Pros Dronabinol is FDA-approved and legally available by prescription through hospitals and pharmacies. People who have tried both dronabinol and medical marijuana contend that they are better able to control drug effects with medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is not legally available to many people. Third-party payers, like insurance and Federal programs, do not cover its cost. THC has been shown in some studies to suppress immune function.
Smoked marijuana increases the risk of lung infections and complications.
Long-term effects are less clear. It is unknown if marijuana interacts with anti-HIV drug therapies, increases HIV replication or negatively impacts HIV disease progression.