A study found that alcohol-dependent individuals who consume cannabis have a significantly lower risk of liver disease diagnosis. The findings published in the journal Liver International indicated that people who use cannabis are less likely to develop cirrhosis and other liver disorders. According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 100 million United States citizens have some form of liver disease. Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) happens when excess fat builds up in the liver. ALD is the main cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, but current therapies are limited.
The researchers examined the impact of cannabis use on ALD in a group of 33,114 alcohol-dependent adults. The team analyzed electronic health records from 72 U.S. health care organizations compiled in the health research platform TriNetX US Collaborative Network and identified adult patients with alcohol use disorder. The researchers categorized study participants into three cohorts: adults with cannabis use disorder (CUD), cannabis users without cannabis abuse or dependence (CU), and non-cannabis users (non-CU). The research teams assessed outcomes, such as ALD, hepatic decompensation, and composite all-cause mortality over 3 years.
The study found that an association between cannabis use and a 40% hazard reduction in the composite ALD (including alcohol-associated steatosis, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis). The study also showed a 17% reduction in hepatic decompensation and a 14% reduction in all-cause mortality. The participants with the most frequent cannabis use experienced the greatest risk reduction. This finding suggested cannabis may offer some protection against ALD.
The study provides insights that can guide future research on the cannabinoid system’s potential as an effective therapeutic target for minimizing ALD risks. Clinical evidence on the role of cannabinoids in liver disease is limited, so the researchers plan to conduct future studies of the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors to understand their role in ALD pathogenesis.
Sources: American Liver Foundation, Liver International, NORML
