Studies are just beginning to scratch the surface for individuals who are looking for healthier alternatives to regular allergy medications.

From the first sneeze to the first snow, many around the nation experience the trials and tribulations of seasonal allergies. The thought of treating allergies to weed with weed can make some pause, but the science is sound. 

According to Americans for Safe Access, decades of research led to a breakthrough in treating skin allergies when a team from the University of Bonn in Germany studied THC’s effect on inflammation. Already genetically engineered to not react to cannabinoids generated in their brain, the team used mice and found that the animals’ ears became red and swollen.

The scientists realized what this meant – that cannabinoids act like a brake, preventing the immune system from running out of control and triggering inflammation.

Using ointment with THC, researchers carefully applied lotion to the ears of the mice and found that the medicine had some remarkable effects. With less swelling and irritation, the THC seemed to alleviate some symptoms of skin irritation and allergies. 

The National Eczema Association also believes that marijuana or cannabis holds promise in treating skin conditions. They state, “Cannabinoids, however, have a powerful anti-itch effect. There are receptors in the skin that interact with cannabinoids that could reduce the symptoms and appearance of AD (atopic dermatitis). These effects happen through a constellation of interactions between phytocannabinoids and our endogenous cannabinoid system.” Simply put, natural chemicals secreted by marijuana or cannabis trigger a response from our own bodies. 

So, how does it work? Humans have cannabinoid receptors. And when activated, much like the body sends white blood cells to an infection, these receptors can ignite to help fight an allergic reaction. 

With so much known already about the potential benefits for marijuana on the skin, it’s no wonder studies are just beginning to scratch the surface for individuals who are looking for healthier alternatives to regular medications. In fact, a Eos Scientific recently unveiled research that showed in a study of 2000 U.K. adults: 

• 24% of Brits, representing more than 11 million of the adult population, prefer to manage their health with holistic remedies

• 38% of Brits – 17.4 million people – would use CBD oil to manage their health

Here are three things to know about Marijuana and allergies:

CBD and cannabis may help block histamines

Released in your body’s system, histamine can cause major issues. From itchy eyes to a scratchy throat, histamine is your body’s reaction from antibodies appearing. CBD and cannabis products help reduce antibodies by blocking histamine, triggering less allergic reactions in the body’s system.