120,000+
people in the UK are living with HIV.
23%
of people living with HIV in the UK struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression.
54-83%
of people living with HIV experience pain that impacts their quality of life.
97%
of 1,669 people prescribed medical cannabis reported an improved quality of life, according to the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted.
Symptoms
Body rash
Diarrhoea
Fever
Joint and muscle pain
Night sweats
Recurrent infections
Sore throat and swollen glands
Tiredness
Weight loss
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency HIV drug, that is prescribed when contact with the virus has been detected within 72 hours. After that, regular blood tests are required to monitor the progression of the HIV infection, and different antiretroviral therapies (ART) are prescribed depending on the symptoms experienced.
Atripla
Dovato
Eviplera
Genvoya
Kivexa
Odefsey
Triumeq
Truvada
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
Condition Peripheral Neuropathy
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Anxiety & Depression
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Depression
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Chronic Pain
Subscriber 3 years
Condition Restless Legs Syndrome
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Insomnia
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Depression
Subscriber 2 years
Condition CRPS
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Adjunctive Cancer Care
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Insomnia & Chronic Pain
Subscriber 2 years
Condition ADHD
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Endometriosis
Subscriber 3 years
Condition Chronic Pain
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Low Back Pain
Subscriber 3 years
Condition Arthritis
Subscriber 2 years
Condition ADHD
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Anxiety & ADHD
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Chronic Pain
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Anxiety & Depression
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Chronic Pain
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Endometriosis
Subscriber 2 years
Condition PTSD
Subscriber 2 years
Condition Fibromyalgia
Subscriber 2 years
“Many conditions that lead to chronic pain often respond poorly to conventional pharmaceutical medications. More and more is being understood about how the endocannabinoid system interacts with the more well known pain pathways to work synergistically with these conventional medications. Chronic pain comes with a variety of associated symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, brain fog and reduced appetite – all of which treatment with medical cannabis can improve.“
Dr Sue Clenton
Medical Director
17. 09. 2023
Although recreational cannabis is still illegal in the UK, medical cannabis has been legally available to patients suffering from a wide range of health concerns since November 2018. However, obtaining it through the NHS is quite challenging, which is why many patients are turning to private clinics.
17. 09. 2023
25. 09. 2024
Patients in the UK have been able to access legal, regulated medical cannabis products for almost six years. Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, tens of thousands of patients have experienced the benefits of this incredible plant and its derivatives. But how do you know if medical cannabis is a good option for your health condition?
25. 09. 2024
23. 04. 2024
In today's continuation of our New Patient series, we'll take a quick but deep look at a burning question on the minds of many - "Is medical cannabis safe?" Yes, medical cannabis is safe, but let's dig a little deeper and see what the science has to say.
23. 04. 2024
Some people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be prescribed medical cannabis for HIV to help with some of the symptoms that can make daily life difficult.
Medical cannabis offers potentially therapeutic effects due to its impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Phytocannabinoids (“phyto” meaning plant-based) may mimic the behaviour of endocannabinoids found in the human body. For some people, this can help with mood regulation, sleep, pain perception, and many other aspects of wellness.
There’s a long history of administering medical cannabis for HIV in other parts of the world. In 1991, in San Francisco, voters overwhelmingly supported the use of medical cannabis for pain management for people living with HIV. While this did not make the medication legal, it helped drive measures that protected people who were using the medication responsibly from legal action. HIV cannabis UK laws only changed in 2018, when medical cannabis became legal for certain conditions and symptoms, but only when prescribed and monitored by expert healthcare professionals.
For people living with HIV, symptom management is critical. A consultant may prescribe medical cannabis for HIV symptoms such as:
|
HIV-related symptom |
How symptom presents |
How medical cannabis may help |
|
One of the most commonly reported symptoms of living with HIV is pain. Pain can occur at any stage of HIV, and may be moderate to severe. |
Medical cannabis may have an anti-inflammatory effect due to its impact on the ECS. One study from 2021 interviewed 25 people living with HIV, who self-administered cannabis to manage pain. The study concluded that efforts should be taken to make the medication more accessible for people living with HIV. |
|
|
Living with a long-term condition that still, unfortunately, carries a stigma can be intensely stressful. This stress can lead to persistent feelings of being on edge and worried, which may leave individuals unable to deal with day-to-day tasks, work, or handle personal relationships effectively. |
Cannabis-based treatments may contribute to a reduced level of anxiety and stress. A review of research from 2025 concluded that 70% of relevant studies support administering CBD or THC for anxiety. |
|
|
Dealing with a chronic, incurable condition can be exhausting and lead to prolonged periods of low mood. This may present as feelings of despair, isolation, loneliness, and an inability to find joy in life. |
The ECS is linked to mood regulation, and medication that has a therapeutic effect on the ECS could help reduce depression symptoms. One study from 2025 stated that patients prescribed medical cannabis experienced “Significant decreases from baseline in anxiety and depression.” |
|
|
People with HIV often struggle with sleep disorders, which can be caused by inflammation or illness triggered by the virus. Stress and anxiety can also lead to insomnia, poor sleep, and nightmares. |
Medical cannabis may, for some people, promote better sleep. A 2022 review of medical cannabis and sleep studies suggested that the medication showed promise for sleep and pain management versus placebos. |
|
|
Nerve pain |
HIV can lead to neurological complications, such as peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve pain that causes tingling and burning in the legs, arms, hands, and feet. |
Some people may find that medical cannabis helps manage pain perception or even reduce inflammation. |
|
Reduced appetite |
Infections associated with HIV can impact the appetite, leading to weight loss. |
Medical cannabis may help with appetite management, with THC, in particular, linked to increased appetite. |
|
Digestive issues |
Nausea and other digestive complaints are common in people living with HIV. |
A consultant may prescribe medical cannabis to help with a range of gastroenterological issues, as the ECS is linked to digestion. |
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary treatment for HIV. Its goal is to control the virus that causes HIV, keeping the viral load low to minimize symptoms and support the body’s immune system.
It’s important to note that medical cannabis is not involved in this process. A medical professional may prescribe medical cannabis for HIV if they determine that it could help with distressing symptoms such as pain and nausea.
Treatment plans for people living with HIV can be complex and may combine ART, talking therapies, conventional painkillers, and alternative treatments for HIV, such as medical cannabis. A consultant will consider all the medications the individual is taking as part of the assessment to determine if medical cannabis is a suitable next step.
While medical cannabis contains 140+ cannabinoids, THC and CBD are the best known and most well-researched. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis, at high doses. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, often sold as an oil.
THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. Action on the CB1 receptors may impact pain perception for some people, while impacting the CB2 receptors may give the body signals on how to respond to inflammation and stress. Prescribing THC for HIV could help with pain management, improved sleep, reduced nausea, and overall better symptom management, in some cases.
CBD works on the ECS in a slightly different way. Science suggests that CBD has a more supportive effect, impacting how the body reacts to other cannabinoids and potentially reducing the rate at which they break down. Some people consume CBD oil to help with anxiety and depression, or to help them sleep at night or concentrate better during the day. One 2026 study published in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity, found that CBD suppressed viral replication in macaques infected with HIV. This doesn’t prove that taking CBD for HIV would have the same effect on a human, but it may lead to further research.
Medical cannabis for HIV symptom management is available in various formats, including:
· Oils
· Pastilles
· Dried flower for vaporisers
The type of medical cannabis you’ll be prescribed will depend on your personal preference and which format your consultant thinks will work best. If one of your existing medications causes dry mouth, for example, you may find that oils work better than vapes.
When you book a consultation with a Releaf clinician, you may also discuss different medical cannabis strains. Different strains offer varying levels of THC and CBD, which can alter the overall effect the medication has on your system. Your consultant will usually recommend a strain that’s likely to help manage your most pressing symptoms.
There is currently little evidence available surrounding the interactions between medical cannabis and HIV medication. A 2023 study explored the potential anti-inflammatory effect of cannabinoids for people living with HIV who were actively receiving ART. The study concluded that some inflammatory markers were reduced, but data on actual interactions with medication is limited.
One 2023 study explored the link between cannabis and failure to adhere to ART treatment schedules. People self-administering cannabis were more likely to be less than 100% adherent to their treatment plan, highlighting the importance of working with an expert consultant who can offer advice and support on the best ways to integrate medical cannabis with other treatment options.
Medical cannabis may not be suitable for everyone. Some side effects may include dry mouth, mild nausea, and dizziness. While these symptoms usually pass quickly, if they exacerbate existing symptoms, it could indicate that medical cannabis is not the best choice.
A consultant will usually start you on a low dose to assess how you respond to the medication, and gradually increase that dose to promote potentially therapeutic effects. This is a process called titration, and is common with many types of medication.
How Releaf works: Fill out the 30-second online form to find out if you could be eligible for medical cannabis. From here, you can book a consultation, during which a medical professional will assess your symptoms, needs, and individual circumstances. If they decide that medical cannabis is an appropriate choice for you, you can opt to pay for your medication on a pay-as-you-go basis or sign up for Releaf+, a monthly subscription service that offers significant discounts and a range of benefits, including Releaf Protect.
Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, as shown by our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews. Find out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis for HIV symptom management by filling out the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contacting our team.
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