Cannabis allergies have been increasingly prevalent in recent years. Despite the plant’s renown for its anti-inflammatory properties, inhaling cannabis can lead to a range of different cannabis allergy symptoms.
Cannabis, a plant known for its ability to induce a euphoric high, has gained popularity, both recreationally and for medicinal purposes, in recent years. However, alongside its reported benefits, cannabis can also act as an allergen, triggering symptoms similar to pollen allergies. Continue reading to discover more about the risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention of cannabis allergy symptoms.
Also Read: Cannabis Effects on Heart
Symptoms of Cannabis Allergy
If you have a weed allergy and you smoke cannabis, you may experience various cannabis allergy symptoms, including:
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Hay fever
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Furthermore, cannabis allergies can manifest as contact dermatitis if the plant is touched or handled. A skin prick test from a 2007 study demonstrated that cannabis can lead to specific skin irritations, including:
- Itchiness
- Inflamed, red skin
- Hives
- Dry, scaly skin
In severe cases, an allergic reaction to cannabis can result in anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and closure of the airways. If left untreated, cannabis allergy symptoms could have fatal consequences.
Also Read: What Is Cannabis
Risk Factors for a Cannabis Allergy
The human body perceives allergens as threats, triggering various allergic responses while attempting to protect against foreign substances. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cannabis allergy symptoms.
Allergen Cross-Reactivity
Cannabis allergies are more likely to occur if you are allergic to foods or substances with similar protein properties. This phenomenon is known as allergy cross-reaction. Some foods that share allergen properties with the cannabis plant include tomatoes, peaches, grapefruit, almonds, chestnuts, eggplants, apples, and bananas.
Sensitization
Increased exposure to cannabis can heighten your susceptibility to the plant. This is particularly common in regions where cannabis is cultivated. Pollen from the cannabis plant can trigger cannabis allergy symptoms, leading to an increase in cannabis sensitization since its legalization.
Increased THC Content
Cannabis comprises both male and female plants, with female plants being favored by growers for their higher production of THC, the compound responsible for the euphoric high associated with cannabis. Female plants cultivated in isolation tend to have greater concentrations of essential oils and terpenes, which may affect sensitivity to the plant.
Also Read: Smoking Marijuana
Diagnosing Cannabis Allergy Symptoms
To identify cannabis allergy symptoms, a doctor or allergist can perform a skin prick test. While there is no standardized skin prick test for cannabis allergies, a healthcare professional can potentially prepare a custom test for you. During this procedure, a small amount of the allergen is pricked into your arm or back. If you are allergic, your body may react within 15 to 20 minutes, displaying symptoms like swelling or itching. However, it’s important to note that a positive reaction during a skin test does not necessarily guarantee that you will experience allergy symptoms when exposed to the substance in other contexts. Conversely, it is possible to be allergic to a substance and still receive a negative result (no reaction) on a skin test.
While blood tests like ELISA and RAST can assist in diagnosing certain allergies, there is no specific test designed for detecting cannabis allergy symptoms. An IgE allergy test, for instance, measures general allergy responses but does not pinpoint allergies to specific substances. It determines the overall levels of IgE antibodies in your blood, which can indicate the presence of allergies in general but cannot identify the specific allergen.
In general, blood tests are considered a safer option for allergy testing as they carry a lower risk of severe allergic reactions. However, testing options for cannabis allergy symptoms are not definitive, and results may take several days to become available.
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Cannabis Allergy Treatment Options
Avoidance: The most effective way to manage cannabis allergy is to avoid exposure. This includes both direct contact and inhalation.
Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can alleviate symptoms like itching, sneezing, and skin rashes.
Topical Steroids: For skin reactions, topical corticosteroids can be applied to reduce inflammation and itching.
Bronchodilators: Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms may benefit from bronchodilators to alleviate breathing difficulties.
Consultation with Allergist: Seeking guidance from an allergist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
It’s important to note that severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening, warranting immediate medical attention. If you suspect a cannabis allergy, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.
Also Read: Cannabis Use Disorder (Cud)
Outlook
If you suspect severe cannabis allergy symptoms or experience irregular breathing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
FAQs
Q. What are the common symptoms of cannabis allergies?
A. Typical symptoms include red and watery eyes, hay fever, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, skin irritations like itchiness and hives.
Q. Can cannabis allergies be life-threatening?
A. In severe cases, cannabis allergies can lead to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition. If left untreated, a cannabis allergy could have fatal consequences.
Q. What are the risk factors for developing a cannabis allergy?
A. Factors such as allergen cross-reactivity with certain foods, increased cannabis exposure, and the THC content of the plant can increase the likelihood of developing a cannabis allergy.
Q. How are cannabis allergies diagnosed?
A. Doctors or allergists typically use a skin prick test to diagnose cannabis allergies. However, there is no standardized test for this purpose. Blood tests are also used for general allergy assessments.
Q. Can cannabis allergies be prevented?
A. The best prevention is to avoid cannabis if you have a known allergy. For those who work with cannabis, protective gear like gloves and masks, along with allergy medication, can help reduce symptoms. An inhaler may also be recommended in case of breathing difficulties.
Q. Are there specific tests for diagnosing cannabis allergies?
A. Currently, there is no standardized skin prick test for cannabis allergies. Blood tests are available, but they are designed to identify general allergies and cannot specifically detect a cannabis allergy.
