Medical Marijuana and HIV/AIDS

Every day, we seem to be uncovering medical marijuana’s versatility even more. As we continue to learn about the cannabis plant and all it has to offer, the canna-community is uncovering the myriad benefits this green beauty can bring. Specifically, today, we’re focusing on the relationship between medical marijuana and HIV. Can medical marijuana help with HIV/AIDS? Are there any risks? What kind of symptoms can cannabis relieve?

Down below, we’re answering all of your questions and more. As something that’s not talked about enough in the cannabis industry, Elevate Holistics wants to make sure you understand the ins and outs of medical marijuana, HIV, and AIDS. Let’s get started with this interesting connection. 

Can Medical Marijuana Help HIV/AIDS?

First and foremost, can medical marijuana help HIV/AIDS? The keyword here — “help” — is vital, as medical marijuana cannot cure or treat the disease. However, studies show that cannabis may be beneficial in helping relieve the symptoms that HIV/AIDS can bring. 

Unfortunately, HIV/AIDS creates various complications in the body, resulting in adverse side effects and symptoms. These symptoms aren’t always easy to combat, and it can feel like a kick when you’re down on top of the other HIV/AIDS effects you’re experiencing. And, often, your medications don’t target these side effects, either. Thankfully, that’s exactly where medical marijuana comes into play. 

Marijuana and HIV intermix because the cannabinoids within the plant work to mediate the disease’s side effects. Experiencing things like nausea, muscle soreness, weight loss, and nerve pain are all common alongside HIV/AIDS, but medical cannabis appears to regulate these symptoms. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty details of it all later. Still, people have found serious relief from their HIV/AIDS symptoms through medical marijuana, helping the infection become more manageable in their daily lives. 

So, long story short: yes, medical marijuana can help HIV/AIDS — it just can’t cure it.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana for HIV/AIDS

Honestly, there are a lot of benefits of turning to medical marijuana for your HIV/AIDS. Medical marijuana HIV treatment is somewhat new but still incredibly appealing for those who have undergone unsuccessful treatment after treatment. Seeing an option that’s not only straightforward but comes from Mother Nature herself is a breath of fresh air for most with HIV/AIDS. Not to mention, it’s always lovely enjoying your medication with a smile on your face.

Along with the all-natural aspect of cannabis, HIV and marijuana pair well together because of the plant’s holistic effects. Instead of just targeting or relieving one area in the body, medical marijuana works throughout, ensuring that your body — as a whole — is in the best state possible. This can do wonders for those with HIV/AIDS, as the disease doesn’t just affect one part of the body, either. Because of this, turning to cannabis allows a lot of patients to finally retake control of their health, seeing that relief in varying degrees is more than possible. 

What Symptoms Can Marijuana Relieve?

So, what kind of HIV/AIDS symptoms can marijuana relieve? These results will differ from person to person, as everyone is unique regarding their experience with cannabis. However, some of the most common symptoms that cannabis may relieve are nerve pain, wasting syndrome, nausea, and weight loss. We talk about these symptoms in detail below, allowing you to see how HIV and medical marijuana interact within the body.

Marijuana and HIV Nerve Pain

One of the most common benefits of medical marijuana consumption is relief from nerve pain — or just chronic pain, in general. Recently, substantial evidence has come forward presenting marijuana’s efficacy towards helping nerve pain due to the cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. 

When you consume cannabis, the cannabinoids within the plant work to find areas of excess inflammation, regulating the chemicals producing it while also regulating your brain’s pain perception. Thus, your overall discomfort levels tend to reduce, and you can better manage symptoms like muscle spasms. 

Pair this with your regular treatment regimen (with your doctor’s permission, of course), and you may have the recipe for the relief you’ve been hoping for.  

Marijuana and HIV Wasting

One of the most widespread qualifying medical conditions for an MMJ card is wasting syndrome — or unwanted loss of at least 10% of a person’s body weight, both fat and muscle. Typically, this kind of illness also brings about severe nausea, vomiting, and fevers. Unfortunately, this is quite a typical result of HIV/AIDS, leaving many to struggle with appetite or gaining/maintaining weight. But, as we mentioned, cannabis can be highly successful in combating this frustrating syndrome. 

As you probably know, a lot of people associate medical marijuana with the “munchies.” Essentially, it’s pretty standard for people to enjoy medical cannabis and then find themselves feeling hungrier than usual. Increased appetites can be an excellent side effect for those who often struggle to eat what they want or when they want. The science behind this is still a bit muddy, but it appears as though MMJ may stimulate appetite by activating specific CB receptors in the brain. 

Having this increased appetite — on top of enhanced taste and smell to make everything seem even more appealing — can be life-changing for those suffering from wasting syndrome or cachexia. With medical marijuana and HIV/AIDS, gaining weight back seems far more feasible than before. 

Marijuana and Nausea 

A lot of patients are also quite aware of marijuana’s effects on nausea. Having a constantly upset stomach doesn’t make eating any easier, which helps lead to weight loss — as we discussed above. Unfortunately, nausea is pretty common for those with HIV/AIDS, creating quite a dangerous cycle for those who don’t have solutions. 

Fortunately, cannabis and calm stomachs go hand in hand. Turning to medical marijuana to ease nausea is incredibly common both for its ease and efficacy. Without these nauseous feelings, you’re able to fully enjoy your food, nourishing your body in the ways it needs most. Thanks, MMJ.

Does CBD Interact with HIV Medications?

This depends on the medication, how much CBD you’re taking, and a few other factors. For the most part, it is unlikely that your CBD products will interact with HIV medications; however, it isn’t impossible.

Before consuming any CBD, you should speak with your doctor to see if they know of any potential drug interactions that may occur. From there, make sure to proceed with caution and only begin with a low dose. Then, you can see how your body reacts and consume a bit more as long as everything goes smoothly. 

Generally, the medicinal world considers CBD relatively safe and you shouldn’t have any issue consuming some with your typical HIV medications. But, you just never know! So, it’s best to be safe and have an honest conversation with your doctor first before moving on. 

Side Effects of Marijuana for HIV/AIDS

Thankfully, there aren’t too many serious side effects when it comes to marijuana and HIV/AIDS. In general, with marijuana use, you may experience side effects like fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, or paranoia. If you consume more cannabis than your body is used to, it becomes more likely for you to have an adverse reaction to the drug. Thus, we highly suggest starting with a very low dose of cannabis and waiting for your body’s response before consuming more. This can help ensure the most comfortable experience possible. 

As we mentioned above, there is a chance that the drugs you’re taking will have a bad reaction to your cannabis consumption. These side effects will vary depending on the drug and other circumstances; but, that’s why we stress meeting with your doctor first. 

Best Cannabis Strains for HIV/AIDS

Essentially, any cannabis strain that helps relieve pain, stimulate appetite, and put a smile on your face is a great marijuana strain for HIV/AIDS. However, there are some high-quality marijuana strains out there that have effects ideal for these conditions. Here are some of the best cannabis strains for HIV/AIDS.

GSC

GSC — previously known as Girl Scout Cookies but, ya know, legalities — is not only one of the most popular strains on the market, but it’s also fantastic for those with HIV/AIDS. This hybrid strain is known for its hunger-inducing effects. GSC helps you eat just what you want and without any of the uncomfortable side effects you’re used to. Alongside stimulating the appetite, GSC is good for combating full-body pains and providing a dose of calm. Truly, this strain is the perfect option for those with HIV/AIDS wanting to put on a bit of weight. 

Zkittlez

A deep indica strain, Zkittlez is not only delicious to consume, but it brings relaxation to a whole new level. The Zkittlez strain is a great option for those looking to experience some body-heavy pain relief while the mind drifts into a more calm, level-headed space. Many people choose to enjoy this fruity strain before bed, as it helps provide a deeper, more restful night of sleep thanks to pain relief and muscle relaxation. 

GG4

Finally, we can’t talk about the best strains for HIV/AIDS without mentioning GG4. Also known as Gorilla Glue #4, this hybrid strain works beautifully for providing pain relief and a whole lot of bliss. Sometimes, we all need a little pick-me-up to get us motivated and back on our feet, and GG4 is the perfect strain to do that. This funky, skunky strain works to combat deep-seated pains and anxious minds, all while putting a smile on your face.

Is HIV/AIDS a Qualifying Medical Condition for MMJ Cards?

Yes! As a matter of fact, HIV/AIDS is one of the most common qualifying conditions for getting a medical marijuana card. Pretty much every legal state has stated that AIDS/HIV is a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card. Even if they don’t outright state it — think Maryland — it still falls under the “chronic or severe medical condition” category. 

Even if your state didn’t accept medical marijuana cards for AIDS/HIV, you could still very likely get it for other conditions, such as wasting syndrome, chronic pain, or chronic nausea. Chances are, though, if you have HIV/AIDS, you shouldn’t have any issue getting a medical card in your legal state — especially when you go through a service like Elevate Holistics‘. 

How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card

Obtaining a medical marijuana card these days may be a bit easier than you thought. And, here at Elevate Holistics, that’s our whole goal. With our services, we work to get you a medical recommendation for your MMJ card in just three simple steps — all from home, too. That’s right: our services are 100% online and hassle-free. You don’t have to be a technological genius to figure it out, either.

For specific steps on how to get a medical card in your state, head on over to our state How-To pages! This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect when going into the process itself. And, if you have any other cannabis-related questions, our experts at Elevate Holistics will provide you with all the information you need. Through us, getting your medical marijuana card for HIV/AIDS doesn’t have to be stressful — in fact, let us make it the opposite. Get yourself pumped up today and book an appointment through the button down below. Before you know it, you’ll be finding the perfect cannabis product for you and your HIV/AIDS symptoms.