Is CBD an Allergenic? There Are Many Health Benefits for Those without Allergies

Allergies are compounds that your body thinks are harmful to you, encouraging the immune system to deal with them. Our immune systems will produce chemicals to help deal with the ‘intruder’, and enable other defense mechanisms like watery eyes and sneezing that help to expel allergens from the body. In the vast majority of cases, an allergy is little more than an inconvenience but, for some people, it can be downright dangerous.

So, what about CBD? Can the compound cause allergic reactions? Let’s take a look.

CBD Allergies are Uncommon

Some people will have an allergic reaction to CBD, but they are uncommon. People who already have allergies such as hay fever and food allergies are thought to be more likely to be allergic to CBD also. While allergies to CBD in general are already uncommon, severe allergies are very rare.

Regardless, it is still a good idea to be aware of which symptoms you should look out for in case you are allergic to CBD, and the symptoms are typically what you would expect from other allergies. These symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy/sore throat
• Congestion
• Nausea

If a topical CBD product has been used, other signs to look out for include:

• Red, inflamed skin
• Dry skin
• Itchiness
• Hives
• Blisters

Even for people who are allergic to CBD, it can be very difficult to notice. This is partly because the symptoms of an allergy will be very mild in a lot of people. Another potential reason is the properties of CBD itself. Depending on how it is used, it can make a person feel relaxed and even lethargic, potentially helping to mask the symptoms.

Some of CBD’s medically beneficial properties can also be a reason why allergies to the compound will often go unnoticed. One example is CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce inflammation of the nasal passages, and other tissues, that would otherwise contribute to the symptoms of an allergic reaction. What’s more is that studies have shown that CBD can prevent cells from releasing histamines. Histamines are chemicals that cause the body to react to allergens, so blocking these chemicals will help to prevent symptoms from appearing.

Prolonged Use of CBD for Those without Allergies

If you don’t show an allergic reaction to CBD, and you experience no other side effects, there is no reason why you cannot use it regularly for long periods. CBD is not addictive, no matter how much of it you use. You also cannot overdose on CBD (although using too much might make you feel nauseous). Indeed, using CBD regularly can help to relieve patients of symptoms that might otherwise have a considerable negative impact on their health.

Should I Consult A Doctor?

In most cases, it is not necessary to speak with a doctor, although it may be a good idea to have your symptoms investigated to identify the cause. If the symptoms of an allergy to CBD are uncomfortable to you, anti-histamines are readily available and effective at relieving symptoms of an allergic reaction.

If the symptoms are severe enough that you suspect something is seriously wrong, then emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately. A severe allergic reaction is known as an anaphylactic shock and can be life-threatening, although it is thankfully very rare. Symptoms of an anaphylactic shock include:

• Clammy skin
• Severe swelling
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulties
• Anxiety and confusion
• Light-headedness
• Collapsing
•  Losing consciousness

The odds of a serious allergic reaction to CBD is so low that it essentially makes the compound safe to use, but it is still wise to be on the cautious side.

Conclusion

While there is no need to speak with a doctor for mild symptoms, you should do so if you suspect that there’s a serious problem. To help relieve symptoms, antihistamines from your local drug store should be more than enough. If you have no allergy symptoms at all then there’s no reason why you can’t use CBD as frequently as you like.

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