Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C

Benefits of Cannabis: Cannabis is used primarily in symptom management and has been shown to improve patient compliance with and does not interfere with response to the modern, effective HCV treatments available.

Risks of Cannabis: Some studies have suggested that cannabis may increase the risk for the development of scarring and fatty liver in HCV patients. More recent studies have shown cannabinoids likely decrease the risk of developing fatty liver, liver cancer, inflammation and fibrosis. At this point in time it appears the benefits outweigh the risks.

Suggested Initial Therapy [Inhaled Cannabis]: inhaled cannabis works within minutes and is preferred for acute pain and nausea symptoms. Flower strains high in the Limonene terpene will be more effective. Vape cartridges are convenient and discrete. Delta-8-THC is much more effective than Delta-9-THC in relieving nausea whilst having less of an euphoric effect. Use as needed.

Suggested Initial Therapy [Tinctures]: Inhaled cannabis can be used, especially for intermittent symptoms to achieve an immediate response. The chronic symptoms will be better addressed using tinctures. CBD and THC should be used, the addition of CBG may help to decrease inflammation/pain symptoms.

• CBD Tincture: start at 16 mg dose of a whole plant extract, use every 12 hours. The CBD will help with inflammation, depression, anxiety and pain symptoms.
• THC Tincture: use an “indica” THC tincture to fully leverage the entourage effect. Start at a 5mg THC dose administered with CBD/CBG tinctures. The THC will help relieve some pain symptoms, nausea, improve fatigue, and help to decrease inflammation.
• CBG Tincture: CBG will decrease inflammation. Start at 8 mg CBG tincture administered with the CBD tincture.

Titration of Doses: after 7 days of therapy, adjustment of dose may be considered. Tincture doses are modified based on response. The THC tincture should be titrated up if chronic nausea is the issue, all tinctures if other symptoms are involved. Adjustment of dose should be considered based on the patient's response every week or two. If side effects are experienced, the last dose administered which was well tolerated should be used.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided is for educational purposes to assist medical cannabis patients in using the medication. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and cannabis is not approved by this agency for the use in diagnosis or treatment of any diseases.

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