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Study Investigates Uncommon But Valid Marijuana Allergy

DENVER (CBS4) - This allergy season might see another source of irritation with the legalization of marijuana.

A new study looked at the possibility that with more cannabis plants around, there will be allergies. Cannabis pollen typically sheds during the late summer to early autumn, and is buoyant to allow for easy distribution.

Selective breeding for different strains and higher potency, "could play a role in allergic disease because THC has been suggested as a pertinent Cannabis allergen," said the researchers.

The study also stated that, "Allergies to marijuana are not commonly reported in the medical literature despite being the most widely used illicit drug in the world."

According to the researchers from Texas, as with most plant allergens, exposure to cannabis pollen has been known to cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma.

In addition, both pollen and smoke from the Cannabis plant have resulted in symptoms of hay fever.

There is also the potential for allergen cross-reactivity with marijuana, in which an allergy to one plant can evolve into an allergy for another plant's pollen.

Assessment for the weed allergy is largely dependent on skin-testing, and it is recommended that the affected simply avoid the allergen.

The study said regular marijuana users won't notice much of a reaction.

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