Study: Cannabis Doesn’t Cause Liver Disease, But Can Help Relieve The Symptoms

Study: Cannabis Doesn’t Cause Liver Disease, But Can Help Relieve The Symptoms

A study published in this month’s issue of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases has found that there’s absolutely no link between cannabis use and liver disease, regardless of an individual’s rate of consumption. 

For the study, researchers examined 690 patients with hepatitis C over a two and a half year period, and examined their cannabis use, as well as the potential progression of liver disease. The study found that over 50% of the participants consumed cannabis in the past 6 months, and 40% consumed cannabis on a daily basis. Regardless of an individual’s cannabis consumption, it had no negative effect on the person’s liver disease progression.

Researchers found that of those who did have liver disease, their cannabis consumption increased as the disease progressed; patients reported using cannabis to relieve the symptoms associated with their ailment.

Those conducting the study believe this to be the reason why several past studies have falsely connected cannabis with progression in liver disease, stating that; “It is likely that previous studies have been biased by reverse causality as patients use more marijuana to relieve symptoms as liver disease progresses.”

The study concludes that; “In this prospective analysis we found no evidence for an association between marijuana smoking and significant liver fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV coinfection.”

– TheJointBlog