Why Does Weed Make Your Eyes Red, and What Can You Do About It?
If you are a cannabis user, you may have experienced the common side effect of having red, bloodshot eyes after smoking or consuming edibles. This can be a source of discomfort or embarrassment for some people, especially if they need to interact with others who may not approve of their cannabis use.
But why does weed make your eyes red in the first place, and is there anything you can do to prevent or treat it?
What Is The Cause of Eye Redness From Weed?
The main cause of red eyes is the cannabinoid THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. THC lowers your blood pressure, which causes your blood vessels and capillaries to dilate and increase blood flow throughout your body. This includes the ocular capillaries in your eyes, which become more visible as they expand and fill with blood. This is why your eyes turn red after consuming cannabis products that contain THC.
Another factor that can contribute to red eyes is smoke irritation. If you smoke weed, the smoke can dry out and irritate your eyes, making them more prone to inflammation and redness. This can also happen if you are exposed to secondhand smoke from others. However, smoke irritation is not the main cause of red eyes, as it can also occur when you consume edibles or other non-smokable forms of cannabis.
How Long Does Eye Redness From Weed Last?
The duration of redness depends on several factors, such as the amount and potency of THC you consume, your tolerance and metabolism, and how often you use cannabis.
Generally speaking, red eyes can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after consumption. Some people may experience it for longer periods, especially if they have low blood pressure or other medical conditions that affect their circulation.
How Can I Prevent or Treat Eye Redness From Weed?
There are a few ways to prevent or treat eye redness, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some of the more common methods:
- Eye drops: Eye drops are probably the easiest and most effective way to get rid of red stoned eyes fast. They work by constricting the blood vessels in your eyes, reducing the blood flow and the redness. You can use any over-the-counter eye drops that are designed to relieve dryness or irritation, such as Visine or Clear Eyes. Just follow the instructions on the label and apply a few drops to each eye as needed.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help hydrate your body and eyes, which can reduce the dryness and inflammation that cause redness from cannabis use. Water can also help flush out any toxins or impurities that may affect your blood pressure and circulation. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, especially before and after smoking cannabis.
- Cold compresses: Applying cold compresses to your eyes can help soothe and reduce the swelling and redness caused by weed. You can use a damp cloth, a gel pack, or even a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Just place the cold compress over your closed eyes for about 10 minutes at a time, repeating as needed.
- Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses can help hide your red eyes, as well as protect them from sunlight and dust that may worsen the irritation. Choose sunglasses that have UV protection and fit comfortably over your eyes. You can also wear regular glasses or contact lenses if you need them for vision correction.
- Low-THC strains: If you want to avoid getting red eyes from weed altogether, you can opt for cannabis strains that have low levels of THC and high levels of CBD, which is another cannabinoid that has no psychoactive effects. CBD can also counteract some of the negative effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia. Some examples of low-THC strains are CBD Auto Blackberry Kush, Blueberry CBD, OG Kush CBD, and CBD Auto Charlotte’s Angel.
Is Eye Redness From Weed Harmful or Dangerous?
Eye redness is not harmful or dangerous in itself. They are a natural response to THC and do not indicate any damage or impairment to vision or eye health. However, red eyes can be a sign that you have consumed too much cannabis or that you are experiencing other side effects, such as dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia, or drowsiness. If you feel uncomfortable or unwell after using cannabis, you should stop immediately and see a doctor if necessary.
Marijuana eyes can also be a problem if you need to hide your cannabis use from others, such as your employer, your parents, your teacher, or anyone else who may disapprove or penalize you for it. In that case, you may want to use some of the methods mentioned above to prevent or reduce eye redness or avoid using cannabis altogether in situations where you need to be discreet.
Are There Any Other Reasons My Eyes Can Turn Red After Consuming Cannabis?
Yes, there are some other possible reasons why your eyes may be red after consuming cannabis besides THC’s effects and IOP. Some of them are:
- Allergic reaction: Some people may be allergic to cannabis or to smoke in general, which can cause inflammation, itching, swelling, and redness in their eyes. If you suspect you have an allergic reaction to cannabis or smoke, you should stop using it immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Dry eye syndrome: Some people may suffer from dry eye syndrome, a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause dryness, irritation, and redness in the eyes. Cannabis may worsen this condition by affecting tear production or quality. If you have dry eye syndrome, you should consult your eye doctor and use artificial tears or other treatments to relieve your symptoms.
- Eye infection: Some people may develop an eye infection due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that enter their eyes through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. This can cause pain, discharge, and redness in the eyes. Cannabis may increase the risk of eye infection by transferring germs from your hands or smoking devices to your eyes. If you have an eye infection, you should avoid using cannabis and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
We hope this article answered some of your questions, however, remember that eye redness caused by weed consumption is not a serious health problem, but rather a harmless, natural response to the effects of THC on your body.
However, if you experience any severe or persistent eye problems after consuming cannabis, you should consult your doctor or eye specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs - Why does weed make your eyes red?
This is a common question among people who use medical marijuana or CBD products for various health reasons. The answer isn’t simple, as several factors can affect how CBD interacts with your body and your eyes. However, in general, CBD does not cause eye redness, unlike THC, which is the main psychoactive component of marijuana.
THC can dilate the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to increased flow and redness. CBD, on the other hand, does not have this effect and can even counter some of the pressure in the eye caused by THC. Therefore, if you use pure CBD products, you are unlikely to experience red eyes as a side effect.
However, if you are using medical marijuana that contains both THC and CBD, you may still run into this problem due to the THC content. The amount of flushing will depend on the ratio of THC to CBD as well as individual sensitivity and dosage. Additionally, some people may have allergic reactions to CBD or other ingredients in the products, which can also cause eye irritation and inflammation.
Eye redness from weed consumption does not in itself affect your driving ability, but it can indicate that you are impaired by THC, which can impair your reaction time, coordination, judgment, and perception.
Driving under the influence of weed is illegal and unsafe, and it can result in accidents, injuries, or legal consequences. Therefore, you should never drive after consuming it, and you should wait until the effects wear off completely before getting behind the wheel.
Edibles are food products that contain cannabis, usually in the form of THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. THC can lower blood pressure and dilate blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to appear red.
This is similar to what happens after smoking weed, but the effect may be less noticeable with edibles. Edibles can also take longer to kick in and last longer than smoking, so your eyes may stay red for a longer period of time.
Weed drinks can have the same effect as smoking or vaping cannabis, depending on the dosage and potency of the drink, especially if you consume large amounts and are high in THC.
