Cirrhosis, Alcoholism and Underrated Cannabis Treatment Options

Article by Karhlyle Fletcher, The Fresh Toast via Growth Op

For millions of Americans, and for people in general, cirrhosis is either a problem or a threat. The most common causes of this condition are hepatitis and chronic alcoholism, which are of great concern throughout the world. However, while cirrhosis may be irreversible, it is certainly treatable.

Post legalization, cannabis acts as a different substance. A November study on cirrhosis, published in the Annals of Hepatology, found that “cannabis use in patients with cirrhosis resulted in mixed outcomes regarding hospital admissions with hepatic decompensation. A trend towards decreased hospital utilization and mortality was noted in cannabis users after legalization.”

More data suggests cannabis can help curtail cirrhosis by attacking root causes.

Research from the University of Victoria centered on a survey of 2,102 medical patients in Canada found that “overall, 419 (44 per cent) of participants reported decreases in alcohol usage frequency over 30 days, 323 (34 per cent) decreased the number of standard drinks they had per week and 76 (eight per cent) reported no alcohol use at all in the 30 days prior to the survey.”

With cirrhosis, prevention could be the best medication, so if cannabis can help people limit drinking — one of the main causes of cirrhosis — it is a big win.

The University of Victoria study went on to find that those under the age of 55 who were drinking at higher rates and those who specifically started using medical cannabis to quit drinking enjoyed significantly greater odds for lowering alcohol use and quitting altogether.

Past prevention and pain management, more help from hemp

While addressing one of the root causes of cirrhosis is important, additional treatment is needed for those who already have it. A proposed method of treatment has been to give patients antioxidants, as these compounds reduce oxidative stress by causing positive changes such as scavenging free radicals.

Read the full article here.