National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Fact Sheet on the Therapeutic Use of Marijuana
for Patients with HIV-Wasting Syndrome

Treatments

At the present time there are two commercially available treatments for anorexia/cachexia in patients with AIDS. Megace (megastrol acetate) and Marinol, oral THC (delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol), a synthetic form of marijuana's active ingredient.

Marijuana as a Treatment

While the inhalation of marijuana cigarette smoke results in higher plasma levels of THC, the use of this route is likely to be limited in patients with HIV-wasting syndrome for the following reasons:

1. Drug absorption is dependent on deep inhalation of marijuana smoke and may be impractical or unacceptable for non-smoking patients.

2. Marijuana cigarette smoke contains a complex mixture of over 400 compounds including polyaeromatic hydrocarbons which are carcinogenic. This would be a concern for anyone, but especially for patients with compromised immune systems.

3. Biologic contamination of marijuana with salmonella and fungal spores has been reported. This again poses a concern for patients with compromised immune systems.

4. The rapid onset of altered mental status associated with inhalation may be disconcerting to some patients.