Los Angeles, CA: Cannabis use is not associated with adverse outcomes following liver transplantation, according to data published in the journal Clinical Transplantation.
Researchers from the Dumont-UCLA Transplant and Liver Cancer Center at the David Geffen School of Medicine assessed the impact of pre and post-transplant marijuana use on liver transplant outcomes in a cohort of 900 patients.
Investigators reported, “[T]here were no statistical differences in post-operative outcomes, including patient/graft survival and post-LT [liver transplant] complications in pre- or post-LT users.”
They concluded, “These findings may help guide future policies regarding marijuana use in LT candidates, although confirmation utilizing larger cohorts is warranted.”
The findings are consistent with those of prior studies – such as those here, here, and here – reporting that marijuana use is not contraindicated in patients receiving organ transplants. Nonetheless, in several states – including some states that permit medical cannabis access – those with a history of marijuana use are ineligible to receive organ transplants.
Full text of the study, “The impact of marijuana use on liver transplant recipients: A 900 patient single center experience,” appears in Clinical Transplantation.