How Cannabis is Changing HIV Care
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 22
- 10 min read
Berta Kaguako is the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, a patient educational platform, that promotes plant medicine and a holostic healthcare approach. As a patient herself, Berta has made a remarkable transformation, using Cannabis Based Medical Products, to manage 7 diagnosis and 50+ symptoms. And now advocates for plant medicine.
At EthVida, we recognize the value of authentic narratives in broadening perspectives and overcoming obstacles, and in this interview, we are pleased to feature Nicole Buffong, a member of our community, who brings direct experience with Cannabis-Based Medical Products (CBMPs) as part of her healthcare journey.
Through their personal accounts, we will examine the challenges encountered within conventional healthcare systems, the pivotal moment that led to the consideration of medical cannabis, and the ways in which a holistic approach has influenced their overall quality of life. Rather than a simple discussion, this offers insight into the real-world experiences underlying ongoing debates and social stigma. It is our aim that their stories provide greater understanding and encouragement to those navigating similar circumstances. Let’s step behind the veil and hear their journey in their own words.
What is HIV/AIDS
Prior to discussing the potential advantages of cannabis-based medical products for symptom management in individuals with HIV, it is important to establish a foundational understanding of the condition. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targets the immune system, particularly the CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in defending the body against infections. Without appropriate treatment, HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), representing the most advanced stage of infection.
While a cure for HIV does not currently exist, the disease is highly manageable with effective medical interventions, enabling those affected to maintain long and healthy lives. “HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens your immune system and increases your risk of serious illness. There’s currently no cure, but with treatment most people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.”₁
Although HIV is predominantly known as a blood-borne virus, it can be transmitted via other routes: blood, semen and vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food, or kissing.
Stages/signs and symptoms
HIV has a variety of signs and symptoms, and although people experience symptoms differently, like with any condition, symptoms can be categorized based on the stage of HIV they are in. There are three stages:
1. Acute HIV Infection (2-4 weeks after exposure)
This stage is when the virus is multiplying rapidly, and it’s also the most infectious period. Often mistaken for the flu, early symptoms may include: fever, chills, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle aches, rash, night sweats, and mouth ulcers.
2. Chronic HIV (Asymptomatic or latent stage)
During this stage, the virus remains active but replicates at low levels. Individuals may not display symptoms. This phase can continue for years, particularly with treatment. Without treatment, the virus progressively affects the immune system.
3. AIDS (Advanced HIV)
Without appropriate treatment, HIV may advance to AIDS, resulting in significant impairment of the immune system. This weakened state increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Symptoms include: rapid weight loss, persistent fever or night sweats, extreme fatigue, long-lasting swelling of lymph nodes, chronic diarrhea, pneumonia, skin lesions or blotches, memory loss, depression, or neurological disorders.
While HIV remains a serious health concern, it is no longer considered a terminal diagnosis. With timely detection and advances in modern treatment, individuals living with HIV can maintain a high quality of life. Early awareness, regular testing, and open dialogue are essential components of effective HIV management. Individuals who believe they may be at risk are encouraged to seek testing promptly and take proactive steps to safeguard their health. To learn more about HIV and what support can be accessed in the UK, please visit: HIV and AIDS - NHS.
The endocannabinoid system and HIV
Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a significant advancement in HIV treatment, some individuals continue to experience ongoing symptoms. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and medical cannabis are areas of interest for potential symptom management.
But what exactly is the ECS? And how could it benefit someone living with HIV?
The ECS is a regulatory system in humans that maintains body balance. It influences immune function, mood, pain, appetite, inflammation, and sleep.
Key components:
Endocannabinoids: Chemicals produced by the body (e.g., anandamide)
Cannabinoid receptors: Mainly CB1 and CB2, located throughout the body
Enzymes: Break down endocannabinoids after use
The ECS interacts with both naturally made and plant-derived cannabinoids, such as those in cannabis. To learn more about the ECS, please read our first article: Did You Know Cannabis-Based Medical Products Are Legal in the UK?
HIV doesn’t just weaken the immune system; it throws the body’s internal balance off course. Many people living with HIV experience chronic inflammation, nerve pain, appetite loss, and heightened anxiety. Interestingly, these are all functions regulated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the body’s natural system for maintaining internal stability, or homeostasis. Emerging research suggests that HIV may disrupt ECS function, especially in the immune and nervous systems. In fact, individuals with HIV often show imbalances in endocannabinoid levels, particularly when dealing with inflammation or neuropathy.
In simple terms: When the body is battling HIV, the ECS itself may also be under pressure, further contributing to symptoms and discomfort. Supporting or rebalancing the ECS could, therefore, offer a new path to symptom relief and improved well-being. Cannabis is known to improve symptoms such as pain, neuropathic pain (nerve damage), inflammation, appetite loss, nausea, mood fluctuations, and sleep disturbances.
Numerous studies have investigated the use of cannabis in managing symptoms associated with HIV. A notable example is Cannabis and Inflammation in HIV: A Review of Human and Animal Studies, which assesses the potential role of cannabis in alleviating chronic inflammation among people with HIV (PWH), a factor implicated in adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment. The review outlines evidence suggesting that cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, potentially mediated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS), especially within the gastrointestinal tract, and by enhancing gut–blood barrier integrity. While the review underscores the necessity for additional research, it indicates that cannabis may serve as a promising intervention to reduce inflammation-related morbidity in patients with HIV. Most notably, “Cannabis as a clinical intervention in HIV disease would be a significant contribution to the field. When ingested, inhaled, or absorbed, THC and CBD, along with other exogenous cannabis components, are anti-inflammatory and counter oxidative stress. Patients report that cannabis has less harmful effects than other drugs.”₂
Interview
Background
Full Name: Nicole Buffong
Age: 43
Gender: Female
Conditions: HIV & Kidney Failure
Symptoms: HIV -> Brain Fog, Widespread Pain | Kidney Failure -> Frequent Urination, Lower Back Pain, Neuropathy, Skin Rash, Heart Palpitations
NHS Prescription: Julucsa
Impact on day-to-day: For Nicole, who is living with HIV, daily life comes with challenges that are often invisible to others. Frequent urination disrupts her sleep, making it hard to get a full night’s rest, while persistent pain limits how much she can move around or stay active during the day. Despite these struggles, Nicole remains determined not to let her condition define her. “I don’t let it affect anything else,” she says, underscoring her strength and resilience in the face of ongoing discomfort.
Daily living
i. Current Prescriptions
Nicole is currently managing her HIV with Juluca, a once-daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) that helps keep her viral load suppressed. In addition to her prescription treatment, she incorporates cannabis therapeutically, using hemp and cannabis products in vaporized form or as tea, rather than smoking. On July 1st, Nicole began a 28-day detox program that includes a 3,000mg daily dose of a powdered plant blend from Honduras, believed to support cleansing and immune health. As part of this detox, she is following a strict alkaline diet, consuming only foods that promote internal pH balance. This holistic approach reflects Nicole’s commitment to both traditional and natural therapies in supporting her health and well-being.
ii. How easy was it to obtain the medication?
Nicole receives her HIV medication, Juluca, from a clinic in Atlanta, located about 90 miles from her home in Columbus, Georgia. While the distance adds a layer of complexity to managing her care, she remains committed to staying on treatment. In addition to her prescribed antiretroviral therapy, Nicole incorporates herbal supplements sourced from Honduras, a powdered plant blend that took two weeks to arrive and is central to the 28-day alkaline detox she began on July 1st. She also uses cannabis therapeutically, though access poses challenges in Georgia, where cannabis flower is not legal. To meet her needs, she obtains ice water hash rosin from Oregon, a legal state, and uses it only in vaporized form or steeped as tea, never smoked. Despite logistical hurdles, Nicole thoughtfully curates a health regimen that balances medical treatment, plant-based healing, and personal wellness.
iii. Did you ever experience any adverse reactions?
Nicole's journey with HIV treatment has included some difficult setbacks. Her first prescribed medication, Dovato, caused severe damage to her kidneys, prompting a change in her treatment plan. Fortunately, since switching to Juluca, she has experienced better tolerance and stability. Throughout her care, Nicole has also used cannabis therapeutically and notably, she reports no adverse reactions between her cannabis use and her HIV medications. This complementary approach, combining antiretroviral therapy with carefully chosen plant-based support, reflects Nicole’s commitment to finding what works best for her body. Nicole has also not had any adverse reaction to her cannabis medications to date.
“All forms of medications, should be accessible to the patient” - Nicole
iv. What aspect of your care stood out?
Nicole explained ‘the fact that I had to leave the state I was living in to have safe access to medical Cannabis. In 2019, I moved from Georgia to Nevada to have safe access to legal Cannabis and its products”.
v. Current Healthcare Regime
In addition to her prescribed HIV treatment, Nicole follows a deeply holistic health regimen that reflects her commitment to full-body wellness. She’s currently on an alkaline diet, which she began on July 1st as part of a 28-day herbal cleanse using plant-based powders sourced from Honduras. Her daily routine includes alkaline water, the use of Iherqles, a concentrated, plant-derived supplement, and practices like sound frequency therapy and vibration, which she uses to support energy balance and cellular healing. Nicole blends modern medicine with natural, ancestral, and energetic healing approaches crafting a healthcare routine that nourishes both body and spirit.
vi. Impact on day-to-day
Nicole shares that the biggest impact on her daily life right now comes from the demands of her detox and alkaline diet. Staying properly hydrated is essential, she must drink plenty of water each day to support the cleanse. In addition, the diet requires her to prepare all her meals at home, which takes time, planning, and dedication. While it adds structure to her day, it also reflects Nicole’s deep commitment to healing and self-care through natural and intentional living. Cannabis allows Nicole to effectively manage her symptoms, enabling her to perform daily tasks. However, as with any chronic illness, some level of difficulty remains, albeit reduced.
Social circumstances
i. Any issues or concerns with regards to your treatment
For Nicole, one of the biggest challenges she faces with her current treatment plan is the fear that her cannabis medicine could be intercepted in the mail. Since moving back to Georgia in December, after five years in Nevada where access was legal and easier, navigating safe and reliable delivery of her medicine has become a source of stress. Adding to this is a much deeper health concern, her kidney function has dropped below 20% after years of living with HIV. “The virus attacks my kidneys, and the HIV medication further weakens them,” she explains. After seven years of managing the disease, doctors are now discussing a potential kidney transplant, but that doesn’t align with her holistic lifestyle. Nicole remains committed to a path that integrates plant-based healing, herbal medicine, and cannabis as part of a wellness philosophy she trusts.
ii. What has the support from your peers been like?
Nicole finds strength in her community, sharing that the support from her peers has been tremendous throughout her healing journey. It’s the medical professionals, however, who often require more explanation. “I have to explain how I use plants as medicine,” she says, highlighting a disconnect between her holistic approach and traditional healthcare systems. While her peers understand and embrace her use of herbal remedies, cannabis, and natural therapies, she frequently finds herself educating doctors about the intentional, therapeutic role these plants play in her care, not as alternatives, but as complements to conventional treatment.
iii. Are you engaging with any services in the NHS (national health services UK)? Or any other healthcare professional?
Yes, I see Dr. Yolanda Clay, A bio energetic doctor in Atlanta, Nicole explained.
iv. If yes? How has your experience with them been? Have they been accommodating of your prescription?
Nicole explains the support has been amazing, stating ‘one of the first things she said to me is that “I am the doctor over my own body.” Hearing this just confirmed what I already knew. Listen to my body, it will tell me what it needs’. Nicole also explained, they have been accommodating her prescription.
“Yes, I was using her holistic regiment of concentrated herbal remedies, before starting the cleanse.” - Nicole
v. Any message or feedback you would like to share, with people who are Cannabis naïve and either sceptical or curious about Cannabis as medicine?
Nicole is clear: “The first thing I would say is: do your research.” She encourages others to learn about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the powerful internal network that cannabis interacts with and recommends watching Dr. Rachel Knox’s TED Talk for a deeper understanding. Nicole is also quick to dispel myths: smoking isn’t the only way to use cannabis, and in fact, she believes the most therapeutic benefits come from juicing the raw plant. Her message is simple but firm: “Don’t knock it until you try it.” For Nicole, cannabis is more than a remedy, it’s a tool for healing, balance, and taking control of her own health.
Conclusion
This patient's experience highlights the significance of advocacy, education, and equitable access within healthcare. Their case serves as evidence for the potential benefits of Cannabis-Based Medical Products and underscores the need for a responsive, patient-centered healthcare system.
At EthVida, we are committed to elevating voices that challenge stigma, foster open dialogue, and contribute to shaping a compassionate, patient-focused future. For individuals in similar circumstances, please be assured that you are not alone. We are dedicated to providing support, guidance, and steadfast partnership throughout your journey.
Stay connected, stay informed, and continue the conversation here.
Read more from Berta Kaguako
Berta Kaguako, Health and Social Care Consultant
Berta Kaguako is a Health and Social Care Consultant, with an Undergraduate in Psychotherapy and Masters in Psychoanalysis. Berta’s background is in Mental Health, Substance Misuse and Children & Families: in both a therapeutic and senior management capacity, having won 3x Blooming Strong Awards (Recognition from UN for contribution to violence against Women).
Berta is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, and independently runs the wellbeing service / educational platform.
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