New research suggests that regular marijuana use may actually be beneficial for liver health, contradicting the popular belief that alcohol is less harmful to the liver than cannabis. The study, conducted by a group of Chinese researchers, found that current marijuana use is inversely associated with steatosis, or liver disease that arises from too much fat in the liver. However, the researchers also urged caution, noting that the study was observational and that no causal inference can be made. Further research is needed to confirm these results longitudinally. Fatty liver disease affects one in three adults and one in 10 children in the United States.
Why it matters: The study contradicts the popular belief that alcohol is less harmful to the liver than cannabis, and suggests that regular marijuana use may actually be beneficial for liver health.
What they are saying: The Chinese researchers said they found that “current marijuana use is inversely associated with steatosis,” or a condition that arises from too much fat in the liver. However, they also urged caution, noting that the study was observational and that no causal inference can be made. Further research is needed to confirm these results longitudinally.
The big picture: Fatty liver disease affects one in three adults and one in 10 children in the United States. There is no medication specifically for fatty liver disease, and doctors recommend making lifestyle changes that can significantly improve patients’ health.
What to watch: Further research is needed to confirm these findings, and more studies are required to evaluate the effects of marijuana compounds and their biological effects in treating and preventing fatty liver disease.
My take: This study challenges conventional wisdom that marijuana use is bad for liver health. However, it is important to note that the study was observational and cannot prove causation. It will be interesting to see the results of further studies in this area.
