CBD for Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver condition caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, including an estimated 862,000 in the United States. As hepatitis B is so common, the medical community needs to develop as many potential therapies for it as possible.

One such therapy may be CBD. This non-psychoactive component of cannabis has grown in popularity due to its novelty and potential efficacy against so many conditions. To better examine whether CBD may help the fight against hepatitis B, we’ll look at the causes behind the infection, the current treatment options, and what the current state of research says about this potential treatment.

What Causes Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is named after the virus that causes it: the hepatitis B virus. There are some common forms of transmission of the virus:

•         Unprotected sexual contact with someone infected by the virus. 
•         Sharing contaminated needles or syringes, such as during intravenous drug use. 
•         Incidental contact with contaminated blood, such as through an accidental needle prick. This most often occurs with healthcare workers. 
•         During childbirth, from an infected mother to her newborn. However, the child can be vaccinated in most cases. 

What Are The Two Types of Hepatitis B?

With hepatitis B, there are two types – can either be short-lived (acute) or long lasting (chronic). When the HBV infects adults, it usually leads to a short-lived infection that lasts less than six months. In these types of cases, the body’s immune system can resolve the infection on its own. However, in certain circumstances, acute infection can develop into a chronic one.

The odds of chronic infection are particularly high in children younger than five years old and may go undetected for years, if not decades until it gradually degrades the liver’s ability to function. Liver cancer and cirrhosis may occur due to chronic infections.

How Could CBD Help?

CBD’s ability to help may be due to its relationship with the endocannabinoid system. This bodily system helps to regulate biological functions within a person, including the immune system. Researchers have found that when two receptors in the ECS are activated within a person infected by the HBV, the liver begins to heal.

Yet another study found that CBD can help stop the growth of another hepatitis virus, hepatitis C. However, the study also found CBD did not affect the spread of the HBV. This means more research needs to be conducted before confirming CBD’s efficacy.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. They can help provide the best treatment options, including possibly vaccinating you from infection.