5 Ways Cannabis Legalization Helps The LGBT Community

5. HIV/AIDS

Finally, one of the ways cannabis legalization helps the LGBT community is by giving HIV/AIDS patients access to weed. While by itself cannabis is not a treatment for HIV, it can help treat some of the symptoms that come with the virus. Cannabis can help alleviate HIV-associated ailments like decreased appetite, neuropathic pain, and insomnia. While HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sex, or sexual orientation, the LGBT population is especially at risk. Much of the elevated risk is due to discrimination, stigma, and lack of adequate healthcare.

Although HIV is not curable, it is treatable. It can be prevented by practicing safe sex, not sharing syringes, and getting tested regularly. There is also the option of PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis. This involves taking the daily medication TRUVADA.

Final Hit: The Ways Cannabis Legalization Helps The LGBT Community

The LGBT community has unique health issues and concerns. Cannabis won’t cure the root causes of the problems, which are violence and discrimination. But consuming cannabis can help. Using weed as an aid to cope with the health issues isn’t harmful like using other substances or actions, like opioids or self-harm. And while smoking cannabis can help many people, it’s not right for absolutely everyone. It’s all about making the right choice for you.