In 2010, a group of marijuana smokers formed American Pot Smokers Association. Their goal was to educate the public about marijuana. Several members dedicated to legalization decided they wanted to be more advocate oriented. They created a grassroots Committee called “The New York State Committee To Legalize Marijuana” in 2011 (NYSCTLM). It’s mission was to get marijuana legalized and regulated like Alcohol and Cigarettes in New York State. Back then, we had over 20,000 followers on Social media platforms. It was entirely volunteer. We contributed to the legalization of marijuana in New York State. We had to be educated about Marijuana. Indeed, most of us smoked 'weed'. Here is the latest research into the effects of cannabis on individuals with HIV is ongoing, and findings have been mixed. Some potential benefits that have been suggested include:

(1) Appetite Stimulation: HIV can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss, which can further weaken the immune system. Cannabis may help stimulate appetite, potentially addressing this issue.

(2) Pain Relief: HIV and its treatments can sometimes cause pain, including neuropathic pain. Some components of cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), have been studied for their potential pain-relieving properties.

(3) Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabis, particularly certain cannabinoids, may have antiemetic effects, which could help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with both HIV and its treatments.

(4) Sleep Improvement: Individuals with HIV often experience sleep disturbances. Some people report improved sleep quality with the use of cannabis.

(5) Mood Enhancement: HIV can lead to psychological challenges, including depression and anxiety. Some users of cannabis report mood enhancement effects.

Given these potential benefits and risks, individuals with HIV who are considering using cannabis for symptom management should approach the decision cautiously and in consultation with their healthcare providers. Medical professionals can help assess the individual's specific medical history, current health status, and medication regimen to provide personalized guidance.

@A myHIVteam Member
Yes it does help me with my HIV. I have been using cannabis since I was 15 in middle school, 48 years ago, back when most of the available ganja was homegrown here in Hawaii. 38 years of HIV and still functioning as a productive human being. Readily available through the 5 dispensaries here on Maui where there used to be 6 with one in Lahaina lost to the fire.
Initially, we started off having just 2 dispensaries and the demand has grown. Hawaii is medical use only and prescribed by my HIV specialist, all I pay is the state fees of 72 dollars for 2 years for my 329 card that I can use on any of the Hawaiian Islands where each has dispensaries available. If it has helped you in the past then by all means include this in your meds. Depending on what state you live in, if you are in the US, each state has it's own laws governing marijuana and its legal availability.
This is my latest purchase from Pono Life Maui 1 oz of hybrid Durban 99. It does a body and soul good, speaking from my experience. When I have this amount on hand, I use my old coffee bean grinder to grind 1/4 ounce for easier and convenient bowl loading or for rolling some blunts using pre-rolled cones or add a tablespoon of it to my pancake mix turning it into an edible. Ingesting an edible has a delayed reaction to its effects.
When traveling, I bring along my vape pen with cannabis cartridges that I am allowed to carry onto the flight when I travel to the continental US.
Cannabis has been quite the crutch I need during the devastation that happened here on Maui in Lahaina last month.
Using cannabis will allow some persons to become lazy and unmotivated and only want to eat and sleep while other persons to become motivated and highly productive and also creative. Indica strain to relax and sleep, Sativa strain to get moving finding things to do or have ideas jump out at you that excites. Be well my friend, Aloha!

Mentioned Users

A myHIVte...

My roommate has been smoking for a very long time and it helps him a lot, he's had 2 strokes and a heart attack, with HIV for 20 yrs and he depends on cannabis. He goes to Trulieve every month. Sometimes I feel that's what keeps him alive. He has many medications and stents in his body. He might outlive me. I eat cannabis cookies to make me sleep when using a CPAC mask or when I am stressed out. Even the VA doctor tells me that it is okay to use as long as you know how much to use. Good luck.

Fortunately I don't have any of the negative side-effects from weed. No paranoid episodes and it has never led me to try other drugs. I have no desire to try drugs. The only reason why I used cannabis was because my doctors recommended it. I stopped because something happened in my life and I was searching for something to blame and weed was one of those things. It's been five years and much therapy later and I realize that it was ridiculous that I tried to blame the weed. Having said that, I am now awake and I have never felt this bad in my whole life. Everything hurts, I have zero energy or motivation and I am having a very difficult time treating my depression. I don't know how to help myself and I am aware that the major change in my life is that I gave up the cannabis. It's made me wonder if the cannabis was hiding all of these problems and ailments. If so, I think that I need to get back on it as soon as possible because I honestly feel like I am dying rapidly.

I’m so sorry to hear what you’re experiencing @A myHIVteam Member. I’ve been on antidepressants for 25 years so don’t know what life is like without them. I just know I wouldn’t like to feel as you do. If cannabis takes the edge off it even somewhat then maybe try some again (I don’t condone using it but it is useful in certain circumstances). I’d hate to feel as I used to, in that dark, black space, I use my tablets to get me out of it. I Hope you do find your way out of it, you’ve worked hard at self-improvement and deserve to.

Mentioned Users

A myHIVte...