title: Patterns and correlates of cannabis use among individuals with HIV/AIDS in Maritime Canada.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of cannabis use in HIV-infected individuals is high and its long-term effects are unclear.
  
  
  METHODS
  The prevalence, perceived benefits and consequences, and predictors of cannabis use were studied using a cross-sectional survey in two immunodeficiency clinics in Maritime Canada.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Current cannabis use was identified in 38.5% (87 of 226) of participants. Almost all cannabis users (85 of 87 [97.7%]) acknowledged its use for recreational purposes, with 21.8% (19 of 87) reporting medicinal cannabis use. The majority of patients enrolled in the present study reported mild or no symptoms related to HIV (n=179). Overall, 80.5% (70 of 87) of the cannabis-using participants reported a symptom-relieving benefit, mostly for relief of stress, anorexia or pain. Participants consumed a mean (± SD) of 18.3±21.1 g of cannabis per month and spent an average of $105.15±109.87 on cannabis per month. Cannabis use was associated with rural residence, lower income level, driving under the influence of a substance, and consumption of ecstasy and tobacco. Income level, ecstasy use and tobacco use were retained as significant predictors in regression modelling. Cannabis use was not associated with adverse psychological outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prolonged previous cannabis consumption and the substantial overlap between recreational and medicinal cannabis use highlight the challenges in obtaining a tenable definition of medicinal cannabis therapy.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador;
authors.forename: Gregory E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick;
authors.forename: Lise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dupuis
authors.affiliation: The Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine (Medicine and Psychiatry), St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador;
authors.forename: Gerald J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Mugford
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Capital District Health Authority;
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.affiliation: Capital District Health Authority and Dalhousie University;
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.affiliation: QEII Health Sciences Centre, Victoria General Hospital Site;
authors.forename: Ginny
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Page
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Clinical Research, Halifax, Nova Scotia;
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haldane
authors.affiliation: Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario;
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador;
authors.forename: William K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Midodzi
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie University, The Moncton Hospital, Moncton, New Brunswick.
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dow
keywords: Cannabis; HIV/AIDS; High-risk behaviour