Introduction 

For many years, marijuana has been a widely debated subject, with many people arguing that it can be very dangerous for health and has no medicinal benefits. However, recent studies have proved them wrong and have informed that it offers various benefits, when used in the form of medicines. And the best part is that medical marijuana is quite beneficial to HIV patients. Well, it can’t cure HIV, but it helps in managing various symptoms or discomforts related to HIV. This is what you will learn from here. So, read on and understand how medical marijuana helps HIV/AIDS, allowing patients to live a comfortable life. 

Rising Cases of HIV and Related Concerns 

More than 1 million people in the USA are suffering from HIV. Besides, there are around 31000 new infections. Another report has informed that more than 7000 patients die due to HIV-related issues every year. Living with this disease is not that easy, and it creates a lot of challenges. HIV infection attacks the immune system or CD4 cells in the body, leaving patients vulnerable to different diseases and infections. Dealing with the side effects of medication, coping with growing emotional stress, and managing systems, patients need to handle a lot of things. 

As the number is rising, medical marijuana for HIV has emerged as an ideal and effective alternative treatment option, providing relief from side effects and symptoms. 

The Use of Medical Marijuana in Controlling Side Effects and Symptoms 

Medical marijuana contains various compounds, which are also called cannabinoids. These compounds have many positive effects on the endocannabinoid system. It is responsible for regulating different physiological processes, such as mood regulation, pain perception, immune function, and more. 

Medical marijuana products have demonstrated promising effects in managing HIV-related symptoms like appetite loss, vomiting, and nausea. Keep reading to know more about it. 

Helps In Increasing Appetite 

One of the most common side effects of HIV treatments is loss of appetite. However, it is crucial to avoid weight loss when suffering from HIV. Severe weight loss can lead to AIDS wasting syndrome. Well, medical marijuana for HIV can help boost appetite. A survey carried out on around 500 HIV patients informed that around 97 percent of them experienced an increase in their appetite. Medical cannabis can also boost caloric intake. With this, taking HIV medicines requires food intake. 

Reduces the Frequency of Nausea 

Another common symptom of this disease is nausea. In fact, the it can get worse as the disease progresses. Nausea can increase due to central nervous system disorders, hepatorenal dysfunction, or gastrointestinal issues. This can also increase due to different treatment methods used to treat HIV. 

Cannabidiol present in medical marijuana can ease nausea and vomiting. This compound activates a serotonin-receptor located in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. It may be noted that the FDA has approved the use of THC Analogue Dronabinol to treat HIV-caused appetite loss as well as nausea. 

Whether it is chemotherapy-induced nausea or general nausea, with medical marijuana, one can witness instant improvement in the condition. 

Helps Reduce Pain 

HIV can lead to debilitating or severe pain that can arise from different sources. These may include muscle pain, nerve or joint pain. Medical marijuana contains certain cannabinoids, like THC, and other activated receptors located in the brain that effectively regulate pain. On the other hand, these cannabinoids can also trigger receptors present in the immune system. This, in turn, controls inflammation or swelling. Studies have also proved that medical marijuana can improve neuropathy pain as well as paresthesia. 

Lowers Peripheral Neuropathy 

Peripheral neuropathy is a common type of pain among HIV patients. In this case, one or multiple nerves located in the peripheral nervous system become damaged, causing mild to severe pain. Besides, patients may also suffer from muscle loss, twitching, impaired coordination, or paresthesia. Medical marijuana can reduce all these symptoms.  In fact, medical marijuana for HIV can also lower the intensity of pain. The compounds present in marijuana trigger the production of arachidonylgycerol and anandamide. They function as a circuit breaker and reduce neuropathic pain. 

Helps Enhance Mood 

While dealing with HIV, patients can suffer from mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. This can happen due to psychological, social, and physiological pressures. More than 80 percent of HIV-positive patients experience these issues. However, using cannabis can help manage these symptoms. Medical cannabis produces euphoriant and anxiolytic through biochemical effects on receptors and neurotransmitters. This, in turn, improves anxiety and stress. They cause a good drug effect while enhancing self-confidence and feelings of stimulation and friendliness. 

Have Medical Marijuana Products Been Tested in HIV-Positive Patients?  

Yes. Many clinical studies on this have been successfully completed on how medical marijuana helps HIV/AIDS. And more clinical trials are underway. The results demonstrated by these studies are positive and safe. One prominent example of this is a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology. It informed that smoked medical marijuana is effective and well tolerated and helps reduce refractory pain caused by HIV. 

Is The Use of Medical Marijuana Effective for HIV Patients?  

After going through studies and reports, it can be concluded that medical marijuana is quite effective for HIV patients. Even though it can’t completely cure them, it eliminates appetite loss, vomiting, nausea, and more related to HIV treatment. It helps patients avoid weight loss and receive sufficient nutrients to stay healthy. 

Conclusion 

For patients looking for an effective alternative medicine, opting for medical cannabis will be an ideal option. However, before consuming medical marijuana for HIV, prefer to obtain your medical marijuana card by consulting a certified marijuana doctor. If you are new to this, then take the help of EZMedcard. Our certified doctors are highly experienced and evaluate your condition for medical marijuana. So, book your appointment with us today and get ready to take advantage of medical marijuana.