Joint Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Cannabis on Neurocognition

In this episode, Dr. Scott Sperling discusses the article Joint Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Cannabis on Neurocognition with first author Ashley Adams, MS and senior author Dr. Raul Gonzalez. This study explored the effects of cannabis use and HIV on neurocognition in a demographically diverse sample (N = 269). Results showed that participants who endorsed cannabis use (CB+) and had an HIV diagnosis (HIV+) were more likely to be labeled with a memory impairment compared to controls (CB-/HIV-). Addiitionally, the CB+/HIV- was twice as likely to be labeled with an executive functioning impairment compared to controls. Overall, results suggest that cannabis use confers risk for neurocognitive decline in HIV; however, risk must be weighted against potential effect on symptoms.