Medical Marijuana in Boca Raton for Patients with HIV/AIDS

Medical Marijuana in Boca Raton for Patients with HIV/AIDS

Despite medical advances in treating HIV and AIDS, receiving the diagnosis is still a life-altering experience. Stigmas and misinformation about the disease persists, creating barriers for people living with HIV, including among friends and family members. Challenging these misconceptions and finding new ways to treat HIV until a cure can be found is key to protecting those affected by this disease.  

One such means of helping patients with HIV lead the best, most fulfilling life possible is through medical marijuana in Boca Raton. Here’s how medical cannabis can help those with HIV/AIDS. 

HIV Wasting Syndrome 

One of the more severe symptoms of HIV/AIDS is HIV wasting syndrome. It is defined by the progressive and involuntary weight loss over a period of 30 days or more and accompanied by diarrhea, chronic fatigue, and fever. HIV wasting syndrome differs from ordinary weight loss in that it primarily refers to the loss of body mass, specifically lean muscle.  

For patients with HIV experiencing this wasting syndrome, medical marijuana can help. As an appetite stimulant and a pain relief alternative, medicinal cannabis assists in reversing the effects of the wasting syndrome by promoting weight gain. Typically, this equates gaining fat rather than restoring muscle, but muscle gain is possible through exercise when possible.  

Antiretroviral Drug Side Effects 

Medications for treating HIV have come a long way in their decades of development, however the side effects can still be extremely hard on the body. Fatigue, aches, lack of appetite, and other side effects can make it difficult to function on a day to day basis, causing social isolation and depressed mood. For patients with HIV who experience negative side effects of medication, medical marijuana in Boca Raton can help to counteract those effects.  

As previously mentioned, medical cannabis alleviates pain, helps to stimulate the appetite, and improve mood. Medical cannabis in Boca Raton may also help boost energy levels, helping one to stay active and involved in the community.  

Increases Likelihood of Treatment Adherence 

Marijuana has been shown to help improve the quality of life for people who have a variety of health conditions. When it comes to HIV/AIDS, medical cannabis can make it easier to adhere to one’s treatment regimen. In fact, medical marijuana use can make one more than three times more likely to adhere to treatment. Because medicinal cannabis helps to alleviate the negative side effects of other medications, it helps to eliminate the anxiety of illness caused by medicine.  

Potential to Slow Progression 

While medical marijuana in Boca Raton has not been approved as a means of slowing the progression of HIV/AIDS, studies have suggested the potential additional effect. Additional research is necessary before medical cannabis is cleared to reduce the advancement of HIV, however, some patients benefit from the effect of THC on the virus strains. 

At MMJ Care MD, we believe in the holistic benefits of cannabis for patients with HIV/AIDS. Our team of licensed medical marijuana doctors in Boca Raton are here to help people find the relief they need to leave a more fulfilling life.  

For more information about our services, contact MMJ Care MD today.