Figures show 73% of the 50 million people with allergies react to marijuana. A study looked at cases where people had suffered allergic reactions. Found marijuana like other pollen-bearing plants, is an allergen. They include a runny nose, itching and puffiness and swollen eyes - and the figure is rising.
Scientists warn reactions even occur in people who are merely exposed to marijuana smoke, rather than consuming the drug themselves.
Researchers found in some cases exposure to marijuana pollen or cannabis smoke provoked symptoms of allergic rhinitis, caused by inflammation of the nasal passages, causing sneezing, congestion, itching and a runny nose. They also found symptoms of conjunctivitis and asthma.
After emergency treatment tests revealed the patient was not allergic to seafood but the cannabis seeds were the culprit.
And the study noted some people who injected marijuana developed reactions including facial swelling and wheezing within minutes of exposure. Allergic asthma triggered by seasonal and occupational exposure to cannabis was also reported.
