Getting high may help fight disease. A study out of Michigan State University has indicated that THC, an active compound in marijuana, is associated with a decrease in inflammation in patients with an HIV infection. Chronic inflammation is a major problem with HIV. Chiefly it’s the main driver behind mental decline in patients suffering an HIV infection. The constant inflammation is caused by monocytes reacting to the infection in a non-productive way.
When delivered to the patient, the researchers showed that THC could reduce the presence, and activity, of these monocytes, leading to better outcomes. However, at this point, this is only a correlation, as the researchers relied on already existing differences in marijuana usage in their study population. That being said, with further exploration into this therapy, a joint may one day literally be “just what the doctor ordered.”
-Cole Holderman
When delivered to the patient, the researchers showed that THC could reduce the presence, and activity, of these monocytes, leading to better outcomes. However, at this point, this is only a correlation, as the researchers relied on already existing differences in marijuana usage in their study population. That being said, with further exploration into this therapy, a joint may one day literally be “just what the doctor ordered.”
-Cole Holderman
Sources:
1. Article in AIDS: HIV-infected cannabis users have lower circulating CD16+ monocytes and IP-10 levels compared to non-using HIV patients: http://journals.lww.com/aidsonline/Abstract/publishahead/HIV_infected_cannabis_users_have_lower_circulating.97348.aspx
2. Science News Article: Marijuana May Help HIV Patients Keep Mental Stamina: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171212092100.htm
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