Medical Marijuana and HIV/AIDS

Fatigue, nausea, and chronic pain are just some symptoms of those who have HIV or AIDS. Living with the condition can make life challenging, but another option might exist. While therapy can help manage the virus, many with HIV/AIDS seek alternative treatments to lessen the crippling effects. One such treatment that has gained popularity recently is medical marijuana. The verdict is still out on whether medical marijuana can effectively treat the symptoms of HIV/AIDS and how it can help against the virus. However, there might be some exciting information that could show medical marijuana's use. This blog will examine the current use of medical marijuana with patients and its potential advantages and disadvantages for HIV/AIDS patients.

HIV And AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV for short, is a virus that attacks your body's immune system. The virus targets helper T cells, which are important in keeping you healthy. Helper T cells call on B cells(white blood cells that make antibodies) to secrete antibodies and macrophages(a type of white blood cell that attacks invaders in the body) to destroy or ingest microbes. Adding to that, they also assist in the activation of cytotoxic T cells to kill infected target cells.  

When you get a scrape on the knee or get sick, you risk a microbe like bacteria or a virus entering your body. Your body's first layer of defense is the skin, but since it has already been penetrated, your second stage of defense is needed, which is the immune system. Your immune system is made of a combination of cells and tissue that all work together to make up a response to a foreign microorganism. In the case of HIV, your body's natural defense mechanism is weakened, making you prone to more severe infections that wouldn't usually be a problem. 

The virus travels throughout the body, killing specific white blood cells. This leads to other microorganisms taking advantage of the situation. These infections are called opportunistic infections. When someone has an HIV infection and has one or more opportunistic infections, they have AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV and is distinct by its heavy viral load and patients with a badly damaged immune system. 

Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

Without treatment, HIV or AIDS can lead to serious health problems, so being aware of the symptoms is important. The following are some of the most common symptoms of the condition:

Rash: There may be flat or raised red patches, small raised bumps, red or yellow scales, or blisters on the skin caused by HIV. The rash usually appears on the face, abdomen, legs, or arms. 

Flu-like symptoms: The first sign of an HIV infection is generally flu-like. They can occur within 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus. These symptoms may include sore throat or fever.

Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness, which may interfere with daily life. This can be a sign of a severe condition. 

Weight loss: An advanced HIV infection may also cause weight loss, possibly due to the virus attacking the digestive system.

Opportunistic infections: As we previously discussed, these infections occur when the immune system is compromised. These infections may include tuberculosis, pneumonia, and various types of cancer.

Treatment

Antiretroviral therapy, with other medical interventions, can help manage HIV/AIDS and improve a patient's life. ART is a medication that suppresses the virus and reduces HIV in the body. This medication attacks the infected helper T cells. This lets the body build back its immune system and decrease the viral load of the virus. Several classes of ART drugs work differently to target the virus at various stages of its life cycle. Combining these drugs in a personalized treatment plan can help prevent drug resistance and maximize their effectiveness.

In addition to ART, other medical interventions can help manage the symptoms and complications of HIV/AIDS. To tell if you are progressing in the right direction, your doctor will use tests that look at the number of helper T cells in your body(CD4 count) and an HIV viral load test. 

Can Medical Marijuana help HIV patients?

HIV patients tend to experience chronic pain and inflammation due to their condition. This issue has led to an overreliance on opioids to help those with low viral loads. The risk of addiction and overdose is a cause for concern to many. However, natural alternatives to traditional painkillers can be found in cannabis compounds like THC and CBD.

It is possible to experience nausea and vomiting when taking HIV medications. Medical marijuana can help manage these symptoms by reducing nausea and stimulating appetite. This is particularly important for HIV patients, as maintaining a healthy weight and diet is crucial for addressing the virus and maintaining overall health.

The Evidence

Currently, the evidence for marijuana and HIV is positive. Chronic pain is one of the most common symptoms that medical marijuana can help with. Many HIV/AIDS patients suffer from neuropathic pain. Medical marijuana has been shown in studies to help reduce pain and improve appetite.

Medical marijuana may also help with nausea and vomiting caused by HIV medications. This is especially important because adherence to HIV medications is critical to disease management, but many people stop taking them due to side effects. Medical marijuana can help reduce these side effects and improve medication adherence. One should remember that medical marijuana is not a cure for HIV. It should not be used to replace standard treatment. Medical marijuana might be a viable option for those suffering from symptoms not well-managed by conventional treatments.

Does smoking affect HIV treatment?

If you have HIV or AIDS, smoking may not be the best way to consume marijuana. Smoking can exacerbate the symptoms and complications associated with the condition. Smoking can weaken the immune system and put you at risk for respiratory infections like pneumonia, which can be very dangerous for those with HIV/AIDS. Consistent smokers have a higher chance of getting lung infections and suffer from fits of coughing and shortness of breath. The carcinogens present when you smoke can also put users at risk of developing certain types of cancer. Many professionals recommend quitting or not trying smoking while having HIV/AIDS. Patients should look for alternatives like edibles for a safer way of using medical marijuana. Vaping can also be an option as the flame burns more cleanly, but concerns about lung health remain. 

The Bottom Line

If left untreated, HIV will be a severe condition, so visiting your doctor and getting tested can save your life. If you are infected with HIV, it is not the end of the world; modern medicine has improved so that many can live healthy lives with treatment. While there is no cure for the condition, an undetectable test means the world, as it also means the virus is untransmittable. An undetectable test does not mean you are cured. The viral load is so tiny that current tests do not pick it up. For more information on other conditions, visit our conditions page.