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Marijuana is one of the most common drugs used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. After the federal government passed the Farm Bill 2018, the usage of Marijuana has skyrocketed in different parts of the US.
Using Marijuana within the legally prescribed limits is not harmful unless you are allergic to it. So can you be allergic to weed? The answer is yes, you can be allergic to marijuana.Unfortunately, as devastating as it may sound, this is a reality, and approximately 10% of weed users may be suffering from this condition.
If you want to know more about weed allergy, its symptoms, and its causes, keep reading!
Can you be Allergic to Weed
Cannabis sativa has more than 100 cannabinoids, and you can be allergic to them. You can consume Marijuana in various ways, such as oral, inhaled, and topical. However, if your body does not accept these components, it can display a negative reaction.
Non-marijuana users exposed to cannabis daily, like workers harvesting cannabis or manufacturing weed products, can also fall victim to these allergies. Weed pollen is the biggest allergen in such products that can cause severe sensitivity in some people.
In the current years, marijuana allergy has become more common among users. So many people are becoming allergic to marijuana.
It could be due to the rise in weed popularity or weakened immune systems. However, more studies are yet to be done on this matter to fully understand why some people are allergic to marijuana.
Marijuana Allergy Symptoms
Weed allergy has similar symptoms to allergic reactions to other things. These symptoms are closer to pollen allergy reaction since weed pollen is the biggest allergen in these products. Some of the most common marijuana allergy symptoms include:
- Watery eyes
- Red eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchiness
- Shortness of breath
- High fever
- Nausea
- Congestion
- Vomiting
- Inflammation
According to some doctors, people who handle marijuana products daily can develop symptoms of contact dermatitis. It happens if they are allergic to marijuana. More severe symptoms of cannabis allergy include:
- Blisters
- Hives
- Burning/redness
- Dry skin
- Anaphylaxis
These symptoms can commonly be cured with over-the-counter allergy medication. However, this is something you should not take lightly.
Since Marijuana is a drug that interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, it can cause damage to different organs if not treated. Therefore, make sure to visit a doctor if you notice any allergy symptoms after consuming or coming in contact with Marijuana.
In case of an Anaphylactic shock, your body can undergo severe trauma as your airways start shutting down. This condition can even cause death. So, take the symptoms seriously and get a test done to discover your allergies.
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Causes of Weed Allergy
The most common cause of cannabis allergy is pollen. Most people are allergic to marijuana pollen and have severe reactions if they get in contact with it. It is because the weed plant releases a large number of anemophilous pollen, which can interact with human airways.
Since this pollen is transferred by wind, it can easily enter our nose or mouth. Doctors advise marijuana workers to wear a mask and gloves during work hours. You can also wear a full protective suit to avoid your skin getting in contact with the allergen.
Another reason could be that you are allergic to THC. It is the only psychoactive component in Marijuana and you can have a certain allergy to cannabinoids separately. Some people can also have a high sensitivity to this cannabinoid.
If a product has a high amount of THC or a user consumes more than the recommended amount of THC, it can cause hypersensitivity. Moreover, cannabis plants also contain the Cas s 3 protein, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Weed Allergy Diagnosis
Cannabis allergy is still a debated topic that is under research. However, a prick test is the most common way to test for allergies. During a prick test, a doctor will inject a small amount of allergen into your skin using a needle.
They will keep you under supervision to check for any reactions. If they notice physical or internal changes, they will put you on medication immediately. However, there is no standard test in the medical industry to identify surely if you have a weed allergy.
Doctors check your consumption history and how your body reacts after consuming minor doses. Skin testing is also a great way to find out contact allergies caused by weed exposure. This test provides better results than any other test.
Even though these tests are not standardized, they can inform you about the sensitivity in your body. You need to be careful while consuming any drug. So, make sure to start it in a small dose to see how your body reacts to it.
Weed Interactions
If you are on medication or have any other food allergies, you must consult your doctor before consuming weed. Marijuana can have a negative reaction when in contacts with drugs like sympathomimetics, anticholinergics, alcohol, and opioids.
Weed allergy can become more prominent if it interacts with other food allergens. Some common food allergens include nuts, tomatoes, grapefruit, peaches, bananas, apples, and eggplants. These foods have similar allergen properties as weed allergens, which can worsen the side effects.
Consuming these foods together with marihuana can also make you more sensitive to weed products, even if you don’t have an allergy. If you are physically exposed to these fruits due to your work, then the chances of nasal allergy are also high.
Go through the ingredient list at the back of your weed products to see if anything does not suit your diet restrictions. Moreover, if you have dust and pet dander allergies, the use of Marijuana can worsen the sensitivity.
What to Do if You are Allergic to Weed
The first thing to do if you get a reaction from marijuana consumption is to consult with a doctor. It can turn into a life-threatening problem if not taken care of properly. It is important to get an allergy test done to understand what is causing sensitivity.
Start with a minor dose and track your reaction to Marijuana. Once your doctor confirms the allergy, take allergy medication to wear down the reaction. You should avoid using marijuana-based products completely if you are allergic to their components.
However, you are medically advised to take Marijuana for a certain illness, consult with your doctor and take medication to minimize the reaction. Since there is no treatment for this allergy, the only way you can control it is by not exposing your system to marijuana allergens.
If you are an avid user of cannabis products and wondering how you can be allergic to marijuana all of a sudden, it means you are consuming low-quality products.
People also develop weed allergies after using it for several years. Therefore, make sure to use the highest quality product to ensure safety.
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Wrapping up with Cannabis Allergy
If you are wondering, can you be allergic to weed? So, yes you can develop allergies to marijuana components. It can cause symptoms like itchiness, shortness of breath, inflammation, or nausea if you are allergic to the ingredients in your weed products.
Therefore, it is essential to start with a minor dose and consult your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an allergy. Moreover, if you work in a marijuana field and have constant exposure to its components daily, then cover your body, and face and take allergy medication to prevent damage.