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CBD is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s also known to have some health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. It may also have some benefits for treating weight loss and erectile dysfunction.
But can you get an allergy to CBD?
The short answer is yes–but it’s not as common as other allergies. And there are ways to treat it if you do develop a CBD allergy.
What is a CBD Allergy?
A CBD allergy is a reaction to the cannabinoid in hemp and marijuana that causes an immune system response. It can occur when someone ingests, inhales or comes into contact with a product containing CBD.
The symptoms of a CBD allergy include:
- Hives (raised bumps on the skin)
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
These symptoms are similar to those experienced by people who have food allergies such as peanuts or shellfish. But they’re not exactly identical because cannabis has its own unique compounds that affect different parts of your body differently to food.
What Causes a CBD Allergy?
It’s important to note that the potential causes of CBD allergies are still not fully understood. However, it’s believed that some people may have an allergic reaction to the hemp plant itself.
The best way to avoid a CBD allergy is by taking proper precautions when using products containing CBD and seeing your doctor if you think you might be experiencing symptoms of an allergy.
You should also spot test CBD oil on your body before applying it extensively.
How Common are CBD Allergies?
While CBD allergies are rare, it’s important to know that they do exist. As of now, there is no definitive explanation as to why some people develop an allergy to CBD. However, researchers have found that individuals who suffer from other types of allergies may be more likely to experience a reaction when they consume hemp products containing cannabinoids (like CBD).
In addition to this correlation between allergies and hemp-based products, there are also several factors that can increase your risk for developing an allergy:
How to Diagnose a CBD Allergy
The diagnostic process for a CBD allergy is similar to the one used to diagnose other allergies. The first step is to determine if you have an allergy, and if so, what type of reaction you’re having. This can be done through a skin test or blood test; both methods are fairly simple and painless.
If your doctor suspects that you have developed an allergy to cannabis products containing cannabidiol (CBD), they may recommend that you undergo further testing before beginning treatment with any new medications or supplements containing CBD.
How to Treat a CBD Allergy
If you have a CBD allergy, your treatment options will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you’re experiencing mild symptoms like itching and redness, over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl may be enough to help alleviate them. If that doesn’t work or if your symptoms are more severe (such as difficulty breathing), then you should seek medical attention immediately.
Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications like steroids or epinephrine auto-injectors in order to treat severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
Conclusion
CBD is a naturally occurring compound, and it’s not uncommon for people to have an allergy to something that occurs in nature. If you think you might be allergic to CBD, talk with your doctor about what other options are available for treating your condition.
