Now, a new study finds there's no link between marijuana use and kidney disease -- at least among younger people who use the drug in moderation.
Does marijuana harm kidneys?
Marijuana Doesn't Seem to Harm the Kidneys. TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- As marijuana use has increased in the United States in recent years, medical experts and users alike have wondered about its health effects. Now, a new study finds there's no link between marijuana use and kidney disease -- at least among younger people who use ...
Does marijuana affect kidney function?
The researchers checked levels of microalbuminuria (an increase in urine albumin, which is a marker for kidney disease), and they found no association between past or current marijuana use and worsened kidney function or disease.
Is cannabis gaining popularity?
Consumption of cannabis and various related products (cannabinoids) for both medicinal and recreational use is gaining popularity. Furthermore, regulatory changes are fostering a cultural shift toward increasing liberalization of cannabis use, thereby increasing the likelihood of even larger numbers of individuals being exposed in the future.
Does cannabis affect kidneys?
Given the increasing public health relevance of cannabis exposure, it is clear that more research is necessary to clarify the various physiological and pathophysiological effects of cannabis and related analogs on the kidney.
What are the effects of marijuana on dialysis patients?
Adverse Effects of Marijuana. The adverse effect of marijuana can be described in 3 general themes: behavioral, respiratory, and effects in other body systems. With respect to adverse effects in patients with ESRD, cognitive impairment is of concern for home dialysis patients and those driving to a dialysis center.
What is the metabolism of cannabinoids?
With respect to metabolism, cannabinoids are mainly dependent on the liver and, to a lesser extent, on the heart and lungs. 28-30Specifically, hepatic cytochrome 450 (CYP450) isoenzymes 2C9 and 3A4 are involved in the metabolism of THC, while CBD is metabolized by 3A4, but inhibits 2C9, 2D6, and 2C19.31-33Data on drug interactions between marijuana use and other medications are scarce, but similar to the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cigarette smoking, inhalation of marijuana results in CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 induction.34As a result, marijuana can not only increase the clearance of drugs that are CYP1A2 substrates, such as chlorpromazine, clozapine, olanzapine, and theophylline, but the combined use of tobacco and marijuana can also have additive clearance on these drugs.30,35,36Moreover, the effect on drug clearance is dependent on the frequency of marijuana use: increased clearance of theophylline was only observed with the use of ≥2 marijuana joints per week, but not with occasional use or <1 joint per week.37As a CYP3A4 substrate, THC serum concentration is reduced by strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin and ketoconazole, which have been documented to alter the metabolism of Δ9-THC/CBD oral mucosal spray (Sativex®).38Other CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, cyclosporine, voriconazole, fluconazole, verapamil, amiodarone, cotrimoxazole, metronidazole, and fluoxetine would also be expected to inhibit THC elimination. For CBD, inhibition of CYP2D6 can reduce the metabolism of warfarin and diclofenac, thereby raising serum levels.39By inhibiting CYP2C19, CBD can also increase the plasma concentration of clobazam and its active metabolite N-desmethylclobazam.40The product monograph of Sativex®also warns of increased effects of amitriptyline and fentanyl due to CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 interactions.41As a result, during both initiation and discontinuation of marijuana use, consideration should be given to possible altered drug response from such interactions.
How long does it take for THC to be in your system?
The administration routes of marijuana are diverse, with inhalation via smoking or vaporization and oral ingestion being the most common methods. Studies have shown comparable THC plasma concentration changes and onset of psychotropic effects between inhalation by smoking and intravenous injection.27Following inhalation, maximum plasma concentrations of THC occur within 3 to 10 minutes while psychotropic effects present within seconds to minutes, peaking at 15 to 30 minutes and lasting for up to 3 hours.6In contrast, oral absorption is slower and more erratic; psychotropic effects occur at 30 to 90 minutes with peak concentrations at 2 hours and lasting for 4 to 12 hours depending on product potency.6
How long do you live with kidney disease?
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have limited life expectancy: the estimated residual life span is approximately 8 to 4.5 years after dialysis initiation for those aged 40 to 64 years, respectively.1Consequently, optimizing quality of life (QOL) is of high priority. Unfortunately, patients are often afflicted with numerous symptoms, with one cross-sectional study reporting an average of 13 symptoms experienced by patients with stage 4 CKD and above.2Symptom burden and QOL of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have also been compared with that of terminal malignancy3and commonly experienced symptoms such as pain, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia remain significantly undertreated, with only 20% to 60% of patients with CKD receiving treatment.4,5Conventional pharmacological agents exist, but adverse effects, intolerances, refractory conditions, and heavy pill burden can limit their use. In stage 5 CKD, poorly controlled uremic symptoms are managed with the initiation of dialysis. Nonetheless, compared with late dialysis initiation, early dialysis initiation in progressive CKD has been associated with higher dialysis costs without improving survival or overall QOL.6-8
Where does cannabis come from?
Cannabis is derived from the dried flowering tops and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa and its subspecies, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, which are comprised of more than 400 compounds with at least 66 phytocannabinoids identified.9Cannabinoids refer to all ligands of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1and CB2, and encompass phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoid analogues, and endogenous ligands, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol.10CB1receptors are present in peripheral organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, where CB1activation influences gut motility, promotes energy storage, and impairs glucose and lipid metabolism.11,12High densities of CB1receptors in the forebrain and cerebellum contribute to cannabinoid effects on cognitive impairment and depressed motor function; contrastingly, minimal presence in the lower brainstem explains the lack of lethal respiratory and cardiovascular depressive effects with high doses such as those observed in opioid overdoses.13CB2receptors, on the contrary, are predominantly distributed on leukocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, spleen, and thymus, resulting in immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory responses via inhibition of neutrophil migration, suppression of pro-inflammatory factor proliferation, and reduction of signaling to T cells.14-18The varying affinity of cannabinoids to each of these receptors accounts for differences in a range of physiological effects.
Can dronabinol be used for kidney disease?
Although nonsynthetic cannabinoids have been used for a plethora of therapeutic claims, the evidence to support these indications has not been well reviewed, particularly with respect to chronic kidney disease.
Can nonsynthetic cannabinoids be used for pain?
However, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend nonsynthetic cannabinoids for other medical indications, although preliminary investigation into topical endocannabinoids for uremia-induced pruritus in end-stage renal disease is promising. Finally, any benefits of cannabis may be offset by potential harms in the form of cognitive impairment, increased risk of mortality post-myocardial infarction, orthostatic hypotension, respiratory irritation, and malignancies (with smoked cannabis).
Does marijuana use correlate with UACR?
Among participants with vs. without CKD, marijuana use was not correlated with the rate of change in UACR.
Can medical marijuana cause kidney disease?
Medical marijuana in the form of vaporization or edibles may not share these same harms.”. “Patients with kidney disease experience significant symptom burden, such as nausea, anorexia and chronic pain, which are all valid issues for medical marijuana usage,” he continued.
Does marijuana use cause CKD?
Marijuana use was not linked to incident CKD (adjusted HR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.5-1.8) or differences in eGFR slope over time (mean difference, -0.12 mL/min/1.73 m² per year among participants with a baseline eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or more). Conversely, eGFR declined more rapidly among marijuana users with a baseline eGFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² compared with non-users (-3.2 vs. -1.4 mL/min/1.73 m² per year). Marijuana users with a baseline eGFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² also had a higher risk for CKD progression (aHR = 2.7; 95% CI, 0.83-8.5).
What is the effect of topical endocannabinoids on kidneys?
Unbalanced cannabinoid tone appears to play a role in chronic kidney disease, with CB1 receptors overactivated and CB2 receptors dificient.
What is the function of the kidneys?
The kidneys are a workhorse of the body, filtering nutrients from toxins. Oily cannabinoids like THC and CBD slip out of the kidneys’ filtration system, but they stop to interact with cannabinoid receptors that regulate kidney function.
Does smoking cannabis help kidney disease?
Researchers in British Columbia review information about cannabis use in patients with chronic kidney disease ( CKD ). THC appears to help manage pain, and smoking cannabis seems more powerful than taking a tinctures with equal parts CBD and THC. Cannabinoids (particularly CBDA and THCA) ameliorate nausea, but this hasn’t been demonstrated in CKD ...
Can THCV and CBD be combined?
But the system works in tricky ways — when THCV and CBD combine they may get in each other’s way, limiting the medical benefits. Hopefully doctors will pay attention to the possible role of cannabis in patients with kidney diseases.
How many people have CKD?
Over 1.5 million people with advanced CKD and about 750 000 people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) live in the United States [6]. One-quarter to one-half of patients with CKD experience chronic symptoms such as pain, nausea, anorexia, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression [69], several of which are approved indications for medical cannabis. In addition, anxiety, depression, and insomnia are the most common psychiatric conditions that people self-treat with cannabis [70]. Evidence supports the use of cannabis in patient populations without CKD for treating several of these symptoms including chronic pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. The rationale for its use in patients with CKD and ESRD has been previously reviewed by myself and others [71,72,73▪].
How many phytocannabinoids are in cannabis?
Cannabis contains over 200 phytocannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids that may act in concert, described as the ‘entourage effect’, so that the combination of plant components act synergistically to be more efficacious than the individual isolated compounds [42,43].
How long does cannabinoids last?
Terminal half-life varies based on frequency of use: several days in infrequent users to over 1 month in heavy chronic users.
What are the functions of endocannabinoids?
Endocannabinoids are involved in various functions of the cardiovascular system including blood pressure regulation [140–142]. Some observational studies suggest a higher incidence of cardiovascular events with cannabis exposure, [143–145] while other studies do not [146,147].
Is cannabis a controlled substance?
State legalized consumption of cannabis is in conflict with federal law where it remains a Schedule I controlled substance without accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Despite this, the World Health Organization classifies CBD as having no potential for abuse [41] and several oral cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, having demonstrated efficacy in treating certain medical conditions. Cannabis derived CBD (Epidiolex) is an FDA approved medication for pediatric epilepsy whereas synthetic THC is FDA approved as dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros), and a synthetic THC analogue as nabilone (Cesamet). The cannabis extract nabiximols (Sativex, THC/CBD 1:1) is approved for medical use outside of the United States.
Can cannabis be processed into food?
Cannabis and isolated cannabinoids can also be processed into foods or ‘edibles’. Over 90% of current users consume cannabis through inhalation whereas oral consumption accounts for less than 10% of cannabis use [47]. Inhalation provides an onset of action within minutes and allows for real-time dose titration.
How is marijuana related to the liver?
Marijuana and the liver are related and connected to each other because of the substance’s effect on liver functions. Liver problems such as FLD or fatty liver disease and cirrhosis can be brought about by drug and alcohol abuse, toxins, and an unhealthy food intake.
Can you take cbd and THC?
THC and CBD are among the most studied and most discussed cannabinoids, and variations depend on each strain. Both cannabinoids are typically inhaled or ingested. It is important to note that you take them in moderation to avoid damages to other organs in the body, especially the liver. Cannabis, when taken properly and correctly, will not be a problem for your liver.
Does THC help the liver?
A study on THC, in particular, and liver functions will aid future cases and decisions to improve further cannabis use and liver health for all medicinal and recreational marijuana users. THC markers have already been studied, through the use of blood chemistry, from a healthy liver.
Can cannabis cause fatty liver?
FLD or fatty liver disease is often a result of too much alcohol intake, poor eating habits, and unhealthy food choices. There is still not much research and studies to prove that cannabis can damage or cause fatty liver; however, we know that cannabis can be of help.
Can endocannabinoids affect the liver?
It is clear that cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system can impact the liver from different angles and in different ways. That is why many studies should be done to explore and discover which strain and form of cannabinoids can impact the liver in a good way and which ones can cause further damage. A study on THC, in particular, and liver functions will aid future cases and decisions to improve further cannabis use and liver health for all medicinal and recreational marijuana users.
Does marijuana hurt your liver?
So, is marijuana bad for your liver? If taken correctly and in the right dosage, no, marijuana will not damage your liver. However, marijuana can not help with the existing problems and issues that you have with your liver. Still, it can help alleviate the symptoms brought about by liver damage, such as pain and lack of sleep.
Does cannabis help with liver disease?
There have been some research rising on whether cannabis use can effectively reduce alcohol abuse to lessen liver disease – unfortunately, the answer is no . A study surfaced later that those with depression, mentally-ill, and alcohol use disorder turned to use cannabis and have worsened their liver status.
