A cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of pathogenic viruses (particularly those causing hepatic related conditions such as hepatitis B and C), and most particularly for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, having a cannabidiol structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for the prevention and treatment of pathogenic viruses (particularly those causing viral hepatic related conditions such as hepatitis B and C), and most particularly for HCV is also disclosed.