Marijuana: A Medicine and an Allergen

Marijuana has medical benefits but it can also cause allergic reactions

Marijuana laws in America have changed significantly in recent years. What was once stigmatized as an illegal drug has now been recognized as a legitimate medical treatment for a wide variety of conditions. With the increase in medical marijuana usage has also come somewhat of a relaxation in attitudes towards recreational marijuana use. Today, 23 states and Washington DC have laws providing for some kind of medical marijuana, and 4 states have legalized recreational marijuana.

With more people using marijuana and—most importantly—now able to discuss their marijuana use with their physicians in many states, an important side effect of marijuana is now coming to the forefront:

Marijuana Can Trigger Allergies

Recently, an article published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology summarized the research on this topic. The article points out that marijuana, as a pollen-bearing plant, can trigger allergic reactions just like any other grass, weed, or tree pollen.

Most people who are allergic to marijuana pollen or marijuana smoke experience symptoms similar to hay fever. This includes things like runny nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, or congestions. Marijuana was also found to be a trigger for individuals suffering from allergic asthma.

The article also referenced rarer cases where individuals actually suffered anaphylaxis after exposure to marijuana. This severe allergic reaction affects the airways and blood pressure and has the potential to result in unconsciousness or even death.

What To Do If You Suspect a Marijuana Allergy

As with all allergies, the best strategy for a marijuana allergy is avoidance. After all, if you don’t expose yourself to the allergen you cannot suffer a reaction to it.

However, if your allergic symptoms are mild, while the symptoms that led your doctor to prescribe medical marijuana are severe, you might not want to give up your medicine. In this case, you may be able to use a hay fever medication to control your symptoms and allow you to continue using your medicine.

Visit Your Allergist

It is very important to visit an experienced allergist if you have experienced any allergic symptoms after using or being exposed to marijuana. At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Medical Group, our team of allergists is always ready to help. With four locations to serve you, we’re sure to be able to provide an appointment at a time and location that works for you. Our allergists can provide skin allergy tests to confirm your allergy and check for other allergic triggers as well as recommend various hay fever medications that could provide relief from your symptoms.