In recent years, there has been a massive increase in the use of cannabis, both medically and recreationally. But do you know that cannabis can cause allergies in some people? Yes, it is true. Cannabis allergies are relatively new, and little is known about their diagnosis and treatment.
Most people are unaware they are allergic to cannabis until their body shows symptoms. The allergy is triggered by inhaling smoke from burnt cannabis and contact with plant particles.
The cannabis plant contains more than 480 compounds, including THC and CBD. [1] These compounds can cause a range of allergic reactions in some people.
We at A1 Terps believe it is essential to be aware of the risks of cannabis and its potential to trigger allergies. Not all people are allergic to cannabis, so here, to reduce the fear and stigma surrounding cannabis allergies, we have crafted this blog post to help you understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment of cannabis allergies.
So let’s delve into details.
What Are Cannabis Allergies | A Basic Know-How?
Cannabis allergies may be the body’s adverse reactions caused by exposure to cannabis and its related products. This may include inhalation, ingestion, or topical application of the plant. These reactions range from mild skin irritation to severe lung inflammation.
It is often seen that first-time cannabis users are most likely to suffer from allergies due to their lack of immunity and exposure.
The legal status of cannabis is also a major contributing factor, as the plant may be contaminated with different types of mold, pesticides, and other toxins. Sometimes, the unauthorized cannabis dispensary may not have proper product storage and cleaning facilities, leading to more allergies.
It is essential to recognize the signs of cannabis allergies to prevent severe reactions or health risks.
Significant Causes Of Cannabis Allergies
Well, we can’t say that all allergens in cannabis are known, but some of the common allergens include: [2]
- Pollen from ragweed, grasses, and trees associated with marijuana plants.
- Terpenes, such as limonene, myrcene, linalool, and pinene, are found in essential oils that give cannabis and flowers distinct flavor, smell, and taste.
- Microbial contaminants like fungi, molds, or bacteria are present in the soil where the plants are grown.
- Proteins in the leaves of cannabis plants can cause allergic reactions when inhaled.
- Dust and other irritants can be inhaled when consuming cannabis, especially when vaping or smoking.
If you are a beginner to cannabis, you must know what these substances are and how they can affect your health. It is also essential to understand the laws in your area and any safety precautions you should take when consuming marijuana products.
There are many cannabis stores in Vancouver, but A1 Terps is the best option for quality products and friendly service.
Symptoms Of Cannabis Allergies
The symptoms of a cannabis allergy may vary depending on how you come into contact with the allergen, but they are similar to other allergies. Symptoms can also differ from person to person in terms of severity, onset, and duration.
Symptoms of marijuana allergy can appear within minutes of exposure for some people. In contrast, others may not experience these symptoms until a few hours or even a few days later. Some of the most common marijuana allergy symptoms include: [3]
Itchy Eyes
If you experience itchy eyes when exposed to cannabis, this may result from an allergy. This symptom can indicate an allergic reaction and should be monitored carefully.
Nasal Congestion/Runny Nose
Your nose can become stuffy or runny in response to exposure to marijuana allergens. This could even lead to sinus pressure and headaches.
Hives
Hives are a common symptom of many different allergies, including marijuana. These red, itchy bumps can appear on the skin due to an allergic reaction to cannabis pollen or smoke.
Rash/Dermatitis
A rash or dermatitis may appear after coming into contact with either cannabis pollen or smoke. The inflammation can appear as small bumps and hives and may be accompanied by itching and burning.
Shortness Of Breath
In extreme cases, a marijuana allergy can cause difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems. If you experience any difficulty with breathing after being exposed to cannabis, seek medical attention immediately.
Dry Cough
If you are smoking marijuana and suffer from a dry cough, it may indicate an allergy to cannabis. This type of allergy is more common when smoking than when consuming marijuana orally. If you experience any persistent coughing after smoking, consult with your doctor.
Sneezing
Sneezing is another symptom of a marijuana allergy that may occur when smoking cannabis or consuming it orally. If you experience frequent sneezing after being exposed to marijuana, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
If someone experiences adverse effects from the drug, they should stop smoking or touching it immediately to prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Marijuana may rarely cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. This reaction typically occurs within seconds or minutes of coming into contact with an allergen. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Low Blood Pressure
When cannabis triggers the body’s release of histamine, this can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Symptoms of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting.
Difficulty Breathing
In some cases, marijuana may trigger asthma-like symptoms or difficulty breathing due to bronchial constriction. Other signs of difficulty breathing include wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
Weak And Rapid Pulse
A weak and rapid pulse may occur when the body undergoes anaphylactic shock. This can be accompanied by confusion, weakness, and loss of consciousness.
If you suspect anaphylaxis, seeking emergency medical attention is vital as it could lead to a coma or even death.
How To Treat Cannabis Allergies
When your symptoms are confirmed to be related to cannabis allergies, the best treatment is avoidance. If you are allergic to cannabis, it’s important to avoid using marijuana or coming into contact with any products containing trace amounts of cannabis.
In some cases, antihistamines and epinephrine (epi-pen) injections may be used as a form of treatment. Antihistamines can help reduce the symptoms of cannabis allergies by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by your body when it reacts to allergens. Epinephrine is an injectable medication that can quickly stop life-threatening allergic reactions. [4]
If you have been diagnosed with a cannabis allergy, it’s essential to speak with your doctor about the best course of treatment. Your doctor may also recommend that you avoid marijuana usage and products containing cannabis to prevent further allergic reactions.
Making lifestyle changes can also help minimize the chances of an allergic reaction. This includes regularly cleaning your home or workplace, using air purifiers, and avoiding contact with marijuana smoke or vapor.
Some Significant Preventions To Take
It is also essential to read labels when shopping for products containing cannabis. This includes edibles, topicals, and other products that may be made with hemp-derived CBD oil or marijuana extracts.
If you are living in Vancouver, you should look for reliable cannabis Vancouver stores that will provide you with high-quality cannabis and cannabis products tested for safety and potency. Don’t go for cheap and unregistered sources, as they may be contaminated with pesticides, fungicides, or bacteria.
You should also purchase marijuana legally from the dispensary you choose to ensure that your safety is not compromised.
Conclusion
Cannabis allergies are a genuine concern, and it is essential to know the potential risks before using cannabis or any of its products. A1 Terps always leads the path to providing the highest quality of cannabis and related products, but it is still important to research potential sources for purchasing them.
Checking for reliable cannabis Vancouver stores that ensure safety and potency should be your top priority. We have a wide variety of cannabis and related products sourced from the finest growers in the world.
From concentrates to edibles, our selection is always top-quality and delivered safely. If you are a cannabis enthusiast, you can find everything you need at our store Contact us for more details.
FAQs
1. What is the best treatment for allergy symptoms?
Antihistamines are medication that blocks histamine, which triggers allergic swelling. As a result, they can help alleviate sneezing, itching, runny nose, and hives. They are available in pills, liquids, melting tablets, or nose sprays and effectively treat indoor and seasonal allergies.
2. Does vitamin C help fight allergies?
Vitamin C can work as a natural antihistamine to lower the amount of histamine your body generates when exposed to an allergen. This may help alleviate mild allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes.
3. Why are my allergies worse at night?
Allergy symptoms indeed tend to worsen during the night. This could be because when you lie down, congestion increases, and you may be allergic to substances such as dust mites present in your bedroom. Additionally, you may become more aware of your symptoms during the night without daytime distractions.
4. Does AC reduce allergies?
Your air conditioner helps reduce allergens like bacteria, mold, and mildew in your home by controlling the humidity levels. However, higher humidity levels can lead to more of these allergens.
References
[1]https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321343#prevention
[3]https://www.verywellhealth.com/could-i-have-a-marijuana-allergy-1132480
[4]https://www.healthline.com/health/allergic-to-marijuana