As medical marijuana becomes more popular, its effects on health become more widely studied to determine what exactly it can benefit and what it cannot.
Liver disease is a growing problem worldwide and is caused by high amounts of tissue scarring in the liver. This constant inflammation contributes to the death of cells; thus, the disease worsens as the liver cannot carry out its many different functions.
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Research conducted in 2005 found that the body’s internal cannabinoid system has receptors which bind to THC. As a result, researchers suspect that cannabis may aid in the relief of certain liver diseases due to the body’s own cannabinoid system.
A follow-up study in 2011 found that CBD causes infected liver cells to essentially commit cell suicide in mice models. This suggested that CBD has potential therapeutic effects in liver disease. Furthermore, CBD was found to not affect healthy or non-malignant cells, meaning only the bad cells commit suicide, not the healthy ones.
A 2013 study found that cannabis did not increase or speed up liver disease progression.
There is constant ongoing research in the area of medical marijuana on the basis of what it is capable of treating. These are just some preliminary studies in the area of liver disease, which is essential because there aren’t many known treatments for liver disease. If it becomes too severe, a liver transplant is required.
Aside from treating liver disease with medical marijuana, it’s important you prevent the risk of liver disease, which involves maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, practicing safe sex, and avoiding intravenous drugs.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
