Can you be allergic to marijuana?

Allergies can happen 24/7, all year round, making it difficult to enjoy the day to the fullest. There are normal allergies such as pollen, strawberries, dust mites, peanuts, animal fur, and bee and wasp stings. Then there are crazy allergies like water, coins, sunlight and sweat.

Some people have an alcohol allergy or intolerance. An alcohol allergy is rarer and more serious, but an intolerance is no fun. Globally, we spend over $40 billion a year to treat allergies in one way or another.

So can you be allergic to marijuana? As more and more people use cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, it’s natural for allergies to emerge. With over 45 million users in Canada and the US, you’ll find some who find it has an unfortunate side effect.

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Allergy to marijuana is considered rare, but there have been reports of allergy to marijuana. It’s estimated that up to 10% of people have an allergy or reaction to marijuana or THC. The number may increase as the legalization and use of plants increases.

How do you know if you are allergic to marijuana? First off, it’s common sense: if you’re consuming and there’s a reaction, that’s an important clue. The best way to diagnose an allergy is to have a test in a safe environment with a doctor you trust.

Symptoms of a cannabis allergy can include:

• Asthma symptoms such as wheezing
• hives
• skin rash
• Swelling/watering/itchy eyes
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• Nasal symptoms such as sneezing
• In rare cases anaphylaxis

Symptoms of a marijuana allergy can range from mild to severe. Most symptoms of a marijuana allergy appear immediately in adults; less often, they can be delayed by hours. Adults with a marijuana allergy usually show symptoms within hours or days of initial exposure to cannabis. Although rare, it is possible to develop anaphylaxis after exposure to marijuana. It’s important to recognize your symptoms and see a doctor right away if you suspect a severe allergic reaction.

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If you think you’ve developed an allergy to marijuana, your best bet is to avoid it. That means stopping smoking weed or consuming edibles, touching it, or having direct contact with it.

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This is not currently a clinical treatment for marijuana. There is no cure for a marijuana allergy, but some people develop it during adulthood. Symptoms may become less severe over time.