Quote Originally Posted by WashougalWonder
I was reading this morning how cannabis uptakes heavy metals. They deliberately planted it around Chernobyl to soak up the radiation from that accident. So, if the plant got some sort of metal uptake, it could present as illness/allergy. Yes, molds are a big allergen, and in some cases I can smell mold when I walk into someones house, I am very sensitive to it.
Heavy metal toxicity doesn't present the same symptoms as an allergic reaction. Heavy metals cause internal organ damage and do not usually cause respiratory distress, rash, swelling, or any other symptoms associated with histamine production. Lead poisoning generally causes brain and liver damage, while unenriched (or depleted) uranium is immediately toxic to the liver and kidneys, and later to the rest of the body as it slowly emits alpha particles, which will alter DNA in cells that are exposed.

As far as my anecdotal evidence goes, my girlfriend's roommate recently ate a pot-laced chocolate chip cookie by accident (he's never used pot in his life) and presented symptoms of nausea about an hour later. He has several food allergies and/or sensitivities, especially to heavily spiced foods.