Are you looking to understand if you can access Delaware medical marijuana for a positive Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV status? As you are aware HIV can be a debilitating diagnosis. HIV can cause many issues such as appetite loss, nausea, and many other typical concerns for people suffering from it. And many will often experience side effects from the medications they are taking to treat their HIV. So, it’s no surprise that you may be searching to alternatives for HIV.
The good news is that as a Delaware resident a person can access medical marijuana for HIV. If you have a positive HIV status for HIV and have questions about the possibility of obtaining a Delaware medical marijuana card, the team at Green Relief Health is here to help! Our Patient Care Coordinators can be reached Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 302-564-9994 or by scheduling an appointment here.
What Is HIV?
HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that uses the body’s immune system to replicate itself and spread. By latching on to “T cells”, HIV can insert its RNA, like our DNA, and hijack the T cells’ internal machinery. This produces more HIV cells and eventually kills the T cell.
In the first stage of the infection, HIV numbers are very high, and the infected person may experience flu-like symptoms. After a few weeks, the second stage of the infection, called “clinical latency” sets in. HIV numbers drop, and the person may not exhibit any signs of the virus for a decade or longer. At the end of this phase, the virus begins rapidly reproducing and T cell numbers fall. This begins acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Because of their compromised immune systems, people with AIDS are susceptible to infections that would generally not harm those who don’t have AIDS. These are called opportunistic infections and can be deadly for those with AIDS.
Can Delaware Medical Marijuana Help HIV
One of the most common symptoms of HIV is loss of appetite. It is very common for HIV patients to experience weight loss because they’re not hungry due to pain or negative emotions. There are studies that have shown medical marijuana can help with appetite stimulation. In fact, the FDA has approved a marijuana-based drug called Marinol which stimulates a patient’s appetite.
Interestingly, HIV was one of the first diseases to start the conversation regarding medical marijuana. Doctors initially thought that marijuana may be helpful for patients with HIV because of its appetite stimulating properties.
Medical Cannabis For Chronic Pain
Many HIV patients experience a great deal of chronic pain. It is very common for HIV patients to report pain particularly pain in the joints, muscles, and nerves. Nerve pain, also called peripheral neuropathy, occurs due to motor, automatic or sensory nerve damage, leading to uncomfortable stabbing or burning sensations in hands and feet. HIV and antiretroviral medications will cause pain while weakening the immune system, making patients more susceptible to pain and infections.
Many will use medical marijuana to help with chronic pain. Studies have seen HIV patients report progress with easing nerve pain using medical marijuana. Standard marijuana products such as edible concentrates and cannabis flowers offer pain reduction and improve the quality of life, reducing depression and fatigue.
Relieving Anxiety
Dealing with HIV can be extremely stressful and cause many patients to experience anxiety. The stress of a positive HIV diagnosis can lead to many mood disorders including anxiety. This anxiety can lead to nausea, loss of appetite, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Medical marijuana has a calming effect on many patients. This calming effect can help lower levels of anxiety and depression. In addition to elevating mood, medical marijuana’s abilities to help with chronic pain and gastrointestinal issues can also lead to lower levels of anxiety. This can have a very positive effect on a patient’s prognosis.
Can I Get A Medical Card For HIV in Delaware?
The good news is that you can get a medical card for HIV in Delaware. The state of Delaware has 14 conditions specifically listed in the law and HIV is one listed in the law. To qualify for Delaware medical marijuana for HIV you will need to be able to document you HIV diagnosis.
A patient can document their HIV through their medical history. They will need to be able to show that in their medical history that they have been seen by a provider for this disease. Inside of the patient’s medical history there will be notes a provider has made to document the existence of HIV.
Getting Your Delaware Medical Card For HIV
Once it is determined that the patient has a proper qualifying condition for a medical card for HIV, they will need to see a certified medical cannabis doctor in Delaware. The provider will meet with the patient to go over their medical history and qualifying condition. If the provider finds that they meet the criteria to qualify for a medical card in the state of Delaware, they will then be able to submit their application to the Delaware Office of Medical Marijuana.
After the doctor’s visit there is still one step to go to qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card. The patient will then need to submit an application to the state of Delaware to verify their residency in the state. In addition, they will sign a form to release their medical information to the state of Delaware which is a part of the approval process. This process can either be done online or through the mail. There is a $50 application fee to submit this application to the state of Delaware, which is important to keep in mind.
How Can Green Relief Health Help?
If you’re curious about whether you or a loved one may qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card for HIV, reach out to us today! If you’d like to speak with a Green Relief Health team member, you may contact our office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On our website you can also find a large selection of educational blogs, an FAQ page with answers to frequently asked questions, and our own line of hemp-derived CBD that’s recommended by physicians!
