Due to the growing popularity of CBD, more people are using the products. With more people using CBD, there has been a rise in reactions. Some of these could be considered side effects or sensitivities, while others might be allergic reactions.
Anything can create an allergic reaction if your body views it as an allergen. Some of the most common items that cause an allergic reaction include pollen, pet dander, insects, foods and medications.
Is it Possible to Have an Allergy to CBD?
Since CBD is derived from the hemp plant, it does contain some of the common elements that trigger allergies. These include pollen and histamine. While it is possible for someone to have an allergic reaction, it is rare.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
CBD is extracted from plants, so it’s possible that you can experience symptoms that are similar to having seasonal allergies. If you have an allergic reaction to CBD oil, it’s possible that you might experience one or more of the following:
- Itchy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore or itchy throat
- Congestion
- Dry cough
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Nausea
If you are using a topical CBD product, some of the CBD oil allergy symptoms that you might notice include:
- Skin irritation
- Hives
- Redness and inflammation
- Blisters
- Dry skin
Should you notice any of these signs or symptoms while taking CBD products, it’s advised that you stop using them immediately. You might also consider making an appointment with your physician or taking an allergy medication to help with the symptoms.
It’s possible that incredibly serious allergic reactions to CBD can occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s in your best interest to get medical assistance:
- Wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling lightheaded
Any of these could be signs of anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening. Thus, you need to get help as soon as possible.
Allergy and Type of CBD Oil Product
The allergic reaction you have to CBD will depend on the type of product you use. For example, it’s more common to get a rash from CBD oil if you are using a topical product such as CBD lotions, creams or salves. However, you may break out in hives after vaping CBD oil. If you eat CBD gummies, this could result in nausea or potentially lead to having trouble breathing.
Allergy and CBD Spectrum
If you are wondering: Can CBD oil cause itching? The answer is yes it can if you are allergic to it. You may have different reactions depending on the CBD spectrum you take.
Since full-spectrum CBD contains all of the elements that naturally occur in the CBD plant, including terpenes, flavonoids and a wide range of cannabinoids, you may be exposed to more substances that could trigger your allergies. Thus, you may be more susceptible to an allergic reaction.
Since CBD isolate only contains CBD, you won’t be exposed to the other parts of the hemp plant. This could reduce your chances of having an allergic reaction, but studies to find this out for sure are still ongoing.
Discovering if You Have a CBD Allergy
If you are interested in trying CBD products but are concerned you might be allergic, you should consider making an appointment with your doctor or an allergy specialist. They’ll be able to conduct a test that will let you know for sure if you will react to CBD oil.
Taking CBD oil should make you feel better, not worse. While allergic reactions to CBD are rare, they still occur. Take the necessary steps to ensure that taking CBD will benefit your health and wellbeing.
Alex Malkin is CBD-enthusiast, researcher, and co-founder of CBD.market, a trading platform for CBD products and educating.
Alex is the author of the book “CBD: A Door to Better Health” and a certified Nutrition and Wellness specialist.