Medical Cannabis for HIV/AIDS Patients

Medical cannabis can help patients who suffer from HIV/AIDS

What is HIV?

Medical Cannabis HIV AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a disease that damages the immune system, which is the body’s main defense to fight illness. The virus (HIV) kills off T-cells that our immune system uses to fight off disease. Because this virus is so strong, it can advance gradually eliminating the immune system by killing more and more T-cells, if someone has HIV then they have it for life. There is currently no known cure for HIV. However, someone with HIV can still live a happy and healthy life if the virus is caught at the earlier stages and treated properly.

Some facts about HIV

  • The speed in which HIV advances is based on age, health, and ethnicity
  • The earlier HIV is treated the longer that person could live
  • HIV is found in semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids, and breast milk
  • Pregnant women with HIV can risk passing the disease to their child during childbirth or while breast feeding. However, getting treatment earlier can prevent this from occurring
  • Avoiding used needles while getting a tattoo or injecting medication is very important in preventing HIV

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final result of HIV. At this stage the immune system is almost non-existent and all the T-cells are gone. This is the last stage of HIV, when the infection is very advanced, and if left untreated will lead to death.

Some facts about HIV

  • AIDS is also referred to as advanced HIV infection or late-stage HIV
  • AIDS is a set of symptoms and illnesses that develop as a result of advanced HIV infection which has destroyed the immune system
  • With more advanced treatment for HIV, less people are developing AIDS leading to people living longer with HIV

Medical Cannabis for HIV/AIDS

Those living with HIV or AIDS can experience severe nausea, chronic exhaustion and physical weakness, neurological complications, persistent anxiety, severe pain, and a total loss of appetite. Some patients have reported being unable to physically take medication for HIV or not being able to hold the pills down due to nausea. With a small amount of the medical marijuana plant, symptoms of nausea, pain, and loss of appetite can be eliminated almost instantly. Medical cannabis helps HIV patients by allowing them to continue taking their medication, which helps keep the T-cells balanced in the immune system.   

How Medical Cannabis is legal in Florida

According to Florida’s Amendment 2, medical cannabis, including low-THC cannabis, cannot be smoked but can be consumed in the following manners:

  • Vaporized (heated until active ingredients are released but no smoke is formed)
  • Capsules
  • Tinctures
  • Oils
  • Creams
  • Sprays
  • Edible forms

According to Florida’s Amendment 2, the use of medical cannabis does not include:

  • Possession, use or administration of medical cannabis by smoking
  • Transfer of medical cannabis to a person other than the qualified patient for whom it was ordered, or their legal representative
  • Use or administration of medical cannabis on any public transportation, in public space, in qualified patient’s place of employment (if restricted by employer), in state correctional institutions, on the grounds of preschools, primary and secondary schools or on any school bus or vehicle

How can I get medical cannabis if I have HIV/AIDS

Patients must be 18 years old, a resident of Florida, with valid Florida identification. Patients must bring legitimate medical records from the primary care physician, describing the diagnosis of HIV or AIDS, to the cannabis evaluation appointment. The patient must be diagnosed by a physician certified by the State of Florida (like Dr. Hasim) to recommend medical cannabis. For more information on how you can get medical cannabis in Tampa, Hudson, or Beverly Hills, Florida to treat HIV or AIDS contact us here or call us on (727) 202-4325.