HIV Positive
The CDC classifies HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) as a virus that attacks the immune system. HIV left untreated can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is easily transmissible so care must be taken if someone is diagnosed HIV Positive.
HIV can be controlled with proper medical care, however, there may be side effects from treatment. Weed for HIV treatment shows promise.
HIV Risks
Unfortunately, HIV has no effective cure. Once someone has HIV they have it for life. HIV is a cross-species infection that originated from chimpanzees’ SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus) as far back as the 1800s. HIV exploded in the United States in the 1970s, but in the decades since, HIV has become more manageable and many of those diagnosed as HIV positive are able to lead fulfilling lives with minimal danger.
HIV Symptoms
Some studies suggest that there may be benefits to treating HIV with weed. Acute HIV infection generally results in flu-like symptoms 2 to 4 weeks after infection and may last for a few weeks. These symptoms include fever, headaches, rashes, sore throat, and mouth sores, among others.
As the infection continues, HIV progresses to Chronic HIV, to Symptomatic HIV. Further progression results in AIDS. With today’s modern treatments, most people diagnosed with HIV do not develop AIDS. If left untreated, HIV becomes AIDS within a decade.
There are treatments for HIV that patients can take now that can help prevent the development of AIDS, but often these medications come with tough side effects, like fatigue, queasiness, diarrhea, headaches, and other body pains. The most common side-effects of HIV medications usually include weight loss, appetite problems, and nerve pain. Thankfully, medicinal marijuana can supplement HIV medications.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help?
Nerve pain, the result of damaged nerves, can feel like stabbing, burning, or tingling sensations on your hands and feet. HIV and antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV can trigger these pains. According to Web MD, a study suggested that medicinal marijuana helped with nerve pain in HIV patients.
Though few comprehensive surveys exist that look at how HIV and marijuana may interact, there is evidence suggesting marijuana has a role to play in combating HIV/AIDS Wasting Syndrome. To combat weight loss associated with HIV and AIDS, given the illegality of marijuana in the mid-80s through the 1990s, doctors would prescribe Marinol, a synthetic form of THC, which is an active ingredient in cannabis.
Because of the body’s naturally cannabinoid receptors, the presence of CBD and THC in marijuana products allows these chemicals to bond with sites in the body, helping to reduce pain and inflammation in places such as the stomach and liver. This allows weed to treat HIV symptoms.
How Ozark MMJ Cards Can Help
HIV/AIDS is one of both Arkansas’ and Missouri’s qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card, and it is frequently used for certification in Oklahoma as well. If you seek to introduce medicinal marijuana into your treatment of chronic HIV symptoms or reduce the side effects of HIV medication, Ozark MMJ Cards is here to help.
Contact us to begin your certification for medicinal marijuana today.