Study of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol Effects on Gut Health and Brain Inflammation in People With HIV

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to better understand how cannabis use and HIV independently and together affect the brain and inflammation. It focuses on people with HIV PWH and those without HIV PWoH to explore how gut bacteria and the bodys endocannabinoid system relate to neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier function. The study seeks to uncover how cannabis compounds may influence inflammation and gut health in these groups to inform future treatment strategies. Participants will take part in a randomized, cross-over clinical trial where 50 PWH and 50 PWoH receive oral doses of THC and CBD in different orders over about 6 weeks. One group takes 10 mg THC daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout, then 600 mg CBD daily for 2 weeks. The other group receives the treatments in the reverse order. This design allows comparison of the effects of each cannabinoid on the microbiome, inflammation, and related systems. Throughout the study, participants will undergo physical exams, blood tests, and other procedures to monitor safety and measure treatment effects. Researchers will analyze changes in gut microbiota and blood-brain barrier function at set time points. Participants must adhere to visit schedules and abstain from cannabis use outside the study during the intervention. The study duration covers the 6-week treatment and washout periods, with assessments at baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 6.

Effects of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol on Microbiome and Neuroinflammation in HIV