What is the Hepatic System and How Does it Work?

Cannabis can be consumed in many different ways – from ingestion to inhalation, absorption, and more.  With this being the case, it is important to recognize and understand that each method can result in a different response by the body.  This is primarily due to whether the cannabinoids taken in are subjected to one’s first-pass metabolism, which is a process undertaken by the body’s hepatic system.

What is the Hepatic System?

The hepatic system, also known as the hepatic portal system, is a critical component of the human body.  This is due to its role in the digestion and metabolism of nutrients and the detoxification of harmful substances.

The central organ of this system is the liver, but it also includes the portal vein, hepatic arteries, and bile ducts.  This system plays a vital role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, processing nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract, and eliminating toxins.

Components of the Hepatic System

The liver, which is the largest internal organ in the body, is the cornerstone of the hepatic system.  In addition to filtering toxins from blood, the liver is believed to be responsible for performing over 500 essential functions, including,

• production of bile to help digest fats
• synthesis of important proteins such as albumin and clotting factors
• storage of vitamins and minerals

The liver also regulates blood sugar levels by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage and releasing it when needed.

To perform its various functions, the liver is flooded with blood from the digestive organs and spleen through the portal vein.  This nutrient-rich blood is then processed by the liver while simultaneously being fed with oxygenated blood by the hepatic arteries – ensuring that it has the oxygen it needs to perform its functions.

The bile ducts transport bile produced by the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine, where it aids in the digestion of fats.

How the Hepatic System Works

The hepatic system functions as a highly efficient processing and detoxification center.  When blood from the digestive tract enters the liver through the portal vein, as previously described, the liver cells, or hepatocytes, begin to metabolize nutrients.  This means that,

• carbohydrates are converted into glucose and stored as glycogen
• proteins are broken down into amino acids
• fats are processed into fatty acids and cholesterol.

The liver also detoxifies various substances, including alcohol, drugs, and toxins.  Enzymes in the liver convert these harmful compounds into less toxic substances that can be excreted by the kidneys or intestines.

The Role of the Hepatic System in Cannabis Consumption

Now that you have a basic understanding of the purpose of the hepatic system and how it works, this knowledge can be applied to cannabis consumption.

Cannabis consumption introduces cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), into the body.  These cannabinoids are subsequently metabolized by the liver, which is a process that affects their potency and duration of effect.

When cannabis is consumed orally, it is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream and transported to the liver via the portal vein.  Here, it undergoes first-pass metabolism, a process where a significant portion of the cannabinoids is metabolized before reaching systemic circulation.  This reduces their bioavailability, meaning less of the active substance reaches the bloodstream, but it also produces potent metabolites.

THC, for example, is metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that is more potent and has a longer duration of action than THC itself.  CBD undergoes similar metabolic processes, though it does not produce psychoactive effects.  The efficiency of this metabolic process can vary greatly between individuals due to genetic differences, age, liver health, and other factors.

Variability in Hepatic System Functionality

The hepatic system does not work the same for everyone.  Genetic variations can significantly influence the activity of liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing substances.  Some people may metabolize drugs and other compounds more quickly or more slowly than others, affecting their efficacy and toxicity.

Age is another important factor; liver function tends to decline with age, which can impact the metabolism and clearance of drugs and other substances.

Health conditions, such as liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, can severely impair liver function and alter the metabolism of substances like cannabis.

Additionally, the concurrent use of other medications can inhibit or induce liver enzymes, further affecting the metabolism of cannabis.

Does the Role of the Hepatic System Remain the Same Regardless of Consumption Method?

It is important to recognize that the role of the hepatic system can vary depending on the method of cannabis consumption.

When cannabis is consumed orally, it undergoes significant first-pass metabolism in the liver, reducing the bioavailability of cannabinoids but producing potent metabolites.

In contrast, when cannabis is smoked or vaporized, cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs, bypassing the liver initially.  This method results in higher bioavailability and quicker onset of effects because the cannabinoids reach the brain faster.  While they eventually reach the liver for metabolism, first-pass metabolism is avoided.

Transdermal and sublingual methods of cannabis administration also bypass first-pass metabolism.  When applied to the skin or under the tongue, cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, providing higher bioavailability and more consistent dosing.  These methods are often preferred for medical use because they offer a more controlled delivery of cannabinoids and avoid the variability associated with oral consumption.

Conclusion

The hepatic system is a complex and vital component of human physiology that is crucial for processing and detoxifying substances, including cannabis.   Its role in cannabis metabolism is significant, as it directly affects the strength of effects felt by the user, the duration in which they are felt, and how quickly they onset.

TL;DR

The hepatic system, primarily involving the liver, is crucial for nutrient metabolism, detoxification, and bile production.  In cannabis consumption, the liver metabolizes cannabinoids like THC and CBD, affecting their potency and duration.  Individual variations in liver function, influenced by genetics, age, health, and drug interactions, impact cannabis metabolism.  Different consumption methods (oral, inhalation, transdermal, sublingual) alter the liver’s role and cannabinoids’ bioavailability.