It’s expected that you can have red, irritated eyes and dry mouth when you smoke marijuana. They are the usual adverse effects as this plant causes dehydration. You may also cough a bit. What are you to experience other kinds of physical discomfort?
It may not be too alarming, but you may have an idea of marijuana allergy. Although it hasn’t been diagnosed yet, some experienced tokers may encounter it as well. It becomes more common nowadays as more people are exposed to pollen.
It’s not just about physical discomfort, but you should know the exact scenario when you have it. Then it’s much better if you know the cure.
Roots and Symptoms of Marijuana Allergy
When it happens, it’s like an allergic reaction that you have from food or other seasonal factors. It can be triggered by just touching or smoking weed, oil, or resin. Other roots are the ingestion of CBD oil, exposure to mold or pollen, and eating edibles.
The symptoms will likely show up 20 to 30 minutes after the exposure to the plant. The symptoms are as follows:
- Difficulty at breathing
- Dry cough
- Dry, itchy skin
- Gastric cramping
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Post-nasal drip
- Red, watery, itchy eyes
- Rhinitis, sneezing, or runny nose
- Sore, itchy throat
- Swelling or rashes under the surface of the skin
Symptoms vary as some things like the amount of consumed marijuana and the way of contact to the plant. Smoking weed and exposure to pollen would usually give the same symptoms from food and seasonal allergies.
Rashes and gastric issues will show up when you consume marijuana edibles. There are skin reactions when you have handled the plant.
If marijuana allergy gets severe, it levels up to anaphylaxis. Symptoms can be felt in a matter of a few minutes. The body will be in an anaphylactic shock which can be fatal when not given immediate treatment. A shot of adrenaline or something like an EpiPen is the treatment.
You have to know the symptoms so you can immediately reach out for treatment. The symptoms are:
- A rapid but weak pulse
- Hives, reddening, itching, and swelling of the skin
- Reduced blood pressure, dizziness, fainting
- Vomiting and abdominal cramp
- Wheezing, respiratory distress, shortness of breath
Being Exposed to the Roots of Marijuana Allergy and the Matter of Sensitisation
Marijuana allergy can strike in various ways. People who had it before are not exempted even though they have been free from it for years. One should know the risk factors to be able to treat it.
The body can be fragile to an allergic reaction when through repeated exposure to the plant. A person has a higher chance of developing it when residing near marijuana plantation. Male marijuana plants normally produce pollen, but hermaphrodites are also capable.
Cannabis consumption conceptualizes sensitization. A skin-prick test was conducted in a Spanish study. It was done in an allergy clinic.
Participants who smoke marijuana on average have more reactions to non-smokers. It’s even more prevalent among those who indulge in frequent consumption. As Cannabis was decriminalized, large scale marijuana cultivation follows, which means heightening the exposure to pollen.
But there’s a bright side. There’s an increase in awareness too. More studies are conducted to find treatment for marijuana allergy, so prevention can be attained.
More About Marijuana Allergy from Related Research and Studies
Researchers suggest that Sativa brings more irritation than Indica. Strains with high THC content is another root. It may be sad news for consumers who are always after THC.
The result of the 2018 study regarding this matter is that individuals who have an allergy to dust mites, cat dander, molds, and others are prone to marijuana allergy. It was participated by a small number of participants, so further studies should support this claim. If you have an allergy and love weed, know the consequences.
Some food shares the same protein properties as marijuana. They can set off ‘cross-reactive,’ and marijuana-fruit-vegetable syndrome occurs. The foods that are cross-reactive with weed are almonds, apples, bananas, chestnuts, citrus, eggplants, peaches, and bananas.
How to Diagnose Marijuana Allergy
How can you be so sure that you have an allergy? There’s no specific testing method for it, so it can be tricky. The doctor will ask you about your history, and you have to provide all the details.
You have to provide the records of symptoms as they are arranged in a journal. Consumption habits can also help to figure out the pattern.
When all the symptoms are directing you to have it, the doctor will proceed to the skin prick test. A diluted marijuana solution will be applied to your skin. When a rash comes out, it means you have the allergen. However, accuracy is not dependable. You should be up to repeat the test, or you can request a specialist to administer and interpret it correctly.
A blood test can also be done. It is more accurate and simple but not common. The study on marijuana allergy is still on the developing stage. Expect to be diagnosed based on the pattern of your history when you’re seeing a family doctor rather than an allergist.
Moves on Suspected Case
When you suspect a case, you have to pay a lot of attention to observing the symptoms. Being proactive is helpful while you’re looking for a diagnosis. You must track the symptoms, the context, and the severity.
You may ask yourself some questions. Did you just smoke or get in contact with marijuana? What did you eat before the reaction occurred? Are the symptoms gone when you refrain from taking weed?
It’s something that can bother some people but being detailed can help you a lot. You may even be clarified while you seek doctor’s advice.
When the symptoms become worse when you use weed, better stop the consumption before you can have an appointment with a doctor. It’s best to hear from a medical professional if you are unsure.
The Prevention and the Cure
Cutting down and total prevention are cure and prevention from marijuana allergy. People who work in plantations should wear a mask, gloves, and other safety gear. You can always have some nasal decongestants and antihistamines.
You have to face the truth that you need to be free of marijuana if you are allergic to it. When symptoms become severe, you need the help of doctors. When things get serious, you have to be with an EpiPen for emergency purposes.
On the brighter side, awareness receives a lot of attention from the medical community. It means more studies and treatment shall be discovered soon. Experts suggested that immunotherapy has the potential to treat this allergic reaction. The same thing was also suggested in the 1930 study.
Conclusion
It’s good if you know the symptoms and things that can cause an allergic reaction. Prevention is always better than cure. Always be attentive to the signs that may tell you that you have a marijuana allergy. It’s essential for your treatment if ever you are allergic.
