How can Cannabis help people with HIV/AIDS?
HIV is a typically asymptomatic virus that causes AIDS and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections. Research shows cannabis helps patients manage symptoms associated with HIV and AIDS treatments and may even help slow the progression of the virus. Most people don't even realize they may have HIV infection. The only way to find out is through testing. Health care providers can provide an HIV test and there are home test kits available. A number of organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offer free testing.
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Cannabis research might be limited, but there is no shortage of studies supporting the plant’s efficacy in eliminating nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss with a single puff. These effects can also help patients restore weight and maintain essential nutrients. Cannabis, whether inhaled or consumed as an extract, also targets neuropathic pain induced by HIV/AIDS therapy.
a pro-medical marijuana organization, cites various studies which suggest medical marijuana also helps HIV and AIDS patients who suffer from pain and weight loss.
Pieter McWilliams wrote about his experiences as an AIDS and cancer patient.
He spoke in depth about the role of cannabis in restoring a patient’s quality of life.
The word “cure” may be a stretch but a recent study at Temple University seems to indicate that THC, cannabis’ lifeblood, does in fact reduce negative symptoms associated with HIV.
One of the worst diseases known to mankind can be eased with a joint!
HIV patients may receive benefits from synthetic derivatives of THC, an active ingredient in marijuana, according to a new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology.
Researchers at the Temple University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania found that compounds related to THC stimulate the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor in white blood cells, which in turn seems to weaken HIV infection, says a press release from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).
THC Stimulate the Cannabinoid Type 2 (CB2) receptor in white blood cells, which seems to weaken HIV infection!
Previous studies have shown that activation of CB2 can lessen inflammatory response as well as the infectious nature of HIV in T cells and nervous system cells called microglia, the researchers write in their study. Using a cell culture model, they infected large white blood cells called macrophages with HIV and then added THC-like compounds, says FASEB.
The results showed that the growth of HIV diminished over time and that the activation of CB2 by these compounds may even protect against HIV-related complications.
CB2-mediated suppression of HIV infection doesn’t prevent HIV from entering cells, the team writes. “However, CB2 may affect the HIV-1 replication machinery,” they add.
“Results from a single-round infection with the pseudotyped virus revealed a marked decrease in HIV-1 LTR activation by the CB2 ligands. Together, these results indicate that CB2 may offer a means to limit HIV-1 infection in macrophages.”
This weakening of HIV infection could also boost the efficacy of anti-viral therapy, says FASEB.
Effects of Cannabis on HIV
HIV positive patients consuming medical marijuana have reported significant improvements in appetite, muscle pain levels, nausea, anxiety, depression, and skin tingling.
Studies have found that daily and chronic neuropathic pain related to HIV can be significantly lowered by regular cannabis consumption.
Medical marijuana also boosts appetite and daily functioning, helping to combat weight loss and muscle breakdown.
Research also suggests that consuming medical marijuana is safe for patients with HIV/AIDS.
While research surrounding marijuana’s potential treatment effects on the HIV virus itself, a recent study discovered that marijuana-like compounds blocked the spread of HIV virus during the late stages of the infection. Results from an animal trial also contribute to the theory that marijuana might be able to stop the spread of HIV.
Patients considering medical marijuana for HIV/AIDS symptom management should always consult a physician before using cannabis, but knowing what options are available can make a world of difference.
Leafly has a list of Strains that could help ease the
discomfort from HIV/AIDS
This article is for informational purposes only! If you, or someone you know, has the HIV virus and is considering using cannabis as a form of treatment, or taken alongside treatment, PLEASE consult a trusted Medical Marijuana Professional and your Dr. HIV is a serious, life threatening condition, but you can still enjoy the rest of your life with help from Cannabis.
If you are new to cannabis, it's recommend to start with CBD. Ask your trusted Medical Marijuana Professional and your Doctor about what plan of treatment is best for you. Start low and go slow.
Cannabis and HIV/AIDS Studies:
- Dronabinol and Marijuana in HIV-Positive Marijuana Smokers: Caloric Intake, Mood, and Sleep
- Cannabis Use in HIV for Pain and Other Medical Symptoms
- Cannabinoid Receptor 2 - Marijuana can block the spread of HIV
* * * Check out this book on Cannabis Therapy for HIV/AIDS * * *
Resources:
http://truthisscary.com/2013/05/marijuana-miracle-thc-may-help-cure-hiv/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFDpoXpzYR4
http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/hiv-aids-medical-marijuana-research/
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-and-hivaids
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Cannabidiol+inhibits+growth+and+induces+programmed+cell+death+in+kaposi+sarcoma-associated+herpes+virus-infected+endothelium
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857739
