Hepatitis C is a common condition that annually impacts more than 200,000 individuals in the United States alone. An infection that is triggered by a virus, Hepatitis C attacks the liver reading to inflammation. Spread via contact with infected blood, Hepatitis C can lead to a host of debilitating symptoms including joint pain, fatigue, liver cancer, depression, and liver cirrhosis.
With medical cannabis now legally available in 36 states, there is hope for treating the condition and bringing about symptomatic relief. Yet, there is still controversy lingering from an outdated report from 2004.
Today, we are going to explore cannabis and Hepatitis C, their interactions, and the brief history of controversy.
Controversy and Cannabis
Tracing back the roots of the controversy surrounding Hepatitis C and MMJ would require us to go back in time to 2004. A study published in 2004 associated the daily consumption of cannabis with the development of a condition known as significant hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis causes the build-up of excess tissue, a clear sign of progression found within Hepatitis C patients.
While a cursory glance at this study would yield evidence condemning the use of cannabis to treat Hep-C, it was far from exhaustive and more than a little misleading. A secondary study would be performed to assess the accuracy of the conclusion.
In 2013, more than 700 patients participated in a study regarding pain relief and Hepatitis C. By the end of the 2013 study, the majority of participants utilized marijuana to deal with pain, finding no increased risk for any interactions.
Treating Hepatitis C With MMJ
Adeyinka Adejumo performed a study at the University of Massachusetts to assess how HCV and cannabis interact. His goal was to assess the relationship between cannabis and Hepatitis C due to their controversial history. Adejumo’s study would incorporate a large pool of patients while yielding results that reduced the prevalence of liver cirrhosis, leading to healthier and quicker discharges from the hospital.
In addition to reducing the prevalence of liver cirrhosis, the use of cannabis during HCV treatment can coincide with a reduced risk for depression. Studies in Colorado following legalization recording a more than 5% overall reduction in suicide rates.
While marijuana isn’t legal in all states, advances relating to the field are constant. For individuals outside a legalized medical cannabis state, traditional medication can include Zofran, Trilafon, Compazine among other antiviral medication options.
Be sure to speak with your physician before beginning any new medications or treatment plans.
Visit All Greens Clinic in Sun City!
All Greens Clinic is a medical cannabis dispensary proudly serving the people of Sun City and the surrounding areas. New patients can sign up for a medical marijuana evaluation and certification while also pursuing CBD alternatives in the interim. With additional acupuncture services for individuals in need, All Greens Clinic hopes to become YOUR destination for natural health and wellness solutions.
To learn more about acquiring your medical marijuana card, contact All Greens Clinic today!