which can cure hepatitis C and protect the new liver from getting the infection again. However, liver transplants are not available to everyone and the waiting list is long.
There are several studies that show how cannabis affects the human liver, but it’s important to note that these results vary from study to study. While some studies have shown that cannabis can be a good treatment for hepatitis C, others suggest that it’s not.
