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Marijuana Allergies Are A Growing Problem

Emily Cegielski



As much as we’d like to believe otherwise, it’s entirely possible for a person to be allergic to pot.

Just like pollen, grass and ragweed, marijuana can trigger allergic reactions in certain people, and according to a new study, it’s a growing problem.

“Although still relatively uncommon, allergic disease associated with C sativa exposure and use has been reported with increased frequency,” the report states.

Experts say that cannabis allergies have most likely gone unreported due to the plant’s illegal status, but in the wake of legalization (both medical and recreational), more and more people are reporting runny noses, coughing and sneezing due to cannabis pollen or smoke. One patient who ate hemp seeds experienced a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

“Now as the prevalence [of marijuana use] is increasing, and with the legalization in many states, it is going to become increasingly more common, and all these cases will surface that were not recognized before,” Dr. Purvi Parikh, an immunologist of the Allergy & Asthma Network, told Live Science.

The study urged doctors to be aware of marijuana as a possible cause of allergy symptoms, noting “marijuana might become an increasingly relevant ‘weed’ for the allergist.”