Quick answer
Quick answer
Yes, in many places. 35 state programs name HIV/AIDS on the official list, and 5 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding HIV/AIDS
Some people still deal with nerve pain, poor appetite, weight loss, nausea from medicines, trouble sleeping or anxiety and depression. Daily antiretroviral therapy is the core of treatment, along with care for any related symptoms or complications.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Poor appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Nausea, including from medicines
- Burning or tingling nerve pain in the feet and hands
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and low mood
Does HIV/AIDS qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaListed as “HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss”
- AK AlaskaListed as “HIV positive status or AIDS, or treatment for t…”
- AZ ArizonaListed as “HIV positive status”
- AR ArkansasListed as “Positive status for HIV/AIDS”
- CA CaliforniaListed as “AIDS”
- CO ColoradoListed as “HIV or AIDS”
- CT ConnecticutListed as “HIV or AIDS positive status”
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaListed as “Positive status for HIV”
- GA GeorgiaListed as “HIV stage III”
- HI HawaiiListed as “Positive status for HIV”
- IL IllinoisListed
- IA IowaListed as “AIDS or HIV”
- KY KentuckyListed as “HIV”
- LA LouisianaListed as “Positive status for HIV”
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsListed
- MI MichiganListed as “HIV positive”
- MN MinnesotaListed
- MS MississippiListed
- MO MissouriListed as “HIV or AIDS”
- MT MontanaListed as “Cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, when it causes s…”
- NV NevadaListed as “Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)”
- NH New HampshireListed as “Qualifying diagnosis plus qualifying symptom - …”
- NJ New JerseyListed as “Positive status for HIV / AIDS”
- NM New MexicoListed
- NY New YorkListed as “Examples OCM lists include autism, Alzheimer's …”
- ND North DakotaListed as “Positive status for human immunodeficiency viru…”
- OH OhioListed as “AIDS”
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonListed
- PA PennsylvaniaListed
- RI Rhode IslandListed as “Positive status for HIV or its treatment”
- SD South DakotaListed
- UT UtahListed
- VT VermontListed as “Positive status for HIV”
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonListed as “Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)”
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaListed as “Positive status for HIV or AIDS”
What the research says
Limited evidence. Limited evidence shows cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in HIV/AIDS.
- The 2017 National Academies review found limited evidence that cannabis and oral cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in people with HIV and AIDS.
- Dronabinol, a lab-made form of THC, is FDA-approved to treat loss of appetite with weight loss in people with AIDS.
- Small randomized trials found that smoked cannabis reduced HIV-related nerve pain for some people.
- Most of these studies were done before modern antiretroviral therapy, when severe weight loss was more common.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach HIV/AIDS
Doctors often consider an oral product taken before meals when the goal is better appetite.
For nerve pain, a balanced CBD and THC product taken orally or vaporized is a common choice.
Smoking is generally discouraged, especially if your immune system is weakened, because it irritates the lungs.
Starting low and going slow is important because some HIV medicines can increase THC levels in the blood.
Risks and precautions
- Some antiretroviral regimens, especially those boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, can raise THC levels and make effects stronger.
- CBD can affect liver enzymes that process some HIV medicines, so tell your HIV doctor before starting.
- Cannabis should never replace or interrupt antiretroviral therapy, so take your HIV medicines every day as prescribed.
- THC can affect memory and focus, which may make it harder to stick to your medication schedule.
- People with a weakened immune system should avoid smoking and use products from licensed sources to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Records confirming your HIV diagnosis from your HIV care provider.
Your current antiretroviral regimen and other medicines.
Notes on symptoms such as weight loss, appetite changes, nerve pain or nausea.
Any records of past treatments for those symptoms, such as appetite stimulants or nerve pain medicines.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for HIV/AIDS
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
HIV/AIDS: 9 common questions
Does HIV/AIDS qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Yes, in many places. 35 state programs name HIV/AIDS on the official list, and 5 more let the certifying provider decide. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list HIV/AIDS as a qualifying condition?
As of our latest check of each state's official list: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia. Providers can also certify it in Delaware, Maine, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington, D.C., which don't use a fixed list. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for HIV/AIDS online?
Yes, in 25 of those states — including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii and 20 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 13 others, such as Alabama, Alaska, Colorado and 10 more, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis interact with my HIV medicines?
Yes, interactions are possible. Some boosted regimens can raise THC levels, and CBD can affect enzymes that process certain antiretrovirals. Tell your HIV doctor and pharmacist what you use so they can check your specific regimen.
Does cannabis help with appetite and weight loss in HIV?
There is limited evidence that cannabis and THC can improve appetite and weight in people with HIV. Dronabinol is FDA-approved for appetite loss and weight loss in AIDS. If weight loss is your main concern, your HIV doctor should also look for other causes.
What is the difference between dronabinol and medical cannabis?
Dronabinol is a prescription capsule containing a lab-made form of THC, with a consistent strength. Medical cannabis contains THC along with CBD and other plant compounds, and products vary more. Some people prefer one over the other, so it is worth discussing both with your doctor.
Can cannabis help HIV-related nerve pain?
Small clinical trials found cannabis reduced HIV-related nerve pain for some people. The benefit was modest, and side effects like dizziness were common. A low dose taken in the evening is a cautious way to start.
Will cannabis weaken my immune system?
Studies have not shown that cannabis lowers CD4 counts or increases viral load in people taking antiretroviral therapy. Smoking can still harm your lungs and increase the risk of chest infections. Choose non-smoked forms and keep your regular lab checks.
Can I use cannabis if I also have hepatitis or liver problems?
Liver problems can change how your body processes both cannabis and HIV medicines. CBD can also raise liver enzymes in some people. If you have hepatitis or liver disease, start very low and ask your doctor about checking liver tests.