Red eyes?

No sir, it’s a marijuana allergy!

Do you often suffer from red or swollen eyes, or experience shortness of breath and nausea or vomiting in the presence of cannabis?

If you have answered yes to any of these symptoms, you may very well be part of an unfortunate group of people worldwide who are living with a marijuana allergy.

To be more specific you may be reactive to specific allergens, namely THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the iconic chemical found in the flower of the cannabis plant.

Exposure to marijuana allergens can occur in a number of ways. Certain individuals may experience severe symptoms when exposed to or handling plants, whilst others have noted adverse reactions after smoking or ingesting marijuana.

Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Itchy or swollen eyes.
• Nausea.
• Tracheal distress.
• Congestion, runny nose and sneezing.

Physically handling marijuana may also induce an allergic response. Contact dermatitis results in numerous unpleasant and often painful symptoms. Hives, itchiness and red inflamed skin at the site of contact is a definitive indication of a marijuana allergy.

Persons with certain food allergies should also pay careful attention as handling or consuming marijuana may result in cross reactivity.

Essentially this occurs when certain proteins found in the marijuana plant, namely pollen, resemble proteins found in various fruits, vegetables and nuts.

If you experience adverse reactions to marijuana, it is recommended that you avoid foods that contain proteins similar to those found in marijuana. Some of the most common culprits are apples, bananas and tomatoes.

While THC is a definitive trigger, so too is its counterpart CBD(Cannibidiol) which has also been sighted as possibly causing adverse reactions in certain individuals. 

As breeders across the globe strive to produce bud that is high in THC, it puts those struggling with allergies and hypersensitivity at greater risk. Higher concentrations of these chemicals can escalate and compound symptoms dramatically. 

The sudden realisation that you may be suffering from a marijuana allergy can seem devastating. While numerous physicians will strongly recommend that you abstain from contact with or ingestion of marijuana, there are various tests that can be safely performed to indicate your particular level of sensitivity. Skin tests as well as blood tests can determine the extent of your body’s reaction to marijuana allergens.

Unfortunately to date there is no specific treatment available for this very unfortunate condition. The administration of antihistamines can help to reduce symptoms; however, this is dependent on the individual level of sensitivity. Alternatively in extreme cases of anaphylaxis an epinephrine injection is administered.

An ever-expanding world-wide trend towards growing your own marijuana has brought with it serious issues in terms of the health threats for those suffering from this potentially life-threatening condition.

If you experience any of the symptoms and suspect you may have a marijuana allergy, please consult you family doctor and get tested. Always make the best decisions in terms of what is good for you. Living a healthy life is one of the important achievements in life!