Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Understand how medical marijuana helps with AIDS.

Medical marijuana can help with the symptoms of AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It's the most advanced stage of HIV infection, which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. 

AIDS is a chronic condition that weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and illnesses. 

How AIDS develops

• HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, which are white blood cells that help the body fight infection.

• Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system, leading to AIDS.

• AIDS is characterized by a group of symptoms, including infections, cancers, and weight loss. 

Initial treatment

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can prevent or reverse damage to the immune system. 

• ART can also prevent HIV from being transmitted to others.

• With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.

How AIDS is spread 

• HIV is spread through body fluids, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids.

• HIV is not spread by kisses, hugs, or sharing food.

Medical marijuana can help with AIDS.

According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, medical marijuana helps treat a variety of painful symptoms associated with HIV AIDS. 

In addition to increasing appetite stimulation while reducing nausea and inflammation, cannabis also help reduce neuropathic pain, a burning sensation of the skin that occurs spontaneously or is triggered by even the most gentle touch.

Those diagnosed with HIV AIDS must also deal with the side effects of medications and cope with a chronic illness for the rest of their lives.

Although a happy coincidence, marijuana has also been demonstrated to help relieve feelings of anxiety and depression associated with AIDS.