Cannabis Allergies & Hypersensitivity Guide
"Can you be allergic to weed?" is a question you may be asking yourself if you've experienced an unexpected reaction after consuming MMJ. The short answer is yes, you can be allergic to cannabis. However, severe weed allergies are rare.
Allergic reactions and hypersensitivities to cannabis range from mild to severe. The symptoms are often similar to those of hay fever. It’s essential to see an experienced medical marijuana doctor or an allergy specialist if you suspect a sensitivity to cannabis and take steps to prevent the problem from becoming worse.
What Causes Cannabis Allergies?
A cannabis allergy—like other common allergies—occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies components of the cannabis plant as harmful. This triggers an allergic reaction. While not as common as other allergies, it can significantly impact those affected.
Risk Factors for Cannabis Allergies
Risk factors for cannabis allergy include the following:
1. Sensitivity to Allergens in the Cannabis Plant
The cannabis plant contains certain allergens that can cause a reaction. These include:
Pollen: Airborne cannabis pollen from cannabis plants can trigger allergic reactions similar to other plant pollen allergies.
Plant matter: Direct contact with the cannabis plant, such as handling the leaves or flowers, can cause skin reactions.
Cannabis smoke: Inhaling cannabis smoke can trigger allergic responses in the respiratory system.
Cannabis-derived products: Ingesting cannabis-infused edibles or topicals can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Experiment to Find the Best Cannabis Products for You
Individuals with a weed allergy may find they are more sensitive to certain products. Remember that there are many alternatives to smoking cannabis like edibles, tinctures, and cannabis topicals. Alternatively, if you’re only sensitive to handling cannabis plant material, you could try products like Rick Simpson Oil that are taken sublingually or as part of an edible.
Experts in a specialist medical marijuana dispensary can advise you on different products and how they could benefit you. Purchasing these products with an up-to-date medical marijuana card in Arizona allows patients to enjoy higher possession limits and to purchase cannabis products without paying excise tax.
2. Having Certain Food Allergies
Cross-reactivity can occur between cannabis and other allergens, such as foods with similar protein properties to cannabis. This means people with known allergies to specific foods might also be allergic to cannabis.
Common food products with similar allergen properties to the cannabis plant include:
Tomatoes
Fruits like peaches, grapefruit, apples, and bananas
Soy
Almonds and other nuts
3. Having Other Allergies
A 2018 study reported that people are more likely to have a cannabis allergy if they're also allergic to molds, dust mites, cat dander, or plants like ryegrass or Bermuda grass.
4. Allergic Sensitization
Allergic sensitization refers to the process that results in a person's body becoming sensitive to any given allergen. Greater exposure to cannabis can make you more likely to develop sensitivity to the plant. This means that sensitization is more likely in areas where cannabis plants are grown. Allergic sensitization that leads to allergy symptoms can also happen as a result of smoking, ingestion, inhalation of cannabis pollen, or direct contact.
If you think you may be developing signs of a cannabis allergy, speak to a doctor. Doctors in states where medical cannabis is legal, like Arizona, will likely be familiar with the signs of a cannabis allergy and can refer you to a specialist.
Marijuana Allergy Symptoms
The most typical marijuana allergy symptoms largely cross over with hay fever symptoms. If you've ingested or come into physical contact with cannabis and are sensitive to it, you may have experienced these cannabis allergy symptoms:
Red or watery eyes
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Asthma symptoms or more general respiratory symptoms
Nausea and/or vomiting are less common reactions to smoking or eating marijuana.
Due to restrictions on scientific and medical research, not enough is known about cannabis allergies. However, a 2022 academic overview of cannabis-related allergies described allergy symptoms including rhinitis, asthma symptoms, conjunctivitis, cutaneous reactions caused by industrial contact, and anaphylaxis to hemp seed.
Can Handling the Cannabis Plant Cause Allergic Reactions?
In rare cases, handling the cannabis plant can cause allergic reactions that resemble dermatitis. This risk significantly rises if you handle cannabis on a regular basis. Individuals who grow their own cannabis or work in the cannabis industry should take sensible precautions such as wearing face masks and gloves.
How Is a Weed Allergy Diagnosed?
Weed allergies are diagnosed in the same way as any other type of allergy: through skin or blood tests.
Skin Tests for Weed Allergies
Doctors may use a skin prick test to determine whether you have a cannabis allergy. This is a minimally invasive test that yields quick results.
During a skin prick test, the doctor will apply a diluted version of the allergen—in this case cannabis—to the surface of the skin. If the skin reacts within 15 minutes, it's likely you're allergic.
Blood Tests for Weed Allergies
The number of antibodies to cannabis in your blood indicates whether you have a cannabis allergy. If your blood contains more antibodies than normal, you're likely to be allergic.
How to Prevent Weed Allergies
The best way to prevent a weed allergy is to avoid excessive direct exposure to the plant. You might need to avoid cannabis altogether if you've suffered a severe allergic reaction. The following strategies could be helpful if you are not sure whether you’re sensitive to cannabis or you earn a living from cannabis cultivation:
Consult a doctor: Consult with an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect a cannabis allergy. A specialist may be able to recommend an effective marijuana allergy treatment regimen that reduces the effects of your allergy.
Identify the source of the problem: Try to work out the exact conditions that trigger allergy symptoms. For example, you may react worse to smoking weed than consuming edibles.
Avoid direct contact: Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling cannabis plants or products. This is especially important if you have regular contact with cannabis at work.
Proper ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when handling or consuming cannabis products indoors.
Air filtration: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens.
Allergy medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines or other allergy medications may help manage allergy symptoms if you can’t avoid contact with cannabis completely.
Remember: A true cannabis allergy is rare. Most medical patients consume cannabis on a regular basis without experiencing the symptoms described in this article.
Watch Out for Cannabis Allergy Symptoms
Cannabis allergies, while less common than many other allergies, can cause unwelcome and even severe symptoms. Affected individuals will need to manage their allergies by understanding the symptoms and triggers and developing prevention strategies with a medical professional.
If you suspect a cannabis allergy, it's crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare professional can work with you to develop a personalized management plan to minimize allergic reactions.
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