Cannabis Compounds May Treat Common Liver Disease

Study finds CBD and CBG could reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Compounds found in cannabis, including cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), have shown promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which affects about one-third of the global adult population. The study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, found that these non-intoxicating cannabinoids significantly reduced liver fat and improved metabolic health in experimental models. Unlike THC, CBD and CBG do not produce a 'high', making them potential candidates for long-term medical treatment.

Why it matters

MASLD, which is closely linked to obesity and insulin resistance, currently has few approved pharmaceutical treatments, leaving patients to rely largely on difficult-to-maintain lifestyle changes. The study's findings identify a new mechanism by which CBD and CBG could enhance liver function and metabolism, potentially providing a new path for treating this widespread condition.

The details

The research found that CBD and CBG created a 'backup battery' for the liver by increasing levels of phosphocreatine, a high-energy molecule. This energy reserve helped the organ function under the stress of a high-fat diet. The compounds also restored the activity of 'cellular cleaning crews' known as cathepsins, which broke down harmful fats and waste, allowing the liver to better clear out dangerous lipids. While both compounds were effective, CBG showed more robust results in certain areas, such as reducing total body fat mass and improving insulin sensitivity.

  • The study was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology on March 9, 2026.

The players

Joseph Tam

The lead study author and director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research at Hebrew University.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The institution where the research was conducted and published.

British Journal of Pharmacology

The peer-reviewed journal that published the study.

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What they’re saying

“Our findings identify a new mechanism by which CBD and CBG enhance hepatic energy and lysosomal function.”

— Joseph Tam, Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research at Hebrew University (Press release)

What’s next

The researchers cautioned that further clinical trials are necessary to determine the proper application of CBD and CBG for human patients with MASLD.

The takeaway

This study opens a new path for using plant-based compounds to treat metabolic diseases by focusing on how cells manage energy and waste, potentially providing a new option for the one-third of adults affected by the common liver condition.