HIV (human immunodeficiency virus infection) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refer to a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Symptoms

After having been infected with the virus patients usually experience a brief period of influenza-like illness. After the initial phase there is a period without any symptoms. The progression of the infection interferes with workings of the immune system, making the patient susceptible to common infections. The late symptoms of the infection are referred to as AIDS where complications arise in the form of various AIDS-defining conditions such as pneumocystis pneumonia, severe weight loss and  Kaposi’s sarcoma cancer .

Causes

HIV transmission can occur via:

– unprotected sexual intercourse (this includes anal and oral sex)
– contaminated hypodermic needles
– contaminated blood transfusions,
– from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding

HIV is not transmitted with bodily fluids such as saliva, sweat or tears.

Treatment

Cannabis has been shown to be extremely effective at treating several important symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Most patients still use smoking as the preferred route of taking their cannabis. We suggest using a vaporiser instead as it has many more positive effects. Extracts in the form of tinctures can also be used as they have a longer time of action.

A 1:1 THC:CBD strain is a good starting point, as both of theses constituents have a positive effect on the symptoms of this disease. Also cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a powerful anti-emetic (via 5-HT1A receptor) so acidic tinctures are also indicated.

The major symptoms that are alleviated with the use of cannabis are:

Mood-improving/antidepressant – THC is known to improve the mood and CBD has a anti-anxiety effect.
Anti-nausea – THC, CBD and especially CBDA have all proven to reduce the nausea feeling in most patients
Appetite stimulant – THC stimulates appetite
Analgesic – many cannabinoids and terpens present in cannabis have an positive effect in preventing severe and debilitating pain
Reduces peripheral neuropathy – CBD is neuroregenerative, neuroprotective and  suppresses nerve pain.