Can You Be Allergic To Weed? [Everything you need to KNOW]

A lot of people are curious, and they ask, can you be allergic to weed? Is it possible to trigger symptoms of allergies?

Approximately 3.9% of the entire population, or about 192 million people, use and consume Cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes. Therefore, it is just right that you are aware of whether cannabis can trigger a severe allergic response, so you can be aware of it.

So, in this guide, I’ll go ahead and provide information on whether people can experience an allergic reaction to marijuana or not!

The short and easy answer to that is yes — you can be allergic to marijuana. It’s just like other allergies where exposure to it can lead to mild-to-severe allergic reactions.

Understanding the Marijuana Plant

Prior to discussing marijuana allergy in-depth, let us first look at the plausible reason why it occurs.

The cannabis plant, like many other plants, contains allergens. These allergens are the ones responsible for the allergic reaction triggered.

In 2018, a study was done stating that people who are allergic to marijuana are most likely the people who are allergic to dust mites, plants, molds, and pet dander.

Moreover, Dr. Purvi Parikh, M.D., New York City Board-Certified Allergist, says that another allergen with the main risks linked to marijuana is molding.

Weed allergy cases remain uncommon – for now. It’s likely weed allergy has been around for years but went unreported due to marijuana’s illegal status.”

As per the AAAI, in the Southwest region of the United States, male plants pollinate female plants, resulting in the spread of allergens through the air.

This puts workers and employees in the marijuana industry to be at risk for marijuana sensitization.

Can You Be Allergic to Weed?

Yes, it is possible to have a recreational or medical marijuana allergy, as stated above. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology or AAAAI said that allergic sensitization or weed allergy could develop after being exposed to the plant.

And in case you’re asking if it involves both the live plant or the processed plant, then yes, it is the same.

As per the organization, cannabis allergens can be passed on to people in any of the following ways:

• Eating Marijuana
• Touching Marijuana
• Smoking Marijuana
• Inhaling Marijuana Pollen (Airborne)

Well, if you thought that food allergies were the worst, no! Kidding aside, marijuana allergies are rampant, too, so be sure to take extra precautionary measures before smoking, eating, touching, or being near cannabis.

NOTE: It doesn't matter if it's cannabis sativa or cannabis indica. They're both the same species; they have similar protein properties, so that the effects would be the same.

Let’s take a step back and look at the history of marijuana allergy.

Marijuana Allergy History

The condition was first described and observed about 50 years ago when people started to report experiencing difficulty breathing, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Take note that these were due to industrial contact.

There were even people who experienced an anaphylactic shock when exposed to cannabis and hemp seeds!

From then on, members from various nations tackling allergies, asthma symptoms, and immunology formed the Cannabis Allergy Interest Group (CAIG), which helped in developing an action plan which came up with a protocol that would lead to diagnosis and treatment.

What is an Anaphylactic Shock?

It’s a rare, severe type of allergic reaction that explodes in the body. What happens is, that the patient will experience either a drop or a rise in blood pressure, the airways will become narrower or more restricted, the skin will be filled with multiple rashes, etc.

This is not a common occurrence. In fact, Anaphylaxis only occurs in one (1) of 50 Americans. And although it’s rare, this is a condition that needs immediate medical help and assistance.

When anaphylaxis hits you, you need to be brought to the Emergency Room (ER) immediately. The only first aid you can do is through an Epinephrine auto-injector, after which you’ll still need to go to the nearest hospital to get the best treatment possible.

Cannabis Allergy Symptoms

Akin to any other type of allergy, symptoms would trigger in the case of several outlets. It’s not like you would only be exposed to it when you consume it directly.

So, how do you know if you’re allergic to marijuana? Let me discuss further what the symptoms are, as well as to what extent allergic reactions will be depending on the type of exposure.

Allergic Reaction via Skin Contact

Yes! You read that right. The simple act of touching the plant can cause an allergic reaction, especially if the patient has underlying skin conditions or a weak immune system.

Skin reaction could be delayed or instant, but exposure to the plant via touch can result in:

• Rashes
• Red Itchy Skin
• Break Out
• Eczema
• Hives
• Dry, Scaly, Rough Skin
• Swelling (Angioedema)

In 2007, a study about skin prick test methods unveiled that cannabis allergy can cause contact dermatitis or any of these skin irritations.

These are the common symptoms people reported to have experienced when they touched and got in contact with marijuana.

Allergic Reaction via Consumption

Other than just touching it, marijuana allergy can also show itself when the patient or the user consumes the cannabis.

This is where the danger is because consuming something you’re not supposed to can trigger a severe allergic reaction, which will never be pretty.

The most common symptoms of marijuana allergies upon consumption include:

• Dry Cough
• Congestion or Difficulty Breathing
• Nausea
• Runny Nose
• Itchy Throat
• Sore Throat

NOTE: The immune system, depending on your health or condition, can also cause a few reactions or responses.

Allergic Reaction via Airborne Particles

Last, and most definitely not least, would be its airborne transmission. The plant, having cannabis pollen and distinct physical attributes, can lead to mild allergic reactions — or worse, severe symptoms wherein you’ll need to seek medical treatment.

Common indications of cannabis allergies in this form of exposure include:

• Mild Respiratory Problems
• Nasal Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Watery Eyes or Swelling of the Eyes
• Eye Allergy Symptoms
• Anaphylaxis

NOTE: Marijuana products that cause allergies aren't due to more THC or CBD content or cannabinoids. Other experts point their fingers at marijuana proteins as it can be a factor, too.

What to Do When Experiencing Marijuana Allergy Reactions?

You know what they say, right? Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure — and the same goes for cannabis allergies. But what if you are no longer able to prevent it?

As much as possible, limit exposure to marijuana plants or anything that resemble marijuana proteins. Here are a few important factors you might want to consider to treat symptoms or to make them milder.

• Don’t panic! Panicking is usually the main enemy of marijuana allergies (or even other allergic reactions)
• Medical marijuana can also trigger a reaction. Take antihistamines when it does
• If you’re in an area where there are cannabis plants, or if you are exposed to marijuana smoke, flee the place IMMEDIATELY. Staying there for longer times can lead to worse reactions
• Drink plenty of water to somehow thin the mucus of your nasal passages and get you relief
• FOR A SEVERE REACTION: You’ll need to inject an epinephrine injection (EpiPen would be the best and most accessible)

Precautionary and Preventative Measures

For all of you who still have some time, here are a few of the best and most effective preventative measures you can do to avoid marijuana allergies.

• Always have a prescription — so always have yourself checked! Asthma and certain allergy medications can help alleviate and treat marijuana allergy symptoms
• Avoid certain foods that cross-react to marijuana
• Bring corticosteroid inhalers or albuterol inhalers to relieve symptoms
• Have blood tests to check how to counter reactions when they come

Cross-Reactivity to Other Relevant Allergens

Marijuana allergy is not a laughing matter. As a matter of fact, there is a possibility of cross-reactivity. This can happen when the marijuana plant resembles proteins of another plant or food.

Be careful in consuming one or any of the following:

• Tomatoes
• Chestnuts
• Apples
• Peaches
• Almonds
• Eggplant

FAQs:

Have more questions about marijuana allergy symptoms or marijuana allergy treatment? Here are some of the frequently asked questions about them!

Final Words:

So, can you be allergic to weed? The answer is yes, you can! Peer-reviewed studies and experiences from other smokers confirmed that marijuana allergies are real.

If you find yourself allergic to it, take a step back on your marijuana use, and consult a healthcare professional about it.