AIDS or positive HIV status are often listed in state medical cannabis programs as a “qualifying condition” (a condition for which use of cannabis as treatment is approved).  So what benefit can we get for patients with AIDS or HIV from cannabis as medicine?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus which is a virus that can infect human beings and cause illnesses by disrupting the normal function of the immune system.  The complex of illnesses caused by HIV is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

While HIV is treatable, and a few rare cases of cure have been documented, it is generally a life-long, chronic illness.  With early intervention using anti-viral medications, HIV rarely progresses to AIDS any longer, though historically it accounted for many fatalities.

In those, now, rare cases of HIV progressing to AIDS, patients can develop cancers, infections, weight loss, fatigue, and life-threatening diarrhea.  Chronic HIV infection can lead to abdominal discomfort, nausea, weight loss, and neuropathic pain, primarily as adverse effects of the HIV treatment.  

Thankfully, full-blown AIDS is not seen very much anymore.  In those rare cases, cannabis can be useful for treatment of many symptoms including weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, and a range of other symptoms associated with treatment of related cancers if they develop.  

In chronic HIV infection, cannabis can play an important role addressing neuropathic pain, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, and nausea.  Of course, people with HIV infection also have increased risk of other symptoms like anxiety, depression, and insomnia just on the basis of their diagnosis – and cannabis can be helpful for those issues too.

The approach to treatment for HIV/AIDS patients will vary based on which symptoms or problems have arisen for that individual.  Attention to a personalized treatment plan is critical.  Focus on delivery methods that appropriately target the problem(s) as well as dosing and timing to achieve best, safest results will play a fundamental role in achieving best outcomes.  Avoiding excessive use and drug interactions are another critical piece of a safe and effective regimen.

If you have HIV or AIDS, cannabis could be a helpful medication for you.  However, it’s not just as simple as “go smoke some weed” and in fact, that approach is likely to be neither safe nor effective.  Seek knowledgeable and caring guidance from a Cannabinoid Specialist who can provide you with a science-based treatment plan and follow you closely to respond to changes in your health as well as anticipate problems before they arise.