HIV patients have long been wondering whether medical marijuana can help with easing and controlling symptoms associated with the immune disease. Recent studies have shown the efficacy of medical marijuana in eliminating appetite loss, nausea, and other typical issues affecting people with HIV. Patients have reported improvements in symptom control and reduced anxiety as they try to live normally amid the daily challenges they encounter. The benefit of medical marijuana is that patients can go beyond smoking to control HIV symptoms. There are CBD oils, edibles, and low-THC prescription medications available that patients can try if they’re not comfortable smoking. However it’s consumed, medical marijuana offers benefits to patients battling HIV.
Medical Marijuana Stimulates The Appetite
One of the most persistent symptoms of HIV is loss of appetite, also called wasting. HIV-related weight loss is common among patients because they’re not hungry due to constant pain and negative feelings. Some studies have connected medical marijuana to improved appetite, as studies dating back to 2005 have shown that a considerable number of patients expressed varying levels of appetite improvement. Additionally, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) approved the THC-contained prescription drug Marinol, which helps to stimulate appetite. Marijuana products are known to make people hungry after consumption, so they’re reliable for patients who need to improve their appetites while trying to treat symptoms. Interestingly, HIV wasting syndrome was one of the conditions that sparked talk and interest in the use of medical marijuana. Doctors advocated that the appetite-stimulating properties of marijuana could benefit people experiencing unexplained weight loss.
Providing Chronic Pain Relief
HIV patients often deal with chronic pain, which can be very stressful, particularly pain in the joints, muscles, and nerves. Nerve pain, also called peripheral neuropathy, occurs due to motor, automatic, or sensory nerve damage, leading to uncomfortable stabbing or burning sensations in hands and feet. HIV and antiretroviral medications will cause pain while weakening the immune system, making patients more susceptible to pain and infections.
Studies have seen HIV patients report progress with easing nerve pain using medical marijuana. Standard marijuana products such as edible concentrates and cannabis flowers offer pain reduction and improve the quality of life, reducing depression and fatigue. Inhaling small amounts of THC multiple times a day can help counteract the harsh effects of peripheral neuropathy while also helping patients to sleep better. The cannabinoids found in medical marijuana ease pain intensity, not only for HIV patients but for patients battling other diseases like cancer and other chronic pain conditions.
Improving The Mood While Relieving Anxiety
Medical marijuana is a good source patients can use to reduce anxiety associated with HIV. Mood disorders are commonplace for HIV patients, arising due to various psychological, physical, and social pressure they face daily. The anxiety can also cause nausea and other gastrointestinal problems, adding to the struggles. Medical marijuana products and prescriptions can help HIV patients address the pressures they face and improve their mood.
Instead of anxiety and depression, medical marijuana can promote feelings of self-confidence, calmness, and euphoria, helping patients to feel at ease and develop more energy in fighting their health battles. Additionally, medical marijuana reduces instances of nausea for patients while motivating them to stick to their antiretroviral therapies. Make sure to talk to your physician before using any medical marijuana products to ease HIV symptoms. Book an appointment on our website and find out how you can receive a recommendation for medical marijuana online in Texas.
Dr. Glider is a board certified Internal Medicine Specialist. He received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2017 and was one of the first recommending physicians with DocMJ. In addition to medical marijuana recommendations, Dr. Glider continues to practice Internal and Geriatric Medicine in private practice. Additionally, he serves as Medical Director for a home health company, supervising and educating staff, as well as supervising an advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners for a transitional care program.
Dr. Glider graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery in Des Moines, IA and completed his residency at Saddlebrook General Hospital in Saddlebrook, NJ. He has received several honors and awards throughout his professional career, including a City of Des Moines Merit Award and a Chamber of Commerce Award (Port St. Lucie, FL). Dr. Glider is an experienced and caring physician who is loved and respected by his peers and his patients.