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Allergies

Marijuana allergy

09/23/2008

Question:

If you have an allergic reaction around an hour after you have smoked marijuana, is the same thing likely to happen if you ate a cookie or brownie made with marijuana? Would an OTC treatment work? Like Benadryl? (Symptoms of allergic reaction include itcy rash on throat, and slight discomfort while breathing) Thanx!!!

Answer:

Marijuana is one variant of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, which is an annual herb. There have been reports of skin test proven allergy to components of Cannabis leaves, Cannabis pollen and Cannabis seeds. While most respiratory reactions are irritant reactions, there have been reports of respiratory allergy on exposure to smoke. Reactions have been also shown to occur in response to mold and dust mite contamination of the leaves. Oral and systemic symptoms requiring emergency treatment have been reported on ingestion of hemp containing foods by patients with previous exposure to marijuana smoke. If allergy is suspected, it is not recommended to proceed with re-exposure, since subsequent reactions could be more severe. Treatment with over-the-counter medications may not be sufficient to prevent a significant systemic reaction.

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Response by:

Charity C Fox, MD Charity C Fox, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University