“Effects of Medicinal Cannabis on CD4 Immunity in AIDS”
Rachel Schrier, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
The aim of this study was to determine if cannabis might suppress the immune system in individuals
with HIV. This is an important question since already fragile immunity is characteristic of AIDS and other
serious illness where cannabis might be used.
Results of the study are being prepared for publication. Briefly, immune system cells (CD4+ white blood
cells) obtained from 15 individuals with AIDS participating in another study were exposed to three
concentrations of THC in tests of their functional “competence.” There was no evidence of acute impairment
of immune function at concentrations achievable in living humans. These results parallel other
research showing that short-term cannabis administration does not diminish the circulating number of
this white blood cell essential for immunity.
tl;dr: smoke 'em if you got 'em...even if you got AIDS
