This blog post is intended solely to objectively present the current scientific status of research on this topic and to objectively report on circulating reports of experience. In no way is this blog post intended to make any promises regarding any efficacy-enhancing effect. Our products are intended solely to provide the body with additional nutrients to supplement the general diet and contribute to the maintenance of normal bodily function.
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Before we delve specifically into the topic of cannabis, it's important to understand the basic function of the liver. The liver is the largest internal organ and plays a pivotal role in detoxifying the body. It processes almost everything we eat, drink, inhale, or apply to our skin. The liver converts nutrients into usable forms, stores vitamins and minerals, and produces proteins and enzymes that aid in blood clotting.
Cannabis is primarily consumed through smoking, vaporizing, or edible products. Regardless of the method of consumption, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol—the psychoactive component of cannabis) must be processed by the liver. When cannabis is consumed, THC enters the bloodstream and from there to the liver.
In the liver, THC is converted into various metabolites by enzymes, primarily cytochrome P450. The most important metabolite is 11-hydroxy-THC, which is even more potent than THC itself and contributes to the intensity of the high, especially in edible cannabis products. These metabolites can, in some cases, have psychoactive properties and therefore directly influence the nature and duration of cannabis' effects.
THC is fat-soluble and has the property of being stored in the body's fatty tissue. This storage can affect the length of time THC remains detectable in the body, especially in regular and long-term users. THC is slowly released from fatty tissue back into the bloodstream, particularly during physical activity or the breakdown of fat cells. This leads to repeated exposure of the liver to THC, which is then required to metabolize it again.
The liver must become active each time THC is released from fatty tissue to convert the THC into non-psychoactive metabolites that can then be safely excreted from the body. This process, which converts THC to 11-hydroxy-THC and then to THC-COOH, occurs continuously as long as THC is released from fatty tissue. The liver's capacity to efficiently process THC and the rate at which it is excreted can therefore directly influence how long the effects of cannabis use last and how long THC is detectable in the body's system. This also explains why the duration of THC retention in the body can be significantly longer in regular users than in occasional users.
Although cannabis is considered relatively safe, there is evidence that intensive and long-term use can put a strain on the liver, especially in the presence of pre-existing liver diseases such as hepatitis or in the presence of concomitant alcohol consumption.
The interaction between cannabis and the liver is a complex field that requires further research. Consumers should be aware that the liver plays a key role in the processing of cannabis and that liver health can have a significant impact on the effects and tolerability of cannabis. As with all substances that can affect health, responsible use is essential.
