Hemp allergy: Symptoms, Treatment, Immunotherapy, Tips to avoid

Hemp, as an allergen, is less well-known compared to other plants like ragweed or grasses. However, its cultivation in the United States is on the rise due to the increasing popularity of hemp-derived products. Historically associated with the production of rope, textiles, and even biofuels, hemp plants can contribute to airborne allergens when they release pollen. In the United States, hemp is primarily grown in states that have established hemp agricultural programs following the 2018 Farm Bill. These states include Colorado, Oregon, Kentucky, and Montana, which lead in hemp production. The plant thrives in regions with well-drained soils, generally found in temperate climates across the country. Additionally, due to the crop's robustness, areas in the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest have experienced increasing hemp cultivation. States like North Dakota, Minnesota, and New York are also seeing growth in hemp farming, further spreading the allergen's reach. Hemp's expansion means that more regions may encounter this plant as a potential allergen source, particularly during its flowering season when pollen is most abundant in the air.