# Allergic sensitization to Cannabis: Innovative diagnostic approaches

> **NIH NIH R21** · THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $195,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug globally. The current trends indicate an increase in
consumption of Cannabis-derived products for medicinal and recreational effects, prompted in part by increased
legalization. Inhalation of Cannabis results in greater incidences of rhinitis, cough, wheeze and dyspnea. In some
cases, exposure to Cannabis may be detrimental to pulmonary function and may exacerbate underlying asthma.
Recent reports also emphasize a progressive escalation in incidences of allergic sensitization to Cannabis.
However, the specific allergens associated with allergy to Cannabis remain poorly characterized. Current efforts
into all research of Cannabis have been impeded due to the practical challenges in studying Schedule I
substances. Consequently, a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the allergenic profile that contributes
towards sensitization to Cannabis allergens remains unfulfilled. Collectively, these factors have impeded the
ability of physicians to accurately diagnose and treat Cannabis-related hypersensitivity reactions. In the current
application, we propose to establish the role of atopy in Cannabis hypersensitivity (Aim 1) and examine the
regional differences in sensitization to cross-reactive LTP from Cannabis and investigate the relevance of
RuBisCO to Cannabis sensitization (Aim 2). To address these aims, we have formed a strong team of national
and international basic science researchers and clinicians who are at the forefront of the Cannabis allergy field.
Specifically, we propose to detail the Cannabis-specific IgE profile of 125 Cannabis hypersensitive subjects. We
will also execute studies to clarify the relevance of two allergens (lipid transfer protein and RuBisCO enzyme) to
Cannabis allergies. We will discuss our experimental findings in context of the clinical examination data collected
from the subjects to draw objective conclusions. The findings from this study will form the basis for future basic
science and clinical hypothesis-driven research. Our hope is to establish the clinical profiles of Cannabis naïve
and sensitized subpopulations and develop novel, standardized methodologies for evaluating Cannabis allergy
so as to provide a pathway to improved diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of Cannabis allergy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10000014
- **Project number:** 5R21AI140411-02
- **Recipient organization:** THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ajay Nayak
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $195,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-21 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10000014

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10000014, Allergic sensitization to Cannabis: Innovative diagnostic approaches (5R21AI140411-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10000014. Licensed CC0.

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