A study from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute indicates that micro-doses of THC, the active compound in cannabis, can mitigate long-term side effects of HIV treatment without causing intoxication. In rhesus macaques, low-dose THC reduced inflammation, boosted serotonin levels, and lowered harmful cholesterol and bile acids while maintaining viral suppression. The findings suggest potential for managing chronic complications in people living with HIV.
Researchers at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute have found that very small amounts of THC may help alleviate several harmful effects associated with HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART). The preclinical study, published in Science Advances, involved rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the animal model for HIV. Two groups received ART for five months; one also got low-dose THC, while the other received a placebo.
Both groups achieved undetectable SIV levels, but the THC-treated animals showed notable improvements. Concentrations of ART drugs in their blood were significantly lower, suggesting faster metabolism that could protect the liver from toxicity. "This was unexpected," said Lakmini Premadasa, Ph.D., a staff scientist in the lab. "This suggests that THC is helping to metabolize the antiretroviral drugs faster, which is actually much better to protect the liver from toxicity associated with some currently prescribed ART drugs."
The study, spanning three years, analyzed hundreds of metabolites. THC treatment increased serotonin levels across production stages in the gut, with more serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells and beneficial bacteria like L. plantarum. This enhanced gut-brain communication via the vagus nerve. "This is an exciting finding that could be investigated further to address a range of conditions related to low serotonin levels, including depression, memory loss, brain fog and perhaps long-COVID symptoms," noted Professor Mahesh Mohan, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Additional benefits included a balanced gut microbiome, reduced secondary bile acids that contribute to liver issues like cholestasis and cirrhosis, and lower levels of plaque-forming fatty acids, supporting heart health. No negative effects were observed. "There were no downsides," Dr. Premadasa added. "I kept looking because I couldn't believe it could all be good, but I really could not find any negative impacts."
The research builds on prior work with FDA-approved THC medications for conditions like AIDS-related weight loss. Future studies will explore combinations with CBD and other compounds, though researchers caution that commercial products may vary. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the results highlight low-dose THC's potential for HIV comorbidities such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, pending human trials.
