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.  

From flooding in Florida to the Washington, spring doesn’t seem to be near, but allergy season is upon us. It seems cruel to be wearing a heavy cut and dodging the wacky weather while having to endure stuffy nose, runny eyes and more.

There are way to help during this rough transition.  First, make sure you don’t have a cold.  Cold and allergies are two entirely different things. While the common cold is caused by viruses, seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen. Still, colds and allergies can share some symptoms in common, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.  Other symptoms, such as body aches and fever, are not associated with allergies, and the itchy eyes common to an allergic reaction rarely occur with a cold.

If you stock up on CBD now, you may be able to avoid some of your usual issues. It turns out, CBD may prevent your cells from releasing histamines, which means less sneezing, wheezing, all those other pesky symptoms.

A way to go through the blooming season is to explore what CBD can and can’t do for your spring allergies.

CBD may help block histamines

via GIPHY

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As mentioned above, CBD can help suppress your mast cells (the ones that are responsible for allergic reactions) from releasing histamines. Normally, when you are allergic to something outside, like pollen or grass, your body’s immune system activates a chain reaction to release histamines as a form of protection. That unfortunately also results in lots of allergy symptoms. But Allergy medications act as antihistamines, and CBD does essentially the same thing. That means less sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes — even as pollen season gears up.

CBD is anti-inflammatory

What does inflammation have to do with allergies, you ask? Well, if you’re allergic to pollen, for example, being near it causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nose and the protective layer of your eyes. Thus, why you feel “stuffed up” and why your eyes are watering. CBD is an anti-inflammatory, so it can help you get through the season unharmed.

It can help with rashes and eczema

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Adding to the misery of a stuffy head, unsightly body blemishes as it becomes short sleeves season is the worst! Rashes and eczema due to allergies can be downright miserable and tough solve quickly. CBD calms skin, helps with itching, and reduces inflammation. That’s why you see it in so many topical products now. If you live with eczema, or experience rashes or itching due to seasonal weather, you’ll want to look into topical CBD cream to find some relief.

It’s not a cure, though

Remember, CBD may do a lot to ease your allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, it’s not a cure, though. Don’t go off your usual allergy medication and make sure to keep up with those allergy shots. Talk to your doctor if you aren’t sure what medications you’ll need to feel better.

And make sure you don’t buy into myths about seasonal allergies.  Take trusted advice
and know cut flowers aren’t a trigger, local honey doesn’t fight off allergies and rain doesn’t wash it all away.

May you start to breathe better this spring!