# Cannabis Use, Cognition, and the Endocannabinoid System in HIV > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cognitive-effects-hiv-patients-clinical-trial/ > **Published:** 2026-05-08T15:04:35-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T17:16:04-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Clinical trial examining cannabis cognitive effects in HIV patients could reshape evidence-based recommendations for medical marijuana in this population. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #90High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. 🧪 Clinical Trial Watch  |  CED Clinic Trial ID NCT04883255 Status Recruiting Condition HIV-1-infection Intervention 10 mg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Why This Matters This trial addresses a critical knowledge gap in HIV care where [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) is widespread but poorly understood clinically. Given cannabis’s documented anti-inflammatory properties and HIV’s chronic inflammatory burden, understanding [cognitive effects](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-related-cognitive-effects-memory/) could inform evidence-based prescribing recommendations for this vulnerable population. Clinical Summary This observational study (NCT04883255) is examining how 10mg THC affects cognition and [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) function in people with HIV-1 infection. The trial is currently recruiting participants to assess cognitive performance, decision-making, and biomarkers of endocannabinoid activity. Primary endpoints include neuropsychological testing and inflammatory markers, with secondary measures examining risk-taking behaviors and attention. Dr. Caplan’s Take “If this trial demonstrates cognitive benefits at therapeutic THC doses, it could provide the evidence base I need to confidently recommend specific cannabis formulations for HIV patients experiencing cognitive symptoms. Currently, I’m prescribing based on limited data and patient reports rather than controlled evidence.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Patients with HIV considering cannabis should know this research may clarify optimal dosing for cognitive benefits while minimizing impairment risks. Clinicians should monitor this trial as it could establish the first [evidence-based cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/jama-cannabis-review-physician-analysis/) protocols specifically for HIV-associated cognitive concerns. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Cannabis%20Use%2C%20Cognition%2C%20and%20the%20Endocannabinoid%20System%20in%20HIV%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04883255)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04883255)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Cannabis%20Use%2C%20Cognition%2C%20and%20the%20Endocannabinoid%20System%20in%20HIV%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04883255)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04883255](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04883255) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is this HIV and THC trial trying to find out?](#What_is_this_HIV_and_THC_trial_trying_to_find_out) - [Is this HIV and THC trial still enrolling participants?](#Is_this_HIV_and_THC_trial_still_enrolling_participants) - [What outcomes will researchers measure in the HIV and THC trial?](#What_outcomes_will_researchers_measure_in_the_HIV_and_THC_trial) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ ### What is this HIV and THC trial trying to find out? The study, registered as NCT04883255, is examining how a 10 mg dose of THC affects cognition and the function of the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) in people with HIV-1 infection. The article describes it as an observational study, with 10 mg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) listed as the intervention. ### Is this HIV and THC trial still enrolling participants? Yes. The trial is listed with a status of recruiting, and the article states it is currently recruiting participants with HIV-1 infection. Because enrollment is still under way, its questions about how THC affects cognition in this group remain open for now. ### What outcomes will researchers measure in the HIV and THC trial? The primary endpoints are neuropsychological testing and inflammatory markers. Secondary measures look at risk-taking behaviors and attention. The trial is also assessing cognitive performance, decision-making and biomarkers of endocannabinoid activity in people with HIV-1 infection. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).