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.
