Cannabis allergy - myth or reality?

With the growing popularity of cannabis in medicine and everyday life, the question of its safety has become particularly relevant. Is there an allergy to cannabis, and what are its symptoms? Can this natural product cause an allergic reaction? In this article, we will analyze the main signs of allergy to marijuana, tell you how to understand if you are allergic to the herb, and what to do if you develop such a reaction.

Cannabis allergy is a real, albeit relatively rare, problem. Allergic reactions to cannabis have become more common with the growing use of this crop for medical and recreational purposes. Like other plants, cannabis contains allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive people. The main allergens in cannabis are proteins present in its pollen, leaves, and stems.

Causes of cannabis allergy

Allergies to marijuana can be caused by the following factors:

• Cannabis pollen - can cause respiratory allergic reactions when inhaled.
• Plant proteins - contact with leaves or stems can cause skin reactions.
• Smoking - Inhaling marijuana smoke can also cause a reaction in people who are allergic to plant components.

Symptoms of cannabis allergy

Like any other allergy, a reaction to cannabis can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the person's level of sensitivity. Symptoms may include:

Respiratory:

• Runny nose, nasal congestion.
• Sneezing, itchy nose.
• Coughing, difficulty breathing, and even asthma attacks in some people.

Skin:

• Itching, redness and rashes on the skin upon contact with the plant.
• Irritation and swelling of the skin at the places of contact.

Eye:

• Redness and itching in the eyes, increased tearing.
• Some people report that their eyes are very itchy from marijuana, even if the contact was only through smoke.

Other symptoms:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
• Headache and fatigue.

It is important to remember that people with a tendency to be allergic to other plants, especially those belonging to the mulberry family (which includes cannabis), are more likely to develop a reaction.

How do you know if you are allergic to cannabis?

Cannabis allergies often go unrecognized because their symptoms can resemble colds or respiratory infections. Here are some steps to help you determine if cannabis could be the cause of your symptoms:

Pay attention to the symptoms, if you start to have a runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes when you come into contact with cannabis, it could be a sign of an allergy. Compared to other allergens, people who are allergic to plants such as ragweed may also develop a reaction to cannabis. Observe your reaction, if your symptoms get worse when you come into contact with cannabis or inhale its smoke, you may be having an allergic reaction.

When to see a doctor?

If you notice frequent allergy symptoms or symptoms that get worse when you come into contact with cannabis, it is important to consult an allergist. The specialist can perform skin tests or tests for specific antibodies to identify the allergy.

Treating an allergic reaction to marijuana

If you experience a marijuana allergy, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing reactions.

Antihistamines - these help reduce symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching.

Nasal sprays - help in case of nasal congestion and rhinitis.

Corticosteroid creams - effective in case of skin reactions such as itching and inflammation.

Epinephrine injections - are necessary in rare cases of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but such cases are extremely rare with cannabis allergy.

As a preventive measure:

• Avoiding contact with cannabis - if you are allergic, limit contact with the plant and its products.
• Use of protective equipment - gloves and masks will help prevent contact with allergens when working with the plant.
• Purifying the air - using air filters and purifiers can reduce the amount of cannabis pollen in the room.

Cannabis allergy and cross-reactivity

It is worth noting that people who are allergic to marijuana may have an increased risk of cross-reacting to other plants, especially those in the same family. A cross-reaction can occur:

• Tomatoes and eggplant are plants from the nightshade family.
• Ragweed is a known allergen whose proteins are similar to those of cannabis.
• Fruits and vegetables - in rare cases, cannabis allergy can overlap with certain types of foods.

Cannabis allergy is not a myth, but a reality that more and more people are facing. It's important to know its symptoms and be able to distinguish them from other respiratory diseases. If you suspect you are allergic to cannabis, it is recommended to consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and choose treatment methods, we urge you not to self-medicate and stay healthy!