The research, published in the journal Viruses, involved 234 participants, including 86 people with HIV (PWH) and 148 without HIV (PWoH). Participants provided blood and urine samples and completed assessments covering medical, psychiatric, and substance use history. Researchers analyzed markers of immune activity and inflammation, focusing on CXCL10/IP-10, CCL2/MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1.
Results showed that participants with HIV had higher levels of CXCL10/IP-10 compared to those without HIV, confirming heightened inflammation in this group. However, cannabis use was independently linked to lower CXCL10/IP-10 levels overall. Among people with lifetime MUD, cannabis use was also tied to reduced levels of CCL2/MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, suggesting cannabis may mitigate immune overactivation in this population. Interestingly, only participants without HIV displayed cannabis-associated reductions in VCAM-1.
The authors conclude that cannabis use is associated with lower concentrations of key immune and inflammatory molecules in individuals with HIV or MUD. They suggest that cannabinoid pathways could offer a promising target for treating complications tied to chronic inflammation.
This study adds to a growing body of evidence that cannabinoids may hold therapeutic value in managing immune dysfunction and inflammation, particularly among populations facing elevated risks due to substance use or chronic conditions.
Hellbound and Down 