Hydrolife Magazine August/September 2017 [USA Edition]

Inhalation of cannabis pollen has
been reported to cause nasal irritation,
sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis
(inflammation in the nose causing
stuffy or runny noses or post-nasal
drip), and sneezing, according to the
study “Cannabis Sativa: The Unconventional
‘Weed’ Allergen.”
In many areas of the world where
cannabis is native, allergies to it are
seemingly as common as ragweed
allergies in the United States and
Canada. A recent study published in
the Pakistan Journal of Botany looked
at residents of Islamabad, Pakistan,
and found that cannabis pollen was
the most abundant of allergens found
in the city during the fall. A previous
Pakistani study found that up to
45 per cent of the residents suffered
from allergic reactions to cannabis,
including asthma and rhinitis. This is
not unique to this part of the world. In
the US Midwest, Nebraska residents
are exposed to cannabis pollen levels
comprising as much as 36 per cent of
the airborne pollen in late summer
to early fall. This area of the US now
grows significant quantities of hemp.
Studies in Spain and Italy report similar
pollen counts when cannabis there
blooms in August.
In one unusual Canadian case, an
individual showed severe allergic
reactions to the ingestion of hemp
seeds but no reaction to frequent
consumption of recreational marijuana.
Allergic reactions to hemp
seeds, like cannabis in general,
is not commonly found in medical
journals. The individual in question
drank a smoothie containing hemp
seeds and almost immediately developed
lip and facial swelling, abdominal
pain, and difficulty breathing,
such that epinephrine was
required to restore normal breathing.
That same patient self-admitted as a
regular smoker of cannabis.
CHRIS BOND is the manager of the McKay Farm and
Research Station at Unity College in Maine. His research
interests are with sustainable agriculture, biological pest
control as well as alternative growing methods. He is a
certified permaculture designer and certified nursery
technician in Ohio and a certified nursery professional in
New York, where he got his start in growing.
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