Cannabis Allergy: What do We Know Anno 2015

Abstract

For about a decade, IgE-mediated cannabis (marihuana) allergy seems to be on the rise. Both active and passive exposure to cannabis allergens may lead to a cannabis sensitization and/or allergy. The clinical manifestations of a cannabis allergy can vary from mild to lifethreatening reactions, often depending on the route of exposure. In addition, sensitization to cannabis allergens can trigger various secondary cross-allergies, mostly for plant-derived food. This clinical entity, which we have designated as the ''cannabis-fruit/vegetable syndrome'' might also imply cross-reactivity with tobacco, latex and plant-food derived alcoholic beverages. These secondary cross-allergies are mainly described in Europe and appear to result from cross-reactivity between non-specific lipid transfer proteins or thaumatin-like proteins present in Cannabis sativa and their homologues that are ubiquitously distributed throughout plant kingdom. At present, diagnosis of cannabis-related allergies rests upon a thorough history completed with skin testing using native extracts from buds and leaves. However, quantification of specific IgE antibodies and basophil activation tests can also be helpful to establish correct diagnosis. In the absence of a cure, treatment comprises absolute avoidance measures including a stop of any further cannabis (ab)use.

Generation of a Comprehensive Transcriptome Atlas and Transcriptome Dynamics in Medicinal Cannabis

“…In opium poppy, sieve elements produce and accumulate benzylisoquinoline alkaloids which are a diverse group of biologically active and specialised metabolites involved in morphine biosynthesis 39 . Moreover, some of the known cannabis allergens including Bet v 1, the major cannabis pollen allergen and ns-LTPs 40 were also upregulated in female flowering tissues 40,41 . The transcripts that were identified to represent these allergens in this study can be useful in characterisation of cannabis allergens and in the development of hypoallergic cannabis plants.…”

Evaluation of potential hazards during harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm.

“…Employees were also asked whether they experienced symptoms that might be related to working with cannabis. None reported any symptoms or health effects, such as rashes on the skin or allergic reactions, which have been previously shown to be associated with cannabis exposure [Decuyper et al 2015]. No employee reported hand, wrist, or shoulder symptoms or other musculoskeletal problems.…”

Cannabis sativaallergy: looking through the fog

“…Consequently, sensitization to Can s 3 might be an explanation for the high variety of secondary plant-derived food allergies seen in European patients with a cannabis allergy. This, sometimes extensive, cross-reactivity between cannabis and plant-derived food has been described in multiple studies (6,8,35,38) and was recently designated as the 'cannabisfruit/vegetable syndrome' (8,40). The foods most commonly implicated in this allergy syndrome are peach, apple, nuts, tomato and occasionally citrus fruit as orange and grapefruit.…”