Cannabis Use Linked to Lower Inflammation Markers in People Who Use Methamphetamine or Have HIV

Among 234 participants (86 with HIV, 148 without), past-month cannabis use was independently associated with lower CXCL10/IP-10 levels overall. Among those with lifetime methamphetamine use disorder, cannabis users also showed lower levels of CCL2/MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. The VCAM-1 reduction was observed only in people without HIV.

Cross-sectional study of 234 participants who provided urine and blood samples and completed neuromedical, psychiatric, and substance use assessments. Generalized linear models examined associations of lifetime methamphetamine use disorder, past-month cannabis use, and HIV status with four plasma inflammatory markers.

Methamphetamine use and HIV both drive chronic inflammation that increases risk for cardiovascular and neurological damage. If cannabis genuinely reduces inflammatory markers in these populations, it could point toward cannabinoid-based approaches to managing inflammation-driven complications.

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a driver of disease in both HIV and stimulant use disorders. These findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties, though observational data cannot establish whether cannabis causes the lower inflammation or if other factors explain the association.

Cross-sectional design; cannot determine causation. Cannabis use was self-reported and binary (past month yes/no). Small subgroups when stratified by HIV, meth history, and cannabis use. No information on type, dose, or frequency of cannabis use. Potential confounding by other health behaviors.