Experts Report Cannabis Strains Work Better Than OTC Meds for HIV/AIDS Symptoms
Sep
Statistics show that 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV, with 13% unaware and are in need of testing. In 2021, there were a progressively estimated 32,100 new HIV infections, a 12% decline from 2017. That year, 36,136 people received an HIV diagnosis in the U.S. and its territories, with the highest rates in the South.
Recent studies suggest that cannabis strains may be more effective than over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Although the advent of an online dispensary that ships to all states makes it easier to access these products, understanding how cannabis aid HIV/AIDS symptoms provide a clearer purchasing decision.
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Marijuana can be more effective for anxiety and depression, diarrhea, fatigue, antiepileptics, and neuropathy than OTC medications.
- Preclinical and clinical evidence supports the anti-inflammatory effects of THC and CBD in patients with HIV.
- Cannabis increases the levels of ghrelin, an appetite-inducing hormone, to help stimulate appetite in HIV/AIDS patients.
HIV/AIDS
Mainstream medicine defines AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) as an immune system disease caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which spreads through sexual contact or blood.
AIDS can progress to conditions like anorexia and wasting syndrome, with common opportunistic infections including pneumonia, tuberculosis, candidiasis, meningitis, and certain cancers. Early symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes, and frequent colds or pneumonia. Advanced symptoms include chronic diarrhea, severe weight loss, and AIDS dementia.
HIV/AIDS Treatment
There is NO absolute cure for HIV/AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus and prevent complications. Everyone diagnosed with HIV starts ART, regardless of disease stage or complications. ART involves two or more medicines from different classes to suppress the virus and prevent resistance.
Classes of Anti-HIV Medicines
- Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs). Block a protein HIV needs to replicate.
- Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs). Faulty building blocks that inhibit HIV replication.
- Protease Inhibitors (PIs). Inactivate HIV protease, a protein necessary for HIV replication.
- Integrase Inhibitors. Prevent HIV from integrating its genetic material into CD4 T cells.
- Entry/Fusion Inhibitors. Block HIV’s entry into CD4 T cells.
Cannabis for HIV/AIDS
People living with early AIDS discovered medical cannabis could reduce AIDS symptoms and alleviate the adverse effects of AIDS medications. Inspired by these findings, scientists investigated further. Studies now show specific cannabinoids benefit AIDS patients.
A large study published by Clinical Nursing Research examines marijuana’s effectiveness in managing six common symptoms: anxiety, depression, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and peripheral neuropathy.
775 HIV/AIDS patients from the U.S., Africa, and Puerto Rico provided baseline data. The study compared cannabis or marijuana’s efficacy with prescribed and OTC medications and assessed its impact on adherence and quality of life.
Findings
Marijuana is perceived as effective as prescribed medications for HIV/AIDS symptom management:
- Cannabis users reported higher medication effectiveness across symptoms.
- Marijuana use lowers adherence to ARV (antiretroviral) medications.
- Marijuana users did not report more forgetfulness.
- Marijuana users rated their anxiety significantly lower than nonusers.
Cannabis vs. OTC Medications
Researchers used paired t-tests to compare the effectiveness of symptom management strategies. Due to the infrequency of some symptoms and the use of marijuana for these symptoms, sample sizes were small.
A total symptom effectiveness rating was created by summing the effectiveness ratings for both marijuana and medications (prescribed and OTC) across all symptoms and then comparing the means and standard deviations between users and non-users.
- Marijuana was rated slightly more effective than antidepressants for anxiety and depression, Imodium for diarrhea, OTC medications for fatigue, and both antiepileptics and OTC medications for neuropathy.
- Cannabis was rated slightly less effective for nausea compared to both prescribed and OTC medications.
Medical Cannabis Use as a Treatment on Other HIV and AIDS Symptoms or Side Effects
Patients with HIV/AIDS commonly suffer from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, neuropathy, appetite suppression, and inflammation. Doctors prescribe various OTC medications, which adds to the many drugs HIV patients already take. Therefore, some HIV patients turn to cannabis.
Inflammation
People with HIV commonly have persistent inflammation, which leads to serious complications like neurocognitive impairment, heart attacks, and even death. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps reduce inflammation when activated by cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Both preclinical and clinical studies support the anti-inflammatory effects of these cannabinoids.
Many cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory effects happen through the gut, particularly by stabilizing the gut barrier. This barrier consists of epithelial cells, tight junctions, and a mucus layer, which regulate the absorption of beneficial nutrients and protect against harmful bacteria and toxins entering the bloodstream from the gut.
Appetite
Some medications used to treat HIV, like ART, may lead to loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Drug interactions can increase the blood levels of these medications, potentially worsening these side effects.
Insulin, ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), and leptin regulate food intake and energy balance. Insulin’s primary function is to enable cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream following a meal. In contrast, ghrelin, PYY, and leptin are hormones that regulate appetite, each triggered by different stimuli.
In a 2011 study, researchers noticed changes in the appetite hormones ghrelin, PYY, and leptin after smoking cannabis. Ghrelin levels increased, and PYY levels decreased. These changes in hormones were similar in magnitude to those observed with food intake in volunteers.
Buy Cannabis Online at an Online Dispensary That Ships to All States
Online dispensaries that ship to all states provide various cannabis products suitable for convenience and discreet shipping and delivery. HIV/AIDS patients can buy weed and use different cannabis strains from a shop based on their symptoms.
Reliable service ensures these products are shipped directly to their homes. Spending money on the right cannabis products can greatly improve their quality of life.
| Feature | Red Congo | Gorilla Glue #4 | Jolly Rancher Sour Gummies | Jeeter Juice Cosmos 2G – Live Resin |
| Type | Sativa-dominant Hybrid | Indica-dominant Hybrid | Edible Gummies | Hybrid (50% Sativa & 50% Indica) |
| THC Content | 29% | 28% | 600 mg (120 mg per gummy) | 88% |
| CBD Content | 0% | 1% | 0 mg | 3% |
| Appearance | Light green with red pistils | Dense, compact, green buds | Assorted fruit-shaped gummies | Sleek and portable vape pen |
| Aroma | Citrus with a hint of spice | Pungent, earthy, with chocolate notes | Sweet | Dank, with notes of sage and pepper |
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, woody, citrus, sweet, spicy | Pine, chocolate, sour diesel | Fruity flavors (apple, raspberry, etc.) | Earthy, spicy, garlic |
| Effects | Energizing, uplifting, creative | Relaxation, euphoria, sedation | Euphoria, relaxation | Balanced high, relaxing body, creative |
| Benefits | Pain relief, focus, mood improvement | Pain relief, stress, insomnia relief | Helps with depression, anxiety | Pain, anxiety relief, creative tasks |
| Usage Recommendations | Smoking or vaping | Smoking or vaping | Start with half or one gummy | 2-3 puffs, monitor intake |
For first-time customers, look for positive reviews to help you purchase the right THC or CBD products. A reliable source of cannabis products guarantees quality and safety, which are important for medical use. When obtained, remember to begin with small doses to gauge your body’s response.
Note: We do not ship internationally, only in the US.
Manage HIV/ AIDS Symptoms with Cannabis
HIV/AIDS can cause a range of symptoms and side effects, which requires patients to rely on multiple medications to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Since HIV patients may experience various symptoms simultaneously, this means taking numerous medications.
Cannabis, delivered discreetly to your doorstep via GetLoud Cannabis, offers a potential single solution for managing all these symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended dosages for cannabis use in HIV/AIDS patients?
Cannabis dosage can vary based on your tolerance and the specific symptoms you need to treat. General guidelines are:
- Inhalation (smoking/vaping). Start with 1-2 puffs and wait 10-15 minutes to assess the effects.
- Edibles. Begin with a dose of 2.5-5 mg THC and wait 1-2 hours before consuming more.
- Tinctures. Start with a dose of 2.5 mg and adjust as needed. Wait at least 15-30 minutes to evaluate the effects.
How long does it take for cannabis to provide symptom relief?
- Smoking/Vaping. Effects occur within 1-15 minutes and peak at about 30 minutes. It lasts 2-3 hours.
- Edibles. Onset can take 30 minutes to 2 hours, with effects peaking at 4-6 hours and lasting up to 12 hours.
- Tinctures. Effects begin within 15-30 minutes and last 2-6 hours.
What methods of cannabis consumption HIV/AIDS patients can use?
Recommended methods include:
- Inhalation (smoking/vaping) for fast relief of acute symptoms.
- Edibles for prolonged effects and symptom management.
- Tinctures for flexible dosing and moderate onset.
- Topicals for localized pain relief without psychoactive effects.
How do different cannabis strains affect HIV/AIDS symptoms?
Indica strains are more sedative, provide adequate pain relief, and help with sleep. Sativa strains are more uplifting and can enhance mood and energy levels. Hybrid strains offer a balanced mix of Indica and Sativa effects, suitable for various symptoms.
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