Patterns of Marijuana Use Among Patients With HIV/AIDS Followed in a Public Health Care Setting

Abstract

The findings suggest that providers be advised to assess routinely and better understand patients' "indications" for self-administration of cannabis. Given the estimated prevalence, more formal characterization of the patterns and impact of cannabis use to alleviate HIV-associated symptoms is warranted. Clinical trials of smoked and noncombustible marijuana are needed to determine the role of cannabinoids as a class of agents with potential to improve quality of life and health care outcomes among patients with HIV/AIDS.