Cannabis sensitization and allergy in cannabis industry workers, recreational cannabis users, and non-users.

To evaluate respiratory and allergic health symptoms and sensitization to cannabis in cannabis workers while controlling for recreational cannabis use. We compared allergic and respiratory symptoms, lung function, and airway inflammation among cannabis workers (n = 42) and recreational cannabis users (n = 20) and non-users (n = 20) with no occupational exposure. In multivariable regressions adjusted for recreational cannabis use, cannabis workers trended toward increased airway inflammation and decreased pulmonary function when compared to non-workers. Compared to non-workers, cannabis workers exhibited increased odds of cannabis sensitization on skin prick test (OR: 9.5, 95% CI 1.38 to 193; P = 0.05) and reported a higher prevalence of allergic symptoms (OR: 3.7, 95% CI 0.91,16.9; P = 0.07). Our findings suggest that occupational exposures contribute to the respiratory and allergic effects seen in cannabis workers, regardless of recreational cannabis use.