Increasing popularity of cannabis has gained a lot of attention in the past few years. More people are now using cannabis to manage various medical conditions, such as, arthritis pain, anxiety disorder, PTST, side effects of chemotherapy and symptoms of AIDS. Analgesic and antiemetic effects of cannabis could be beneficial for patients suffering from AIDS.
Moreover cannabis can be an efficient appetizer and help these patients to combat malnutrition due to the disease. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the medical community has opted for new ways to provide services to the people. Now you can consult a cannabis doctor through telemedicine and apply for an online medical card to legally avail the benefits of cannabis.
HIV or AIDS?
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) consists of a number of conditions that are led by human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). People often use AIDS and HIV interchangeably, although they are two separated terms. Since the beginning of its outbreak around 32 million people have died from the disease.
HIV attacks our immune system and weakens our ability to fight against invading viruses. During this time our body becomes more susceptible to engaging with infections and getting sick from minor illnesses. It is not possible to get completely rid of HIV, once it has contacted the body.
In medical terms HIV attacks the CD4 or T-cells which acts as a shield against these infections. AIDS is referred to as the final stage of HIV and not all patients with the virus advances to this stage.
Benefits of Cannabis in Managing HIV/AIDS Symptoms
THC Acts as an Appetizer
Patients with HIV can suffer from malnutrition due to the loss of appetite which can further weaken the immune system of the patient. Loss of appetite can cause patients to lose weight and appetizing effects of cannabis can help these patients to combat that.
In a case study conducted in 2005 on 523 HIV positive patients, about 27 percent (143 patients) used cannabis to aid from the symptoms of the virus. Among these 143 people, 97 percent of them had an increase in appetite which inturn helped them to maintain a good nutrition intake.
Manage Nausea With Cannabis
As, yet we do not have a solution to get completely rid of HIV once it enters our body, the reason behind nausea becomes complex as the disease progresses. Nausea could occur due to irregular activities in our central nervous system, or gastronomical tract. In patients with HIV multiple functions in the body could be impaired and can cause dizziness or nausea.
The anti antiemetic effects of cannabis can help these patients to relieve form nausea and vomiting.
Cannabis Can be Used as a Mood Stimulant And Antidepressant
Mood elevating effects cannabis are rather more commonly known. THC present in cannabis can cause an increased dopamine and serotonin release and stimulate the neuron activity in our brain. Dopamine is associated with reward and motivation behavior and also influences motor activity in the body.
Serotonin is also referred to as the body’s natural opiate, and plays a role in stabilizing the mood and feeling of well being. Cannabis can help HIV/AIDS patients who might suffer from anxiety, mood disorders or depression.
Also Read: Tips For Teachers and Parents to Deal With an ADHD Child