Is an allergic reaction from CBD possible? CBD hemp allergies are rare, but not impossible. While it may seem counterintuitive, it is entirely possible to be allergic to hemp. Being allergic to a plant with natural anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties is kind of a paradox, and likely one of the most unfortunate allergies to have.  

This article zooms in on the topic of hemp allergies to help you understand if you might be allergic to CBD. You’ll learn what to do if you think you’re allergic to hemp and how to determine if you have a CBD allergy. 

Is It Possible To Be Allergic To CBD? 

According to a study from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology – “73% of the 50 million people who are allergic to pollen also react to cannabis [hemp]”. 

In some cases, exposure to hemp flower pollen triggered symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which causes congestions, sneezing, and runny nose. Others, however, present more serious allergic reactions to hemp pollen, and just touching the plant causes hives, itching, and inflammation of the eyes.  

Researchers think that the majority of people allergic to CBD hemp or cannabis are allergic to a specific type of protein in the plant called Lipid Transfer Protein (LTP). About 80% of those with hemp allergies are found to be allergic to LTP.  

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How Do You Know If You Have CBD Allergies? 

CBD Hemp allergies present themselves similarly to other types of allergic reactions. If you have certain food allergies from the list below, you may be potentially allergic to hemp: 

• Tomatoes
• Nuts 
• Peaches 
• Cabbage and lettuce 
• Berry 
• Apples 
• Grapes  

To officially determine if you have hemp or CBD allergy, you would need to make an allergy test, just as you would with any other allergen. This is where a diluted amount of an allergen is pricked into the skin.  

The reaction to the allergen in terms of swelling, inflammation, and itching reveals the level to which one is allergic to the particular substance.  

Symptoms of CBD Hemp Allergy  

The most common experience of hemp allergies comes from the smoke and pollen being inhaled directly or indirectly. The resulting allergic reaction may induce sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or even asthma.  

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Skin allergic reactions can also occur when hemp leaves and flowers come into direct contact with the skin. This can cause inflammation, redness, swelling, and itchiness on the skin and eyes. Consuming hemp seeds and other cannabis products such as CBD oil may also trigger allergies as well as shortness of breath and potentially asthma.  

Some have varying levels of intolerance to ingesting CBD hemp oil and may experience symptoms such as slight headaches or diarrhea. However, these symptoms are not necessarily considered allergic reactions, but rather intolerances to the substance, such as with dairy or gluten.  

Individuals may exhibit allergic symptoms only affecting the respiration or only affecting the skin, or they may experience the reaction everywhere. If you ever notice allergy symptoms after taking CBD hemp oil or hemp flower, you should stop taking it immediately and consult medical attention.  

Managing Hemp Allergies 

Overall, the vast majority of people won’t need to worry about being allergic to hemp or cannabis. However, as more people try CBD and more workers are employed at farms and processing facilities, more people will discover they are allergic to this plant to some extent.  

Allergies can be all year round and 24/7 making them difficult to fully enjoy your day.  There are normal allergies like pollen, strawberries, dust mites, peanuts, animal fur and bee and wasp stings.  Then there are wacky allergies like water, coins, sunlight, and sweat.

Some people have an alcohol allergy or intolerance.  Alcohol allergy is more rare and more severe, but intolerance isn’t a barrel of fun.  Globally we spend over $40 billion a year to treat allergies in one way or another.

So, can you be allergic to marijuana? With more and more people using cannabis recreationally or medically, it is natural allergies would pop up.  With 45+ million consuming in Canadian and the US, you are going to a number who find it has an unfortunate side effect.

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Allergy to marijuana is considered rare, but a reports of allergies to marijuana have been documented. It’s estimated perhaps up to 10% of people may have an allergy or a reaction to marijuana or THC. The number may increase as the plant legalization and use grows.

How do know if you are allergic to marijuana?  Common sense to start with, if you consume and you have an onset of reactions, it is a major clue. The best way to diagnose an allergy is to perform a challenge in a safe setting with a trusted doctor.

Symptoms from a cannabis allergy may include

• Asthma symptoms such as wheezing
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Swelling/watering/itching eyes
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal symptoms such as sneezing
• Anaphylaxis in rare cases

Symptoms of a marijuana allergy can range from mild to severe. Most marijuana allergy symptoms occur immediately in adults; less frequently, they can be delayed for hours. Adults with a marijuana allergy usually show symptoms within hours or days after first being exposed to cannabis. While it is rare, it is possible to experience anaphylaxis after exposure to marijuana. It’s important to recognize your symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a severe allergic reaction.

If you think that you have developed an allergy to marijuana, the best thing to do is avoid it. This means no longer smoking weed or consuming edibles, as well as refraining from touching it and having any secondhand exposure to it.

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This isn’t currently a clinical treatment for marijuana. Marijuana allergy is not curable however, some individuals grow out of it throughout adulthood. Symptoms may become less severe over time.