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Medical Marijuana for HIV/AIDS: Research, Evidence & How to Qualify

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment plan. Medical marijuana laws vary by state — verify the rules in your jurisdiction before proceeding.

Introduction

HIV/AIDS has one of the longest and most clinically substantiated histories with medical cannabis of any condition. Since the earliest days of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, patients discovered that cannabis helped manage the wasting, nausea, pain, and psychological burden of a disease that was, at the time, universally fatal. Their advocacy was a driving force behind the first US state medical marijuana laws.

The science has followed. A synthetic cannabinoid — dronabinol (Marinol) — received FDA approval specifically for HIV/AIDS-associated anorexia and wasting syndrome in 1992, making HIV one of only two conditions (alongside chemotherapy-induced nausea) for which a cannabis-derived drug has been federally sanctioned. Randomised controlled trials have since established cannabis as an effective treatment for HIV-associated neuropathic pain — one of the most difficult-to-treat symptoms in the condition — with a pain reduction response described by UCSF researchers as “comparable to strong pain relievers such as morphine.”

Today, with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) enabling people with HIV to live near-normal lifespans, the focus of cannabis medicine in HIV has broadened: from crisis-era symptom relief to long-term quality-of-life management, anti-inflammatory effects in the context of chronic immune activation, and the emerging question of whether cannabinoids interact with the HIV viral reservoir.

This article covers what HIV and AIDS are, why the endocannabinoid system is particularly relevant to this disease, what the clinical evidence shows for each major symptom domain, and how HIV-positive patients can access medical marijuana legally in the United States.

What Is HIV/AIDS?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that targets and progressively destroys CD4+ T lymphocytes — a critical subset of immune cells that coordinate the body’s immune response. Without treatment, HIV infection progresses through three stages: acute infection, chronic infection (clinical latency), and AIDS.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV infection, defined by a CD4 cell count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of one or more AIDS-defining opportunistic infections or cancers. Without ART, HIV typically progresses to AIDS within 10 years.

The modern HIV landscape

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the mid-1990s transformed HIV from a near-universally fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition. The 2024 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel (JAMA, 2024) confirm that ART — particularly integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI)-based regimens — is recommended for all individuals with HIV and can reduce viral load to undetectable levels, preventing transmission and allowing near-normal life expectancy.

However, ART does not cure HIV. The virus persists in a latent reservoir of infected CD4 T cells that cannot be eliminated by current therapies, requiring lifelong treatment. Chronic immune activation — driven by residual viral activity, persistent inflammation, and immune system dysregulation — remains a major health burden even in patients with fully suppressed viral loads, contributing to elevated rates of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, and neurological conditions.

Scale of the condition

  • Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV as of 2024 (CDC)
  • An estimated 39 million people worldwide are living with HIV
  • In the US, approximately 13% of people with HIV are unaware of their infection
  • Despite ART, HIV-associated wasting syndrome (HIVAW) affects an estimated 14–38% of people with HIV, even those on antiretroviral therapy
  • HIV-associated distal sensory peripheral neuropathy affects approximately 30–50% of people living with HIV and is the most common neurological complication of the disease
  • Up to 49% of people with HIV report some cannabis use — one of the highest rates of any chronic disease population

Symptoms and complications in the ART era

Even with viral suppression, people with HIV experience significant symptom burden:

  • Peripheral neuropathy — numbness, burning, and pain in the hands and feet; caused by both HIV itself and by older antiretroviral drugs (particularly nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as stavudine and didanosine)
  • Wasting syndrome — unintentional weight loss, muscle atrophy, and malnutrition
  • Chronic pain — musculoskeletal, neuropathic, and visceral
  • Nausea and appetite loss — from HIV itself, ART side effects, or opportunistic infections
  • Fatigue — one of the most commonly reported and disabling symptoms
  • Depression and anxiety — at significantly elevated rates compared to the general population
  • Cognitive difficulties — HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) affects up to 50% of people with HIV even on ART
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Chronic inflammation — persistent systemic inflammation despite viral suppression, driving non-AIDS comorbidities

The Endocannabinoid System and HIV

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) intersects with HIV pathophysiology at multiple levels — making cannabinoid therapy theoretically relevant beyond simple symptom management.

CB2 receptors and immune modulation

CB2 receptors are expressed on immune cells — including the CD4+ T lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells that are the primary targets and vehicles of HIV infection. CB2 activation modulates cytokine production, reduces pro-inflammatory signalling, and influences immune cell migration and activation.

In the context of HIV, this is a double-edged consideration. Chronic immune activation is one of the primary drivers of morbidity in treated HIV — perpetuating inflammation, accelerating organ damage, and fuelling the non-AIDS comorbidities that are now the leading cause of death among people with HIV in high-income countries. Cannabinoids’ well-established anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties via CB2 receptor activation provide a theoretical basis for beneficial effects on this chronic inflammation.

THC and the HIV viral reservoir

One of the most scientifically intriguing questions in HIV cannabis research is whether THC interacts with the latent HIV viral reservoir — the pool of silently infected cells that persists despite ART and prevents a cure.

A 2025 preprint on bioRxiv conducted single-cell multiomic analysis of the impact of THC on HIV-infected CD4 T cells. This analysis examined how THC affects gene expression in the very cells that harbour the HIV reservoir, contributing to emerging understanding of whether cannabinoids might influence reservoir dynamics, viral reactivation, or immune escape. While this research is preliminary and does not yet have clinical translation, it represents a frontier that is being actively investigated.

A 2022 study (biorxiv) examining the impact of cannabis use on immune cell populations and the viral reservoir in people with HIV on suppressive ART found that cannabis use is prevalent among people with HIV (up to 49% reporting use) — and began to characterise the immunological landscape of cannabis users within this population. Understanding whether cannabis use helps or hinders long-term immune recovery is a critical open question in HIV research.

ECS and neuropathic pain pathways

CB1 receptors are expressed throughout the peripheral and central nervous system pain pathways relevant to HIV-associated neuropathy. Activation of CB1 receptors in the spinal cord’s dorsal horn reduces ascending pain signal transmission — directly relevant to the burning, stabbing peripheral neuropathic pain that affects 30–50% of people with HIV.

The Clinical Evidence

1. HIV-associated neuropathic pain — the strongest evidence base

HIV-associated distal sensory peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) is notoriously difficult to treat. Conventional analgesics — including opioids, gabapentinoids, and tricyclic antidepressants — provide incomplete relief in many patients. The cannabis evidence for HIV neuropathy is among the most clinically robust in the entire field of cannabis medicine for any pain condition.

Abrams et al. (2007) — Neurology: The landmark randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted by Dr. Donald Abrams and colleagues at UCSF’s San Francisco General Hospital enrolled 50 patients with painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy who had failed at least two prior analgesic classes. Patients smoked either 3.56% THC cannabis cigarettes or identical placebo cigarettes three times daily for five days.

The results were striking: smoked cannabis produced a 34% reduction in pain compared to a 17% reduction in the placebo group. Critically, 52% of patients in the cannabis group achieved a clinically meaningful reduction of 30% or more in their daily pain scores, compared with 24% in the placebo group. The UCSF team noted that the pain system response was “comparable to strong pain relievers we have studied, such as morphine” — a remarkable characterisation for an inhaled botanical preparation.

Ellis et al. (2009) — Neuropsychopharmacology: A phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of smoked medicinal cannabis in HIV-associated DSPN, conducted at the UC San Diego HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program. The trial examined patients with neuropathic pain refractory to at least two previous analgesic classes who continued their prestudy analgesic regimens throughout the trial.

The study found a statistically significant reduction in neuropathic pain with cannabis versus placebo on the primary outcome measure. Importantly, this trial was conducted under rigorous regulatory conditions — patients smoked under direct observation in a hospital setting — lending it particular methodological credibility.

Canadian clinical practice guidance (2023): A 2023 clinical practice guidance document from a panel of Canadian cannabis medicine experts, informed by systematic literature review, formally recommended cannabis-based medicines for patients with HIV and muscular or neuropathic pain — specifically on the basis of the Abrams 2007 and Ellis 2009 RCTs and supporting observational data. This represents a formal clinical recommendation, not merely a research finding.

Large-scale patient survey: A survey of 565 people with HIV examined self-reported outcomes from cannabis use for neuropathic pain. The majority of cannabis users with HIV-associated nerve pain reported that their nerve pain improved — consistent with the RCT findings and supporting real-world generalisability.

2. Wasting syndrome and appetite — the FDA-approved pathway

HIV-associated wasting syndrome (HIVAW) is defined as involuntary weight loss of more than 10% of body weight combined with either chronic diarrhoea or chronic weakness and fever for more than 30 days. Despite ART, HIVAW affects 14–38% of people with HIV — driven by anorexia, malabsorption, metabolic dysregulation, and the catabolic effects of chronic inflammation.

Dronabinol (Marinol) — FDA approval, 1992: Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC in a sesame oil capsule. The FDA approved dronabinol for HIV/AIDS-associated anorexia and wasting syndrome in 1992 — the same year it received approval for chemotherapy-induced nausea. This makes HIV one of only two conditions for which a cannabinoid pharmaceutical has received full FDA approval for a specific symptom indication.

The evidence base for dronabinol in HIVAW includes 10 clinical studies. While the evidence base has methodological limitations by modern standards — variable definitions of wasting, small samples, and outdated ART regimens — the preponderance of evidence shows that dronabinol:

  • Stimulates appetite in HIV-associated anorexia
  • Appears to be well tolerated
  • May stop further weight loss, though results on actual weight gain have been variable

The recommended starting dose of dronabinol for HIV-associated anorexia is 2.5 mg orally twice daily, one hour before lunch and dinner, with titration based on response and tolerability (NCBI Bookshelf, 2020).

Whole-plant cannabis: Beyond dronabinol, multiple studies and observational reports support the appetite-stimulating effects of whole-plant cannabis in HIV patients. The CB1 receptor-mediated appetite stimulation (“the munchies”) is not merely a recreational phenomenon — it represents a clinically meaningful pharmacological effect that can substantially improve caloric intake, body weight, and lean muscle mass in wasting patients.

A notable 12-month open-label follow-up study of the Beal et al. dronabinol trial found sustained appetite stimulation and quality of life improvement over the longer observation period, with an acceptable safety profile.

3. Nausea and vomiting

Cannabis has well-established antiemetic properties, operating primarily through CB1 receptor activation in the brainstem’s vomiting control centres and through peripheral effects on gut motility. For HIV patients — who may experience nausea from the disease itself, from opportunistic infections, or as a side effect of ART — cannabis provides a therapeutic option with a different mechanism of action from standard antiemetics.

The FDA approval of dronabinol for chemotherapy-induced nausea provides indirect but relevant clinical support for cannabinoid antiemetic effects in HIV patients experiencing similar nausea mechanisms.

4. Mood, depression, and anxiety

Depression and anxiety are disproportionately prevalent in people with HIV — driven by the psychological burden of the diagnosis, social stigma, medication side effects, and the neurological effects of HIV itself. In a nationally representative sample of US adults with HIV from 2013–2015, 26% endorsed taking medical cannabis — with psychological distress, pain, and sleep among the most commonly cited reasons.

The anxiolytic properties of CBD (via 5-HT1A receptor interaction) and the mood-modulating properties of low-dose THC are relevant to this symptom domain. However, patients should be aware that high-dose THC can worsen anxiety in some individuals — particularly those with a history of anxiety disorders or cannabis sensitivity.

5. Sleep disturbance

Sleep disruption is extremely common in HIV — driven by nausea, pain, night sweats, anxiety, and direct neurological effects of the virus. Cannabis, particularly THC-containing preparations, has demonstrated effects on sleep architecture including increased slow-wave (deep) sleep. Patients across multiple HIV studies and registry reports cite improved sleep as one of the most consistently beneficial effects of medical cannabis use.

6. Chronic inflammation — the emerging frontier

Perhaps the most scientifically intriguing question in modern HIV cannabis research is whether cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties can meaningfully reduce the chronic immune activation that drives non-AIDS comorbidities in virally suppressed patients.

A 2021 review published in Viruses (Ellis et al.) examined cannabis and inflammation in HIV across human and animal studies, finding evidence for cannabinoid anti-inflammatory effects relevant to HIV pathophysiology. A 2019 paper in AIDS (Costiniuk and Jenabian) reviewed cannabinoids and inflammation specifically in the context of HIV, concluding that cannabinoids have implications for immunological management of chronic HIV infection that warrant further clinical investigation.

The Utah Center for Medical Cannabis evidence-based guidance, citing 12 completed controlled experimental trials of cannabis-based products in people with HIV, identifies the chronic inflammation question as one of the most important unresolved areas in this field.

Cannabinoids and Products for HIV

THC for pain, appetite, and nausea

The clinical trial evidence most directly supports THC for HIV-associated neuropathic pain and appetite stimulation. Both the Abrams (2007) and Ellis (2009) neuropathy RCTs used THC-containing cannabis, and dronabinol (synthetic THC) is the FDA-approved agent for wasting. THC-containing products are therefore the most directly evidence-supported cannabinoid for these applications.

CBD for inflammation and mood

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties via CB2 receptor modulation are theoretically relevant to the chronic inflammation of treated HIV. CBD’s anxiolytic effects may also benefit the high rates of anxiety and depression in this population. CBD-dominant products may be appropriate for patients whose primary concerns are mood, inflammation, and sleep rather than neuropathic pain or appetite.

Balanced THC:CBD products

For most HIV patients managing multiple symptom domains simultaneously — pain, appetite, mood, and sleep — balanced CBD:THC preparations offer the broadest therapeutic coverage. Starting with a 1:1 ratio and adjusting based on individual response is a common clinical approach.

Delivery method considerations

  • Oral tinctures and capsules: Provide longer duration of action — appropriate for sustained appetite stimulation and pain management throughout the day. Dronabinol’s pharmacokinetics as an oral preparation inform expectations for oral THC
  • Sublingual tinctures: Faster onset than capsules, more predictable absorption
  • Vaporisation: Fastest onset, useful for acute nausea episodes or breakthrough pain. Note that both the Abrams and Ellis RCTs used smoked cannabis; vaporisation is the safer inhalation alternative, avoiding combustion byproducts
  • Avoid smoking: Given the elevated respiratory infection risk in immunocompromised patients, smoking is not recommended. Vaporisation, oral, or sublingual delivery is preferred

Drug Interactions With Antiretroviral Therapy — Critical Considerations

Cannabis drug interactions are particularly important for HIV patients, who are often on complex ART regimens with narrow therapeutic windows.

CBD and ART metabolism: CBD is metabolised by — and inhibits — cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Many antiretroviral drugs are also metabolised via CYP3A4 (including protease inhibitors and some NNRTIs). Concurrent CBD use can increase plasma levels of these ARTs, potentially raising both efficacy and toxicity. The interaction between CBD and integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir, bictegravir) — the current first-line agents — is less well characterised and requires physician evaluation.

THC and ART: THC interactions with ART are less well characterised than CBD interactions, but THC is also CYP3A4-metabolised and potential bidirectional interactions exist.

The Abrams safety data: Importantly, the Abrams (2007) RCT specifically monitored CD4 counts, viral loads, and HIV disease parameters throughout the trial. The study found no significant effect of cannabis on CD4+ cell counts or HIV plasma viral load — a critical finding for patients concerned that cannabis might interfere with immune function or viral suppression. This was confirmed in the Ellis (2009) trial as well.

The immune function question: Whether cannabis use affects long-term immune recovery in HIV-positive individuals on ART is an open research question. The available human data — including the Abrams and Ellis trials — do not suggest harmful immunosuppressive effects at the doses studied. However, the impact on the HIV viral reservoir and on long-term immune reconstitution requires further prospective investigation.

Mandatory disclosure: Every HIV patient using cannabis must inform their HIV specialist (infectious disease physician) and pharmacist. The interaction potential with ART is real, requires monitoring, and cannot be managed without physician awareness.

Side Effects

  • THC-related: Dizziness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, short-term memory effects, anxiety at higher doses, sedation
  • Pulmonary: For patients who have used smoked cannabis historically, transitioning to vaporisation or oral preparations reduces respiratory risk — particularly important for immunocompromised patients with elevated susceptibility to respiratory infections
  • Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS): Rare but documented in heavy, chronic cannabis users — cyclical vomiting that can mimic HIV-related nausea. Should be considered if vomiting worsens with increasing cannabis use
  • Cognitive effects: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) affects up to 50% of people with HIV. High-dose THC can cause cognitive impairment that may compound HAND symptoms. Careful dose titration and CBD inclusion in the regimen may help mitigate this
  • Dependency: Chronic daily cannabis use carries dependency risk — a relevant consideration for long-term HIV management

Does HIV/AIDS Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card?

HIV/AIDS is one of the most broadly and consistently recognised qualifying conditions in US medical marijuana programs. It appears on the qualifying condition list in virtually every state with an active MMJ program — a legacy of the AIDS crisis advocacy of the 1980s and 1990s that was instrumental in creating the modern medical cannabis movement.

As of 2026, HIV and AIDS are listed as qualifying conditions in the large majority of US states with active MMJ programs. The FDA approval of dronabinol for HIV wasting in 1992 provides an additional layer of clinical legitimacy that supports qualification in states that require evidence of established medical need.

Step-by-step qualification

Step 1: Confirm your state lists HIV/AIDS as a qualifying condition. Use our state-by-state MMJ card guide to verify the specific language — most states list “HIV” or “AIDS” or “HIV/AIDS” explicitly.

Step 2: Gather your medical documentation. Collect records of your HIV diagnosis, current ART regimen, most recent CD4 count and viral load results, and documentation of the specific symptoms for which you are seeking cannabis treatment (neuropathy, wasting, chronic pain, etc.).

Step 3: Schedule a telehealth MMJ consultation. Services including NuggMD, Leafwell, and Veriheal provide video consultations with state-licensed MMJ physicians. The appointment typically takes 15–20 minutes. Describe your diagnosis, symptom burden, and current medications — including your full ART regimen.

Step 4: Receive your recommendation and register if required. Upon approval, your physician will issue a written recommendation. Some states require patient registry enrolment before dispensary access.

Step 5 — Essential: Inform your HIV specialist. Drug interaction potential with ART is significant. Your HIV physician needs to know you are using cannabis, what products and doses, and at what frequency — so they can monitor for any ART pharmacokinetic changes and include this in your care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will cannabis interfere with my antiretroviral therapy? The Abrams (2007) and Ellis (2009) RCTs — the most rigorous clinical studies of cannabis in HIV — found no significant effect on CD4+ cell counts or HIV plasma viral loads in patients on stable ART. However, CBD in particular can affect the metabolism of drugs processed by CYP3A4 enzymes, which includes some ARTs. Disclosure to your HIV specialist and pharmacist is essential before starting cannabis.

Can cannabis help with HIV-associated neuropathy? Yes — this is the most robustly evidenced application of cannabis in HIV. Two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Abrams 2007, Ellis 2009) conducted under rigorous conditions demonstrated significant, clinically meaningful reduction in HIV-associated neuropathic pain with smoked cannabis. Canadian clinical practice guidelines formally recommend cannabis for HIV-associated neuropathic pain on the basis of this evidence.

Is dronabinol the same as medical marijuana? Dronabinol is synthetic THC in a pharmaceutical oral capsule — it is a prescription medication with FDA approval for HIV wasting and chemotherapy nausea. It shares the active molecule (THC) with dispensary cannabis products but differs in formulation, purity, and standardisation. Patients who prefer to avoid whole-plant cannabis can discuss dronabinol with their physician as a prescription option that does not require an MMJ card.

Does cannabis affect HIV viral load or CD4 count? The available clinical trial data (Abrams 2007, Ellis 2009) found no significant effect of cannabis on viral load or CD4+ T cell counts. This is reassuring, though the studies were of limited duration. Long-term effects on immune reconstitution and the viral reservoir are an active area of research and cannot be definitively characterised based on available data.

Is smoking cannabis safe for people with HIV? Smoking is not recommended for HIV patients due to the elevated risk of respiratory infections in immunocompromised individuals. Vaporisation, sublingual tinctures, and oral preparations are preferred delivery routes. Both the Abrams and Ellis trials used smoked cannabis for protocol reasons — patients choosing cannabis today should use safer delivery methods.

Key Takeaways

  • HIV/AIDS has one of the longest clinical histories with medical cannabis, driven by patient advocacy during the AIDS crisis and supported by formal FDA approval of dronabinol for HIV wasting in 1992
  • Two rigorous randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Abrams 2007 in Neurology; Ellis 2009 in Neuropsychopharmacology) demonstrate significant reduction in HIV-associated neuropathic pain with smoked cannabis — with a response described as comparable to morphine
  • Dronabinol (synthetic THC) is FDA-approved for HIV/AIDS-associated anorexia and wasting, providing a prescription cannabinoid option independent of state MMJ programs
  • The cannabis-ART interaction question is real and requires mandatory disclosure to the treating HIV specialist and pharmacist — available data suggest no effect on viral load or CD4 counts at clinical doses, but metabolic interactions with some ARTs are possible
  • HIV-associated neuropathy, wasting, nausea, mood disturbance, and sleep disruption are all supported by evidence for cannabis benefit
  • HIV/AIDS qualifies for medical marijuana in virtually every US state with an active MMJ program
  • Smoked cannabis should be avoided by immunocompromised patients — vaporisation, sublingual, or oral delivery is preferred

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Abrams, D.I., Jay, C.A., Shade, S.B., et al. (2007). Cannabis in painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Neurology, 68(7), 515–521. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000253187.66183.9c
  2. Ellis, R.J., Toperoff, W., Vaida, F., et al. (2009). Smoked medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain in HIV: a randomized, crossover clinical trial. Neuropsychopharmacology, 34(3), 672–680. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2008.120
  3. Beal, J.E., Olson, R., Laubenstein, L., et al. (1995). Dronabinol as a treatment for anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 10(2), 89–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/0885-3924(94)00117-4
  4. PMC — Clinical utility of dronabinol in the treatment of weight loss associated with HIV and AIDS. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4755463/
  5. NCBI Bookshelf (2020). Dronabinol Therapy and CYP2C9 Genotype — Medical Genetics Summaries. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564166/
  6. Ellis, R.J., Marcotte, T., Umlauf, A., et al. (2021). Cannabis and inflammation in HIV: A review of human and animal studies. Viruses, 13(6), 1109. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13061109
  7. Costiniuk, C.T. & Jenabian, M.A. (2019). Cannabinoids and inflammation: implications for people living with HIV. AIDS, 33(14), 2273–2288. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000002345
  8. Utah Center for Medical Cannabis — Evidence from Experimental Trials in People Living with HIV (2024). https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1148977.pdf
  9. Gandhi, R.T., Landovitz, R.J., Sax, P.E., et al. (2024). Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV in Adults: 2024 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society–USA Panel. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.23483
  10. JMIR Research Protocols (2022). Marijuana Use and Health Outcomes in Persons Living With HIV: Protocol for the MAPLE Longitudinal Cohort Study. https://doi.org/10.2196/37153
  11. PMC (2022). Impact of cannabis use on immune cell populations and the viral reservoir in people with HIV on suppressive antiretroviral therapy. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.22.521628
  12. PMC (2023). Definition, Burden, and Predictors of HIV-Associated Wasting and Low Weight in the OPERA Cohort. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10712360/
  13. Americans for Safe Access. HIV/AIDS and Medical Cannabis. https://www.safeaccessnow.org/hiv-aids
  14. UCSF News (2007). Smoked Cannabis Reduces Pain Caused by HIV-Associated Neuropathy. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2007/02/97960/smoked-cannabis-reduces-pain-caused-hiv-associated-neuropathy
  15. NORML. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) — Cannabis Research Library. https://norml.org/marijuana/library/recent-medical-marijuana-research/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv/

This article was written and medically reviewed in March 2026. It will be updated as new research becomes available. For state-specific qualifying condition information, see our How to Get Your MMJ Card guide.