Allergenicity to Cannabis sativa L.: And methods to assess personal exposure

Abstract

Cannabis sativa, commonly referred to as marijuana, is popularly recognized as a medicinal and recreational drug. Although the legal status of the plant and its derivatives has been debated in numerous social and legal forums, very little is known about the immunological effects following personal and more recently, occupational exposure. Current studies have shown that direct handling and consumption of C. Sativa and its derivatives can elicit allergic reactions and in very rare cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Initially, ?9-THC and cannabinol were suggested to be the potential allergic sensitizers; however, recent reports have demonstrated that allergic reactions to C. Sativa may be driven by type I hypersensitivity mechanisms. In this chapter, we will examine the scenarios and routes of exposure to C. Sativa that may result in allergic sensitization and provide insights into the key allergic determinants. Finally, the methodological challenges associated with studying the plant and the biotechnological advances in exposure assessment will be additionally discussed.