Allergy to Marijuana: Case report

Characterization of Cannabis Sativa Allergens

“…1 As a result of the increasing social and medical usage, reports of allergic sensitization to marijuana are increasing in the peer reviewed literature. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Cases have been reported where hypersensitivity and even anaphylactic responses have been associated with marijuana use and clinical symptoms include sore throat, nasal congestion, rhinitis, pharyngitis, wheezing, dyspnea, angioedema and lacrimation. 2-4, 11, 12 In chronic and high dose users more severe manifestations of bronchitis and asthma with reduced vital capacity have been reported.…”

“…Although Δ 9 -THC has been suggested to be an allergen 11 , more recent studies show type I hypersensitivity to high molecular weight proteins derived from C. sativa. 4,6,9,10,17,18 In a recent study in Spain, IgE binding proteins were observed with molecular weights ranging from 10 -69 kDa. 4 Others have identified patients sensitized to two prominent IgE binding bands located at 10 and 14 kDa 9 and a 9 kDa lipid transfer protein was identified to bind IgE from a patient sensitized to C. sativa.…”

“…4,6,9,10,17,18 In a recent study in Spain, IgE binding proteins were observed with molecular weights ranging from 10 -69 kDa. 4 Others have identified patients sensitized to two prominent IgE binding bands located at 10 and 14 kDa 9 and a 9 kDa lipid transfer protein was identified to bind IgE from a patient sensitized to C. sativa. 17 However, the identity of most allergens from C. sativa remains unknown and no allergens are currently listed by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) allergen nomenclature sub-committee.…”