Researchers are looking into the use of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol),
the active ingredient in marijuana, to help stop the spread of HIV
infection. Hundreds of marijuana researchers have reported that THC was
able to pierce the RIV virus in monkeys. That particular virus is almost
identical to the HIV virus found in humans, so this news is very
encouraging. The greatest drawbacks to this excellent news are the
current laws preventing testing on human candidates. With the changing
of these restrictive laws, HIV infections have a great chance of being
cured, with cannabis as a real possible player in the race to stop the
disease.
Laws in the United States consider marijuana a schedule I drug
because of its adverse effects on some users and its potential for
addiction. The researchers at the International Cannabinoid Research
Conference are feverishly unearthing all the information they can find
in order to track down any useful ingredients that may aid in the
efforts to stop HIV infections all together. It is an uphill battle for
researchers to get medical cannabis into trials for human testing due to
the laws set by the current administration. Proving the effectiveness
of the cure is virtually impossible without the ability to do actual
testing on humans. Although the RIV virus in monkeys is similar to the
HIV virus in humans, those tests are just not enough to make any
measurable progress without the laws being changed to allow the human
component.
At Louisiana state University, Dr. Patricia Molina and her team of
researchers tested high concentrations of THC on young RIV positive male
rhesus monkeys for 17 months. The results were astounding to say the
least. The test consisted of administering the THC twice a day to the
monkeys, then comparing the data from before and after the component was
administered. A dramatic decrease in the damage to stomach tissue was
also bolstered by the increased population of normal cells in the same
area as the infected stomach tissues. CB2 receptors that are targeted by
the THC, are able to build healthy new bacterial cells in the
intestines that prohibit the virus from leaking through the cell walls.
This is marvelous news for the researchers and it would be an even
greater benefit to the public if HIV infections could be cured with
cannabis, making the very real possibilities for it’s beneficial use
endless. hiv
Marijuana has already been proven to alleviate symptoms found in many
chronic illnesses. It has shown amazing results in its ability to
control, and in some cases stop almost completely, certain types of
seizures in both children and adults. The cannibinoid CBD is the
component in marijuana that has been found to calm the seizures. It is
of course not smoked by children, although some adult seizure sufferers
do choose to inhale the plant or “hash” form of the drug. The CBD is
usually administered in oil or pill form to children who suffer from
seizures. The results have been astounding to say the least. It has
allowed many sufferers, both adults and children alike, to enjoy a more
normal and happy existence without the threat of continual debilitating
seizures.
Although it is still somewhat difficult for parents to obtain CBD for
their children who are plagued with intense seizuring, more and more
marijuana growers are offering the life changing compound to those in
need, as many doctors will still not give prescriptions for the drug in
spite of its proven effectiveness. Overall, great strides are being made
in the fight to legalize this popular drug for both medicinal and
recreational use. Hopefully this will lead to softening research laws
which in turn will make it possible for HIV infections to be cured with
cannabis a real possibility.
Commentary By Mai Nowlin
http://guardianlv.com/2014/02/hiv-infections-cured-with-cannabis-a-real-possibility/
