Is It Possible to be Allergic to Marijuana, as It Is to Pollen? Science Says 'Yes'

Unfortunately, not all of us can enjoy marijuana. A recent study in Annallergy indicates that marijuana pollen can cause an allergy similar to that produced by other plants. 

American researchers who have investigated the issue explain that, although this allergy is uncommon, exposure to cannabis sativa, native to Central Asia, can trigger coughing and sneezing. Thus, marijuana can provoke symptoms similar to those of any other type of springtime allergy: hay fever, pink eye and asthma.

These experts carried out the study in recent months after noting that more and more consumers reported that cannabis pollen or smoke produced these symptoms in them, following the legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana in some states. One of the patients even suffered a serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, after ingesting hemp seeds.

"Now, as its prevalence [marijuana consumption] is increasing, and with legalization in multiple states, this will be more and more common, and all these cases that were not recognized before are going to come to light," explained Purvi Parikh, an immunologist from the Allergy & Asthma Network, in reference to these new allergies. 

The study also urges doctors to keep in mind that marijuana can be the cause of allergy symptoms, and that cannabis may become a more and more important focus for allergists.