According to study results, cannabis users are denied liver transplants for no apparent reason

Despite the fact that a large percentage of the US population are cannabis users, they are often excluded from liver transplants. This trial saves lives and reveals a case of discrimination against cannabis users.

Scientists and experts have had concerns about cannabis’ role in the body in the past. In the case of liver transplants, there is concern that cannabis could pose a greater risk of infection.

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A new study tried to understand why liver transplants and marijuana remain a concern. The study, published earlier this month in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences, examined a variety of data to paint a picture of the risks faced by marijuana users who managed to obtain a liver transplant.

Researchers analyzed data from 111 patients who were also marijuana users. Only 32 of them received a liver transplant. The researchers compared the marijuana users who received a liver transplant to non-users who received the same procedure and found no statistical difference between the two.

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Salon explains that fungal infections are often a problem when it comes to liver transplants, particularly in the case of Aspergillus, a fungus also found in the cannabis plant. “There is a concern that ingestion of a cannabis product contaminated with Aspergillus would make transplantation difficult and result in failure or death.”

The study analyzed all possible factors and disproved these claims. “Our data show that marijuana use is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative noncompliance, other organ complications, infection, or death,” the researchers conclude. “As a single factor, marijuana may not need to be a contraindication for LT.”

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Although the study was small, it shows some of the ways in which the law and science discriminate against marijuana users, even while vouching for the user’s health. The data shows how important it is for scientists to fully study the plant, especially now that it’s gaining popularity and being legalized across the country.