What’s the deal with cannabis and seasonal allergies?

Getting the right answers in your cannabis journey can be tricky. But with The Cannigma’s Ask the Expert, you can find questions from readers like you, answered by a real cannabis pharmacist.

Question: I have seasonal allergies, and I notice that sometimes when I smoke, I can’t breathe through my nose. Is there any reason cannabis would affect my sinuses?

Answer:
This is such a good question because it’s a really common issue; it’s estimated that 80 million Americans struggle with seasonal allergies every year, and nearly 50 million of them tried cannabis at least once in that same time period. So this is an increasingly common combination.

Most of us know that we can get red “bloodshot” eyes when we smoke cannabis, which is actually quite similar to what is happening in your nose when you get stuffy after smoking. THC is a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes the veins in certain parts of the body – including the eyes and nasal cavities. When THC activates the veins in your eyes, they allow for more blood flow and cause the eyes to appear red. And in the nasal cavity, the tissues swell when they relax, narrowing the air pathways and increasing nasal congestion.

The best advice I have is to keep your THC dose as low as you can, which will reduce this uncomfortable side effect. If that isn’t effective, there are many ways to manage your allergies and reduce swelling in the airways, ranging from medications and nasal steroids, to saline rinses. All of these aim to reduce allergies and related swelling, so that if you do toke, you won’t be starting off with narrow airways. Most allergy medications are safe to take with cannabis, but don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist just to be sure.

Be well, and I hope I am able to find some relief from this congestion issue and keep enjoying your favorite herb.

Be well,

Codi Peterson, PharmD
Scientific advisor, The Cannigma

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