Doctors of Natural Medicine

Medical Marijuana For Allergies: Can It Help?

Can Medical marijuana reduce allergies?

Many people suffer from seasonal allergy (and food allergy) symptoms every year.  This begs the question: Can medical marijuana help with allergies? 

Can medical marijuana reduce allergy symptoms?

How Allergies Work

Allergies occur when a person has a reaction to a foreign substance that doesn’t typically cause a reaction. To combat this, your body produces what are known as antibodies.

The immune system releases these antibodies when an allergen (a substance that causes an allergic reaction) that is perceived as harmful is introduced to the body. Unfortunately, these antibodies sometimes trigger a cascade of inflammation and the production of histamine, which can cause symptoms associated with allergies. 

It is estimated that 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children have allergies in the US. There is no cure for most allergies but many of the symptoms can be managed through treatment, which usually involves avoiding allergens or taking medication.

Some of the symptoms of allergic reactions include:

  • Itchiness
  • Swelling of the mouth 
  • Hives and rashes
  • Sneezing and running of the nose
  • Wheezing

In severe allergic reactions (also known as anaphylaxis), symptoms can cause:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness 
  • A drop in blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness 

So, knowing this, can medical marijuana be a potential  treatment for allergies?

medical marijuana for seasonal allergies

Is It a Good Idea to Take Medical Marijuana for Allergies?

Like many questions pertaining to the use of medical marijuana, at this point in time there aren’t many controlled human studies to give us definitive answers. 

When we take a look at the properties of cannabis, however, we can begin to build an understanding of a potential relationship.

What we know about marijuana, is that it can act as an effective anti-inflammatory. This is because the active ingredients in marijuana, THC and cannabinoids, work together against inflammation and associated ailments. It can also lower the level of histamine being produced in your system, which is responsible for symptoms of allergic reactions.

What we know about allergies is that the symptoms can be helped by introducing substances that inhibit inflammation. This is likely why some doctors have observed patients using medical marijuana for relief of allergy symptoms.

In the same breath, however, professionals also question if medical marijuana treatment for allergies in its current form is as effective as more commonly used medications. Perhaps if a new method of delivery, like nasal spray, were to be developed it could serve as a more suitable treatment for allergies.

medical marijuana treatment for allergies

What About Medical Marijuana for Seasonal Allergies?

Every year millions of people suffer from what are known as seasonal allergies, or hay fever. The symptoms of which include a runny nose, watery eyes, headaches and more.

The cause of seasonal allergies is pollen in the air that comes from grass and trees. Typical treatment includes avoiding areas rich in this pollen and taking medication.

In regards to using medical marijuana to treat seasonal allergies, your mileage may vary. While medical marijuana may help users relieve the headaches that accompany seasonal allergies, smoking or vaping can further agitate the already-irritated airways. Cannabis-infused coconut oil or edibles might prove to be a better choice.

What About Medical Marijuana for Food Allergies?

At this time there isn’t a lot of research in regards to medical marijuana for food allergies, but the same conclusions as above can be drawn. Cannabis isn’t going to cure your allergies and might help with symptoms, but it probably isn’t as effective as typical treatments (i.e. avoiding the food that triggers allergic reaction).

Allergies to Marijuana

It is also possible to be allergic to marijuana. Some people experience allergic symptoms when using cannabis including a runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, and more. It can also include other symptoms that are more serious, but these are rare. Like anything, it is best to exercise caution and consult your doctor before use.

To speak to a qualified doctor about getting a medical marijuana card, book a medical card appointment with one of our M.D.’s.

Questions?

Author: J.P. Carrol

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