Cannabis and Hay Fever: Can It Help with Summer Allergies?

About 13 million people in the UK are affected by hay fever. A number of these same people are also users of cannabis. So, does the combination of hay fever and cannabis use help or hurt?

As with many things, the interaction of these two will depend on several variables such as; how you consume, what you consume, and what is happening biologically. If you are currently using products based on cannabinoids to promote health and wellness, Canna City has a wide variety of high-quality cannabis products available for review before the hay fever season begins.

What Actually Happens During a Hay Fever Response

When pollen from trees, grasses, etc., enter our nasal passageways our bodies’ immune systems react to the pollen as a foreign invader and they send out Mast cells to attack the perceived invasion. These Mast cells then release histamines. Histamines cause inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, cause nasal itchiness, sneeze, runny nose and red, watery eyes – just to name a few symptoms that occur when we go outside on a warm day in late spring and early summer here in Britain.

Some of the main actors involved in this process include:

How does CBD fit into the process?

There have been studies conducted involving both animal and cellular models that demonstrate that CBD May prevent Mast cell activation – where histamines are released. There was a study published in 2019 titled “cannabinol suppresses IgE-mediated Mast cell degradation” in the European Journal of Pharmacology. This research suggests that CBD may provide an opportunity to intervene earlier in the chain of events that leads to an allergic reaction.

CBD has proven to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, working partially via TRPV1 receptors, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, this theoretical action may provide relief from some of the symptoms associated with hay fever, including swelling/irritation in the nasal passages.

This doesn’t necessarily imply that moving from a laboratory test tube to human nasal tissue would produce similar results. Currently, no clinical trials have been performed to evaluate CBD for treatment of allergic rhinitis.

THC: a more complicated situation than CBD

THC activates cb2 receptors, which generally exhibit immunosuppressant activity. Thus, theoretically this could suppress an allergic response. However, the route of administration plays a huge role in determining this outcome. Smoking during peak pollen season is likely to make nasal symptoms worse, full stop.

Cross-reactivity between pollen from different plants

Something else that many don’t realize is that cannabis pollen is itself a known allergen. Therefore, if an individual has previously developed an allergy to another member of the Cannabaceae family (such as hop) – which includes many varieties of hemp – he/she could develop an allergic reaction to cannabis pollen.

Approaching hay fever season with practicality

What is supported by research at its best

Move away from combustion routes of ingestion. Consider purchasing broad spectrum CBD products with third-party testing. Lastly – monitor your reactions to determine if your symptoms either lessen or worsen.

If you wish to find good products to supplement your wellness regimen with cannabinoid-based products, Canna City provides a wide selection of products with accurate labeling, discrete delivery and options designed to meet various tastes.