What is HIV/AIDS ?
HIV is a short form of human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that weakens your immune system to the extent that it can’t even fight minor illnesses. This virus is the cause of AIDS in people.
AIDS is chronic and one of the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana. A person gets AIDS when the HIV virus badly damages their immune system. You can also call it the last stage of HIV infection.
Currently, there is no treatment for HIV/AIDS; however, early detection of the virus and the use of the right medications, such as medical cannabis, can help manage the condition and prevent it from worsening.
What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?
The symptoms vary from person to person and the stage of the condition. Some people experience no symptoms initially, while others see them early on.
These are some of the symptoms of HIV/AIDS that you must know:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph glands
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Sweats
- Weight loss
Medical Marijuana and HIV/AIDS
There’s currently no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS. Every treatment present is to manage the symptoms and reduce the growth of the virus.
Where traditional treatments and medications have adverse side effects, medical marijuana has become one of the most common ways to treat HIV/AIDS symptoms. The best part about weed? Little to no side effects.
Research from the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes found that using medical marijuana along with antiretroviral therapy helps people stick to their treatments.
It’s especially helpful as it can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. While HIV/AIDS often causes appetite loss, a 2007 study found that smoking marijuana helped patients increase their food intake as well as having a positive impact on their sleep and mood.
Similarly, a 2008 study also found that smoking medical marijuana helped reduce neuropathic pain in HIV patients and significantly improved their mood.
Another study suggests that cannabinoid receptors might help directly to suppress HIV replication.
How Medical Marijuana Helps With HIV/AIDS Symptoms
One of the key reasons that HIV/AIDS patients benefit from medical marijuana is that it can help manage and reduce many of its associated symptoms. It helps the immune system to work efficiently thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
HIV/AIDS patients often suffer from appetite loss and cachexia (wasting syndrome). This can cause them to lose weight and muscle at an alarming rate, as well as have a severe negative impact on their immune system. Medical marijuana helps counteract cachexia and improve appetite.
Antiretroviral therapy is the most helpful treatment for HIV/AIDS, but it can result in side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Marijuana helps with nausea/vomiting relief, which helps HIV/AIDS patients tolerate their treatment more effectively and avoid unwanted side effects.
HIV/AIDS can also cause severe, chronic pain, which can be counteracted by marijuana’s analgesic effects. On top of that, medical marijuana can improve your sleep and reduce anxiety and depression, all of which can help sufferers of HIV/AIDS live a more healthy and positive life.
How to Use Medical Marijuana for HIV/AIDS
There are many ways to consume cannabis products. It really comes down to your personal preferences. Here are some of the most common methods that people love:
- Smoking
- Vaping
- Edibles
- Tinctures
Each method varies in how quickly it takes effect and how long the effects last.
How to Get Medical Marijuana for HIV/AIDS
Numerous states in the US allow the use of medical marijuana to treat HIV/AIDS. However, to use medical weed for HIV or AIDS, they must obtain a medical marijuana card. Here is how you can get yours:
- Visit a medical marijuana doctor so he can check your symptoms and condition.
- If the doctor approves, they will provide a recommendation and help you apply online for a medical card.
- After state approval, you will get your card within 2 weeks.
A medical marijuana card allows you to buy cannabis products from medical marijuana dispensaries nearby. If you need help with finding a marijuana doctor and getting your marijuana card in Florida, we can help.
FAQs About Medical Cannabis and HIV/AIDS
Does marijuana help or hurt with HIV?
Medical marijuana helps patients with HIV to treat their symptoms. It helps with symptoms like pain relief, nausea, and appetite loss.
What are the best marijuana strains for HIV and AIDS?
Several strains are effective against HIV and AIDS. Some are:
- White Willow
- Sour Diesel
- Diamond OG
