Maximum Yield Cannabis USA August / September 2017 | Page 60

heal
Nothing to
Sneeze At:
by Chris Bond
The use of cannabis to treat medical ailments or
relieve symptoms is well-documented. However,
until recently, there has not been much literature
on cannabis’ role as an allergen.
A
llergic reactions to cannabis and its many forms were not
oft-reported in medical literature until recently. This trend
has changed over the last decade, however. Cases of rashes,
hypersensitivity, and even anaphylaxis due to contact with
cannabis pollen, plants, or smoke are on the rise.
The rise in incidences of reported allergic
reactions may in part be due to the increasing
acceptance of cannabis use medicinally and
recreationally around the country. As more
states legislate the accepted uses of
cannabis, the stigma surrounding its
use has lessened and more folks
may be coming forward to seek
treatment for allergic reactions
than in the past. There may,
however, be some corroboration
with THC levels. As THC levels
continue to rise, so does
the probability of allergic
reactions to cannabis.
Cannabis as
an Allergen
Allergies to all or parts of the
leaves, flowers, seeds, and
pollen of plants is common
the world over. Cannabis is,
after all, a plant and as such,
there is bound to be a percent-
age of the population that experi-
ences an allergic reaction when
exposed to it. Inhalation of cannabis,
either through its pollen or smoke can
cause numerous afflictions. This effect can
be exacerbated in late summer or early fall
for residents that either dwell near its native
habitat or near outdoor plantations when the
plant naturally sheds its buoyant pollen—it
can travel for many miles on a current of wind.
58
grow. heal. learn. enjoy.
myhydrolife.com