Hepatitis C is a big health concern and, many times can develop into life-threatening liver cancer because of the hepatitis C virus. The condition of hepatitis C happens in two types — acute and chronic hepatitis C. Around the world, 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Of this population, a significant amount of people will develop the condition of chronic hepatitis C. In 2016 alone, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO), 3,99,000 people lost their lives to this disease. When you are affected with a chronic hepatitis C condition, it either develops into cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer).
There are certain medications available in the market that can cure hepatitis C among 95 percent of patients. Though it saves you from the risk of developing cancer in a majority of instances, low variability of medication and proper treatment are the major hindrances. Some evidence, as well as anecdotal experiences, claim marijuana has certain properties that can directly impact the hepatitis C virus. What are they and how effective is marijuana against this disease? In this article, we shall discuss all of it.
Let’s get started!
What’s hepatitis C?
The hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus, which most commonly spreads through exposure to small quantities of blood via different modes. It can either enter the body via unsafe injection drug use or unsafe health care. Transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products and sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood can also cause hepatitis C. When at an early stage, hepatitis C infection is usually asymptomatic. Most of the time, people get cured as the disease does not develop into a life-threatening condition. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, around 30 percent of those who contract the hepatitis C virus eventually get cured within six months after the proper dose of medication and medical treatment.
The remaining 70 percent of people suffer from chronic HCV infection, of which 15-30 percent develop cirrhosis within 20 years. When you are affected with the hepatitis C virus, it takes about 2-6 months before symptoms are fully visible. However, the symptoms that develop following that period are fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-colored feces, joint pain, and jaundice.
Marijuana and its legal status
Depending upon the country you live in, marijuana may either be something that is adored in your place or it could be a dreaded herb. If it’s not legal in your state or country, you may want to know that marijuana has several names. Some people call it cannabis, while others may call it ‘pot’, ‘weed’, ‘joint’, ‘roll’, among other names. Marijuana is a very interesting plant. Its ability to connect with mind receptors to produce a unique psychological reaction makes it a ‘notorious’ herb. Marijuana has two main compounds, which have been exploited quite extensively. These compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce different reactions in the mind.
The whole cannabis industry today mostly revolves around these two chemical compounds, also known as cannabinoids. Laws around marijuana are different in each country of the world. While it’s legalized for either recreational or medical use in around 34 states of the total 50 states of the US, neighboring country Canada has fully legalized the drug for both medical and recreational use.
Relationship between hepatitis C and marijuana
Initial research shows marijuana does not affect the disease, including cirrhosis or liver cancer, but it can provide relief from symptoms associated with it and nausea after medication used in the treatment of this disease. If you are a hepatitis C patient and want to use marijuana to see the effect, you can do so after the doctor’s permission. You can either smoke it or ingest it in the form of pills or other edibles. You can also absorb marijuana-based tinctures or oils and keep them under the tongue for some time before investing. It can also be consumed in vaporized form. Certain studies also show that the consumption of marijuana in a regulated manner could make the side effects of antiviral medication tolerable. In short, it makes the medication process earlier and helps you finish it on time.
As per the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, many hepatitis C patients use marijuana for reducing the side effects of antiviral drugs against hepatitis C. The well-regulated use did not affect their liver biopsies and there was no impact on “hard outcomes” of their medical treatment against the disease. No evidence was found in the study that could suggest that smoking or taking cannabis pills had adversely impacted the liver.
Testing and diagnosis of hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus does not reflect in initial testing and symptoms are also not visible. Many people also remain asymptomatic for years after the virus enters their body and then it develops into serious liver cancer. The diagnosis can happen in two stages, testing for anti-HCV antibodies can be done via a serological test, in which people who have been infected with the virus are identified. If your sero test is positive, a further nuclear acid test for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) is done to confirm whether it’s at an early stage or has developed into a chronic one. About 30 percent of people who are infected with the virus simultaneously fight against the virus using their immune system.
Once the person is diagnosed with HCV infection, an assessment on liver damage is done for fibrosis and cirrhosis via biopsy or other non-invasive tests. As per the WHO’s updated guidance on hepatitis C, patients affected with hepatitis C can be given pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals or also called DAAs. The medication course will go on for about 12-24 weeks. The pan-genotypic DDNs are inexpensive medications and people can afford them easily as their generic versions are also available in the market now. Plus, you can use marijuana to make the medication process easier.
