I. What effect does marijuana (pot) have on hepatitis C?
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I. What effect does marijuana (pot) have on hepatitis C?
Pot (marijuana, cannabis, hash) is a controversial topic for people with hepatitis C because sometimes it is helpful and sometimes it is harmful. Here’s why:
1) Legal issues: Many people, with or without hepatitis C, use pot and other street drugs. Pot, like other street drugs, is a controlled substance, which means it is illegal to possess or sell marijuana. However, some people can get permits to possess and use small amounts for personal medical use, although this process requires the sign-off of a doctor. Marinol and Cesamet are synthetic pill forms of marijuana available by prescription as an alternative to smoking pot.
2) Getting infected: The risks associated with using street drugs (especially by injection) can put people at risk for hepatitis C. Smoking pot instead of injecting other drugs may protect some people from getting infected.
3) Liver health: Pot may damage your liver. People with Hep C who smoke or use pot on a daily basis experience faster liver damage than those who do not. We know that smoking cigarettes damages the liver (causes increased fibrosis), so it makes sense that smoking pot would also cause damage. Using pot in a different way may be safer – cooking with it, for example. However, some of the chemicals in pot (called cannabinoids) may trigger changes to liver cells and lead to more liver damage (fibrosis).
4) Help with side effects: People who are taking Hep C treatment often experience difficult side effects, like nausea, low appetite, aches and pains. Using pot has helped people to manage these side effects and stay on Hep C treatment so they have a better chance of getting rid of the virus from their bodies.
So when is it safe to use pot? The answer to this question would change for each person. When making the decision about smoking pot, weigh the different risks and benefits and consider talking to a healthcare worker or community worker you trust.
References
1. Hezode C, et al. Daily cannabis use: a novel risk factor of steatosis severity in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Gastroenterology. 134(2):432-9, 2008 Feb.
2. Mallat, A, et al. Environmental factors as disease accelerators during chronic hepatitis C. Journal of Hepatology. 48(4):657-65, 2008 Apr.
3. Teixeira-Clerc F, et al. CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonism: a new strategy for treatment of liver fibrosis. Nature Medicine. 12(6):671-6, 2006 Jun.
4. Sylvestre DL, et al. Cannabis use improves retention and virological outcomes in patients treated for hepatitis C. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 18(10):1057-63, 2006 Oct.
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