Am I allergic to weed?
Can you be allergic to weed? Yes… Unfortunately, you may be one of the 10% of people who consume cannabis and have a weed allergy.
Most people don’t put two and two together. But, just like any other plant or food, many people carry an allergy to cannabis.
But don’t worry it’s not the end of the world if you find out you have a new marajuana allergy.
We put this post together to help you identify whether or not you can you be allergic to marajuana and then the necessary steps you need to take in order to consume or abandon this wonderful flower.
What is a weed allergy?
Simple enough, a weed allergy is your body’s allergic reaction to the presence of consumption of cannabis.
Like any other allergy, for example a peanut allergy, depending on the severity of the allergy your allergic reaction to marajuana may vary.
Can you be allergic to weed?
Yes, sadly. Again it’s reported that nearly 10% of people who use cannabis have some sort of allergy to is.
The good news is, the allergies can range in severity.
So an allergic reaction doesn’t necessarily mean hospitalization.
These allergic reactions range according to how you’re handling or using the product as well.
Weed allergies can show themselves in many shapes and forms like: nasal itching, congestion, runny nose, wheezing, and even hives if skin contact is causing problems.
How to tell if you’re allergic to weed.
While it’s true that allergic reactions can develop over time and you don’t necessarily need to be born wit a weed allergy, it’s important to understand whether or not you truly are allergic to cannabis if you wish to continue consuming it.
If you’re a frequent cannabis consumer and nothing has changed in your routine or strain of choice, then make sure you’re differentiating common cold symptoms from the basic nose and throat symptoms than can come with a marajuana allergy.
If you have switched strains and are experiencing allergic reactions to cannabis, it could be as simple as going back to what you know and are comfortable with to reduce any lingering issues.
Symptoms of a cannabis allergy
If you’ve been exposed to cannabis and start to feel adverse side effects it’s likely because of either airborne exposure, skin contact, or direct consumption of marijuana.
Each of these three exposures will result in a different symptom of allergic reaction to the cannabis.
Here’s a list of identifiable symptoms to cannabis allergies.
Can You Be Allergic to Weed? Airborne Exposure Symptoms
- Itchy or runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Soreness in the throat
- Itchy eyes
- Asthmatic reactions
Can You Be Allergic to Weed? Skin Contact Symptoms
- Rashes or hives on the skin
- Redness of the skin
- Dryness of the skin
- Extreme itching of the skin
Can You Be Allergic to Weed? Direct Consumption Symptoms
- Swelling around the eyes
- Hives or rashes on your skin
- Skin swelling
- Reduced breathing ability
- Trouble communicating
What to do if you are allergic to weed.
If you have been diagnosed as allergic to cannabis, then the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to stop your usage of cannabis.
If you don’t want to get burned, don’t touch the fire. It’s sadly as simple as that.
If you cannot avoid surrounding yourself with cannabis because of your profession of choice, then be sure to take the necessary safety precautions with eyewear, gloves, etc. to prevent exposure to weed.
And, if the allergic reactions to cannabis are severe enough to affect your respiratory system, then it is recommended that you carry an inhaler with you to prevent any asthmatic episodes caused by a weed allergy.
Conclusion
I wish this ended in some happy story where we had a magic pill to make your weed allergy go away.
But, unfortunately there’s no green pot of gold at the end of this depressing window.
While only 10% of those who consume cannabis may have an allergic reaction to weed, the easiest solution is to stay away from the cannabis that caused the reaction.
The one silver lining, however, is that just like allergies that develop later in life, the reverse is true.
Allergic reactions can pass with time, leaving your body safe and ready for cannabis use again.
As with anything medical, be sure to consult your physician with any questions on medications or allergies related to weed.
And if you’re looking for more tutorials on how to safely and enjoyably use cannabis, check out our full catalog of cannabis tutorials here. You won’t be disappointed.
