Cannabis use may help lower the risk of developing drug-resistant HIV mutations, according to a new study published in NeuroImmune Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Researchers from Temple University and the University of Florida analyzed data from 614 HIV-positive adults, using records from the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium. All participants had at least one viral load measurement in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, along with urinalysis for substance use and drug resistance testing.
The study found that individuals who tested positive for cannabis use had significantly lower odds of carrying antiretroviral drug resistance mutations (ARV-DRM). Specifically, cannabis users had an odds ratio of just 0.189 for developing ARV-DRM compared to non-users. This association held even after adjusting for demographic factors and other drug use.
Additionally, cannabis use was negatively correlated with high viral loads in plasma, though no significant link was found between cannabis use and viral escape into the cerebrospinal fluid.
The researchers suggest these findings may point to an immunomodulatory effect of cannabis that reduces the likelihood of drug resistance. They note that further investigation is needed to better understand how marijuana might influence HIV treatment outcomes.
