Marijuana Use May Boost Adherence

HIV-positive adults who treat mild to severe nausea with medicinal marijuana are significantly more likely to stick to their drug regimens than those taking other antinausea medications or none at all, relates a study in the January 1 edition of Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 'Essentially, people experiencing nausea were staying on their anti-HIV cocktails more consistently, which adds to the success of treatment,' the researchers write. They note that if patients are unable to tolerate drug side effects, they are much less likely to take the pills consistently. However, the study also showed that recreational pot use lowered adherence levels. The researchers say the decreased adherence among recreational users is similar to that seen among users of other illicit drugs, including cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin.