Hepatitis

Understand how medical marijuana helps with Hepatitis.

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Medical marijuana can help relieve some of the symptoms of hepatitis. Hepatitis is a general term for liver inflammation that can be caused by a number of factors. It can be acute (sudden and short-lived) or chronic (long-term). 

Causes

• Viral infection: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are all caused by viruses that infect and damage liver cells. 

• Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver. 

• Chemicals and drugs: Exposure to certain chemicals and drugs can cause hepatitis. 

• Genetic disorders: Some genetic disorders can cause hepatitis. 

• Autoimmune hepatitis: An overactive immune system can attack the liver, causing hepatitis. 

Types

• Hepatitis A
  An acute infection that's usually spread through contaminated food or water, or through sexual contact. 

• Hepatitis B
  An acute infection that can become chronic, and is often spread through sexual contact or sharing needles. 

• Hepatitis C
  An acute infection that usually becomes chronic, and is one of the most common causes of chronic hepatitis. 

• Hepatitis E
  Usually spread through contaminated food or water, or by eating undercooked pork, deer, or shellfish. 

Symptoms

• Fatigue

• Flu-like symptoms

• Dark urine

• Pale stool

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)

Initial Treatment

• Vaccines can prevent hepatitis A and B 

• Medications can cure hepatitis C. 

Complications

Untreated hepatitis can lead to serious liver problems, including scarring, liver cancer, and loss of liver function. 

Medical marijuana can help with Hepatitis.

According to a study published by the University of California, marijuana may "offer symptomatic and virological benefit to some patients by helping them maintain adherence to the challenging and often painful medication regimen." The study shows those who used cannabis while receiving treatment remained compliant longer and had more negative tests for hepatitis 6 months after the end of treatment.