Q&A

Can marijuana help relieve allergy symptoms?


Hello! Yes, research shows that cannabis, particularly CBD, can benefit those suffering with seasonal allergies. I would recommend trying some non-psychoactive CBD combined with a tiny bit of THC to improve its effects, perhaps in a 20:1 ratio to start. Here’s an article that looks at the benefit of cannabis for allergies: https://www.seattleweekly.com/food/treating-your-allergies-with-weed/

drjacquelynlew


Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis, occur when the immune system mistakes a harmless airborne substance, such as pollen, as a harmful pathogen. When this happens, the immune system responds by sending mast cells towards the mistaken pathogen, which then release histamine. This inappropriate release of histamine then triggers an inflammatory response leading to the symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as post-nasal drip, sneezing and itch — which is why you’ll see "antihistamine" on your allergy medications.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4305649/

While there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence which suggests that marijuana can effectively treat allergy symptoms, there are no clinical trials which specifically address the topic. However, there are several laboratory studies which have shown that marijuana does affect the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of seasonal allergy symptoms.

Several studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system is intricately involved in downregulating an inappropriate immune reaction, such as what occurs with seasonal allergies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3044336/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18426495
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1138953/

drkim


Another study compared the phytocannabinoids THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, CBDA and THCV’s effects on the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-a . They found that "THC demonstrated effects on airway hyper-responsiveness, anti-inflammatory activity, and antitussive (cough) activity in the airways."
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/353/1/169

Further, this study concluded that when the endocannabinoid anandamine bound to the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors — found on the aformentioned mast cells — there was a reduction in the release of proinflammatory factors which lead to the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(13)00057-2/pdf

And while this last laboratory study showed that CBD "did not influence the bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by …histamine," it did show that CBD "inhibited the contractile response of bronchi obtained from allergic guinea-pigs…and reduced airway obstruction," suggesting than CBD may also help treat symptoms of seasonal allergies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23428645

Considering the above, I have chosen products with a balance of both THC and CBD. Please consult with a qualified physician before starting any regimen.
https://treatwellhealth.com/products/wellness-and-balance-blends/
-the Balance Blend tincture
https://treatwellhealth.com/products/high-cbd-tinctures/
-the 1:1 tincture
https://dosist.com/pen-relief/
-the Relief formula
https://www.cbd.org/products/cbd-sublingual-spray
-the 1:1 spray

drkim

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