Marijuana and HIV

Marijuana, or cannabis as it is also referred to, is widely recognized as being effective for HIV/AIDS sufferers. The substance has anti-emetic and analgesic properties, which has been recognized by various official scientific studies. It has been suggested that marijuana is the only substance that can be used singularly to relieve HIV/AIDS and Cancer sufferers form simultaneous ailments such as pain, nausea and appetite loss. A survey undertaken in 2004 suggested that over 25% of all HIV and AIDS sufferers were using cannabis for medicinal purposes. Cannabis can provide relief from pain, ease anxiety and depression and improve appetite. AIDS wasting syndrome develops as a result of the HIV infection. This is where a rapid decrease in weight occurs coupled with a lack of appetite which increases the severity of the weight loss. This weakens those with HIV so extensively due to the already weakened state of their immunity and health. If this area can be effectively tackled it will provide HIV sufferers with the energy to fight the virus for longer and stave off “opportunistic infections”.

Cannabis was first recognized medically as a tool for increasing weight in an individual in the 1970’s. Marijuana and HIV was put under a series of clinical trials involving the drug and a placebo on other patients. Patients given the drug reported substantial pain relief and an increase in appetite. The drug has also been tested for the effects on Protease Inhibiters and it has been concluded that when inhaled, cannabis does not interfere with this medical treatment.