Weed allergy: is it possible and what can you do about it?
People can be allergic to anything and everything: from dog hair to apples, and from cosmetics to the metals in jewellery. But what you may not know is that you can also be allergic to weed. If you enjoy using cannabis, it probably sounds like a real nightmare to you. You can have an allergic reaction if you smoke weed, but also by eating cannabis food. In this blog we explain what a cannabis allergy is, what the symptoms are and what you can do about it.
Weed allergy: the causes
As with all allergies, an allergy to weed can come on suddenly. It seems that people who are already allergic to something, such as dust mites, pollen or animal hair, have a higher risk of also having an allergy to weed. Their immune system already reacts more sensitively than that of others. This is not an established fact. If you are allergic, it does not automatically mean that you will have an allergic reaction when you use cannabis.
An allergic reaction can be induced after:
- inhalation of pollen
- touching the cannabis plant
- smoking weed (buds)
- eating cannabis food (including the seeds)
You can't predict how you'll react to weed. The reaction can be mild or more intense, up to anaphylactic shock.
Symptoms of a cannabis allergy
If you can possibly have an allergic reaction to weed, it is of course useful to know what the symptoms are. They are no different from any other allergy. It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms, because they also resemble the feeling you can have when you are stoned. Below we list the symptoms.
1. Itching
In case of an allergic reaction, itching is a common complaint. This often occurs at the place where your skin has come into contact with a certain substance. If you smoke, this could be your nose, your mouth, and your eyes. When you eat edibles, it can occur all over the body.
2. Nausea
Nausea can also occur if you have an allergy to weed. You can especially suffer from this if you use cannabis edibles, such as space cake, or if you use CBD oil takes. The substances then pass through the stomach and enter your digestive system, where they cause an allergic reaction. The tricky part is that nausea naturally also occurs when you are high. At first, you don't realize that this is a symptom of an allergy. Are you often nauseous after using weed (smoking or eating), even if you are not very high, then it could very well be that you are allergic.
3. Red skin or rash
If you are allergic, and you touch a product with cannabis, it can cause a reaction on the skin. The skin may turn red in that area, but bumps and a rash are also possible. Keep in mind that this can also happen if you eat edibles or smoke weed. If you see red spots on your skin when you use weed, be sure to keep an eye out.
4. Sneezing, irritated eyes
Sneezing and watery, itchy eyes are common if you are allergic to The Pollen of the cannabis plant. This will only occur if you grow weed yourself or if there is someone in your area who does this (outside). Pollen can spread over large areas. If you have a few cannabis plants yourself and notice that you react to De Pollen, you may have to consider stopping growing and/or breeding if the complaints are too severe.
5. Sore throat
If you have an allergy to weed, a sore throat can also be a complaint. This can be caused by hay fever, so if you respond to De Pollen. But smoking and eating cannabis products can also cause a sore throat.
What to do if you have an allergy to weed?
The first step in suspecting a marijuana allergy is to make sure it's really what you're allergic to. Keep an eye on your complaints and investigate exactly when they arise. If you are sure that you are allergic to cannabis, then the treatment is similar to those of other allergies.
Antihistamines
If your reaction is mild, you can reduce the symptoms by taking antihistamines. These are freely available (no prescription required) and nowadays, there are resources available that do not make you drowsy or sleepy.
Prescription drug
In case of more severe reactions, you can get a medicine from your GP. These are the more potent antihistamines and steroids. You will not be prescribed these just like that. In addition, you should ask yourself whether it is wise to use cannabis/growing, if you get such strong reactions to it. Prevention is usually better than cure.
It is not known how many people actually have an allergy to weed. Some will not even realize that their complaints are caused by an allergy. Often the symptoms are mild, and you can still enjoy the benefits of cannabis. If you are concerned about possible reactions you may have, see your doctor. If you have severe complaints, this can be dangerous. Then stop using immediately and contact your doctor.
