Study Reveals Cannabis Use May Decrease Risk of Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease

A recent study published in Liver International has brought to light the potential benefits of cannabis in reducing the risk of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The research suggests that cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), may offer protective properties against liver damage caused by alcohol. This study is pivotal as ALD remains a leading cause of liver-related health issues and fatalities worldwide, with limited available treatments

The study utilized data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network, a comprehensive health research platform that aggregates information from 72 healthcare organizations across the United States. Researchers categorized adult patients diagnosed with AUD into groups based on their cannabis use: those with cannabis use disorder (CUD), cannabis users without CUD (CU), and non-users (non-CU). This categorization allowed the researchers to explore potential dose-response patterns related to cannabis consumption and its impact on liver health

Key findings from the study indicate that cannabis use is linked to a significant reduction in the risk of developing ALD among AUD patients. Specifically, the study reported a 40% reduction in the risk of composite ALD outcomes, including alcohol-associated steatosis, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Additionally, there was a 17% reduction in hepatic decompensation and a 14% decrease in all-cause mortality. The researchers noted that the risk reduction was consistent across different stages of ALD, with a gradient effect observed between CU and CUD groups, suggesting a dose-response relationship

Despite these promising results, the study acknowledges certain limitations, such as the lack of direct measurement of cannabis consumption patterns. Furthermore, while the study focused on cannabis use in general, the researchers highlighted preclinical evidence supporting CBD's potential protective effects on the liver. However, they also pointed out that some studies have reported elevated liver enzyme levels associated with CBD use, indicating the need for further research

The study's authors advocate for more comprehensive research into the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, particularly CBD, for treating ALD. They emphasize the importance of future studies that focus on dosing and treatment duration to better understand the efficacy and safety of CBD in this context. The findings open the door for the development of new pharmacological therapies targeting cannabinoid receptors, which could revolutionize the treatment of ALD and improve patient outcomes