HIV/AIDS Marijuana Research Studies

Cannabis has long been recognized as an effective treatment for HIV/AIDS symptoms and medication side effects. According to a 2004 study published by the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome:

“A substantial percentage of cannabis users viewed it as beneficial for relief of symptoms commonly associated with HIV/AIDS. Relief from anxiety and depression were among the most frequently reported reasons for smoking cannabis, followed by appetite stimulation and relief of nausea.”

As researchers note:

“This finding is particularly relevant to issues of antiretroviral medication adherence. Nausea and anorexia are frequently cited as reasons for delayed or missed doses and discontinuation of ART.”

However, marijuana may do more than offer symptom relief. Researchers are also exploring the possibility that marijuana lowers viral replication by mediating neuroinflammation. Additional studies suggest cannabinoid receptor agonists may even work directly to suppress HIV-replication.

Before purchasing marijuana from a Florida medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) – or dispensary – patients must first qualify for a medical marijuana certification; CannaMD provides qualified patients with the state-required recommendation to complete this process.

According to Florida state law, patients suffering from HIV/AIDS may qualify for medical marijuana treatment.

Patients can see if they qualify for free by completing a brief form or calling 1 (855) 420-9170.

For additional information on HIV/AIDS, please see CannaMD‘s HIV/AIDS Patient Resource Page.

CannaMD welcomes the opportunity to connect with fellow physicians and facilitate medical cannabis care.

For additional information, including how to refer HIV/AIDS patients and request complementary referral cards, please visit CannaMD‘s Physician Resource Page.

While the list below is not exhaustive, we hope you will enjoy the following primary source articles reviewing HIV/AIDS and marijuana research:

• Cannabis use in HIV for pain and other medical symptoms
• Cannabinoid neuroimmune modulation of SIV disease
• Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs
• Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabivarin as a marker for the ingestion of marijuana versus Marinol: Results of a clinical study
• Heavy cannabis use associated with reduction in activated and inflammatory immune cell frequencies in antiretroviral therapy-treated human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals
• Patterns of marijuana use among patients with HIV/AIDS followed in a public health care setting
• WIN55,212-2-mediated inhibition of HIV-1 expression in microglial cells: Involvement of cannabinoid receptors