Everyone knows when allergy season arrives. Coughing fits, watery eyes, sneezing, and congestion is just part of the seasonal allergy game so many people play. While the weather warms up, the allergies also rev up big time. Some people like taking their favorite over-the-counter meds in hope of relief. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Then sometimes people begin to wonder what relief is available and whether weed helps seasonal allergies. The cannabis plant may provide some answers to the relief allergy sufferers feel.
Why Allergies Emerge
People can have allergies to all kinds of things: dust, pollen, mold, grass, and the list goes on. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, especially the seasonal variation in certain climates. The body responds to allergens by kicking up histamine, which brings sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and other reactions. Some people need an inhaler to deal with the season or just allergens in general year-round. To get away from it, there are meds to take. Allergy sufferers are asking can weed help with allergies. There is hope that cannabis might replace some of those meds without all the side effects.
Does Marijuana Help With Allergies
Cannabis may be able to help in reducing allergies. Some cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help. By lowering the level of histamine in the body, it lowers the trigger of antibodies that kick in the allergic response. Cannabis can help support nasal inflammation, opens airways, and suppresses the immune system just enough to deal with the allergic responses of sneezing and so on. Taking cannabis may not be as strong as OTC meds like Flonase but it might help some people. Right now there is not a dedicated nasal spray like on the current market to help allergy sufferers find relief. This may be possible in the future, but for now, it seems to help some people cope with allergy symptoms while others still struggle to find relief.
Mindful Risks
People who want to take something other than OTC meds, like cannabis, should be mindful of any risks to using it in this way. Because cannabis is a pollen-rich plant, it has been known to cause cannabis allergy symptoms including congestion, watery eyes, or and itchy nose. It is important to tread carefully when trying something new with cannabis because everyone’s body responds differently. For instance, if someone already deals with a lot of allergies, their body may be more susceptible to cannabis allergic symptoms. Hemp allergy cross-reactivity is a concern for somewhere the person experiences hives, swelling of the lips or eyelids, or other areas post-ingestion. This reaction is due to different reasons but a tree or weed allergy may result in cross-reactivity sensitivity to proteins in the hemp seed and cannabis. Cross-reactivity to tomatoes, latex, or tobacco may also present allergic responses for people using cannabis.
The main goal is to visit a licensed professional that understands the issues and conditions an individual has and can help make recommendations based on their needs. What works for one may not work for someone else. The question of whether marijuana can help with allergies depends on many factors. Try a few things, have fun doing some ‘research’, and see if it just might provide the relief needed to make it through allergy season.
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