Medical marijuana in HIV-positive patients: what do we know?
On November 4, 2008, our state passed the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA), which allows the medical use of marijuana for certain conditions and/or constellation of symptoms. This article will (1) review the current evidence that medical marijuana is useful for certain chronic conditions, particularly pain and wasting syndromes experienced by HIV-positive people; (2) discuss the adverse effects of marijuana; (3) summarize the new Michigan law and the challenges it poses for physicians, and (4) review the experience in California where medical marijuana has been legal since 1996.
Cinti
Sandro
S
Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Hospital System/VA Ann Arbor Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA. scinti@umich.edu
D002140:California; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000187:drug effects; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019247:HIV Wasting Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D008824:Michigan; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects