Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant which is a weed that has been cultivated but occasionally grows in the wild. It is important to note that marijuana is utilized for its medicinal and recreational purposes via the inhalation of smoke from the burning plant matter or through oral ingestion of various parts of the plant. At the present, further studies are conducted in proving the effectiveness of the plant to a variety of health conditions.
Cannabis sativa is known to produce substantial amounts of pollen, usually during the summer season that is distributed by the wind over long distances. The pollen strikingly resembles nettle which is weed pollen that triggers allergy symptoms among highly sensitive individuals. Throughout the years, several cases of marijuana allergy have been reported, including from smoking, ingestion of various plant parts and even exposure to the pollen. If the individual suspects that marijuana might be the cause of his/her allergic reaction, it is best to consult a doctor.
Cannabis pollen allergy
In some cases, the individual can experience symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis after being exposed to the Cannabis pollen that might be present in the environment.
Even though there is no currently available test for Cannabis pollen allergy, research laboratories are capable of creating a RAST allergy test and can utilize pollen and other plant parts to produce a skin test extract. The treatment of Cannabis pollen allergy is similar to other pollen allergies.
Allergic reaction after eating marijuana
It is possible to consume marijuana orally through herbal teas and in baked products. Cases of allergic reactions have been reported after eating marijuana with symptoms such as urticaria and angioedema.
Remember that cross-reactivity is known to occur between marijuana and other foods including tomato and peach which is similar to oral allergy syndrome. With this in mind, it is possible that allergies to other pollen and fruits can predispose an individual to develop an allergy after eating marijuana. The treatment of an allergic reaction after eating marijuana is the same for other types of food allergies.
Allergy to marijuana smoke
Those who smoke marijuana particularly the Cannabis flowers and buds have triggered allergic reactions in some individuals including asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, angioedema and even anaphylaxis. Remember that marijuana smoke contains the Cannabis plant and pollen allergens as well as 9-tetrahydrocannabinal (THC) which can trigger an allergic reaction among highly sensitive individuals.
Even though allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) using Cannabis pollen might supposedly provide benefit in managing the symptoms of marijuana allergy, further studies are required. The reactions that occur after smoking the weed are due to contamination with aspergillus which is a mold that triggers allergic reactions. The marijuana that has been contaminated by aspergillus is known to trigger allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in addition to asthma and allergic rhinitis.