Marijuana allergies? You should know that

Allergic reactions can include almost anything you can think of, from different types of foods, beverages, and even marijuana.

Medical News Today estimates that around 10% of people are allergic to marijuana. These can vary, with some doctors believing stinging red eyes, runny nose, itchy skin, hives, and sneezing could be some of the symptoms.

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There is an important term related to allergies called allergic sensitization. It refers to the complex exchanges that take place between the allergen and the person developing the allergy, depending on the environment they are in. The allergy develops due to the body’s reaction, which in this case is triggered by the immune system when exposed to the allergen, marijuana.

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The extent to which people react to the plant varies from case to case and sometimes occurs when they come in contact with the plant, ingesting it orally, or smoking it. Asthma and other lung problems have also been reported as symptoms of marijuana allergy.

While most of these side effects sound like standard allergies and aren’t much to worry about, some people report much more serious symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting when taking marijuana orally. For people with this type of sensitivity, exposure to marijuana in any form is a bad idea, especially when mixed with foods like bananas, almonds, tomatoes, and other fruits, as compounds in the various elements can interact and lead to anaphylaxis. This condition causes many serious symptoms, including shock and difficulty breathing.

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Since there aren’t many studies on marijuana and allergies, there is no clear way of treating these conditions. There is also no way of knowing whether CBD or other marijuana compounds could cause the same reactions in people with these sensitivities.

If you’ve ever felt weird and uncomfortable while handling the plant, it is best to see a doctor for guidance. The doctor might provide you with a prick test that can tell you about your allergies, or you can just avoid your allergen for now. Although there are currently no treatment options, with the legalization of cannabis, cannabis may be a form of immunotherapy developed in the future.