Marijuana could help the liver after excessive alcohol consumption

Wine, tequila, espresso martinis, craft beer and more are all part of a night out. History shows that alcohol was consumed in China as early as 7,000 BC. And while cannabis is just as old, it didn't catch on as quickly and alcohol wasn't consumed as widely. It is used as an aphrodisiac, medicine and for relaxation. Although alcohol is popular, it is not good for the body, especially when consumed frequently and in large quantities. Now it appears that marijuana may help the liver after excessive alcohol consumption.

So-called “bing drinking” has been around for a long time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it can lead to memory and/or learning problems as well as unintentional actions such as unprotected sex or car accidents. Chronic diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and liver disease can also occur. “Bing drinking” is defined as drinking 5 or more drinks (men) or 4 or more drinks (women) within about 2 hours.

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Alcohol consumption can cause alcoholic liver disease (ALD). It can be serious and life-threatening and develops in various stages from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis. However, data shows that alcohol users who used marijuana had a lower risk of developing alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In fact, the heaviest cannabis users showed the lowest likelihood of developing ALD.

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One study looked at 32,000 people who admitted to drinking alcohol excessively in the past. The data suggests that this may help. It has to do with the anti-inflammatory properties of marijuana. The liver contains cannabinoid receptors that respond when you consume cannabis, and previous studies have shown that marijuana could be used as a therapeutic treatment for liver disease. When patients first develop ALD, inflammation occurs. Marijuana use reduces this inflammation, thus slowing the progression of the disease.

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“Our studies were unable to determine which strains of cannabis were used,” said one of the study's authors, Dr. Terence Bukong. “Therefore, we were unable to determine the cannabinoid content of the substances ingested by each individual. Nor were we able to determine the dosage or method of ingestion, although it was most likely smoking.”

Bukong added that he is hopeful that cannabis-based treatments will be used in the treatment of various liver diseases. His group is currently developing different formulations for specific diseases. However, he cautioned that marijuana does not cure all liver diseases. It is also not OK to consume drinks and then vape. Hepatitis C patients actually had more scarring and their disease spread faster if they were heavy marijuana users.

It should not be forgotten that more research is needed. The new planning will provide greater opportunities to further exploit the medicinal benefits of plants.