
How to tell if someone is under the effects of marijuana? The most common answer would be because of their red, bloodshot eyes. Still, that doesn’t answer the mysterious question of generations of stoners: why does weed make your eyes red?
In short words, glaucoma has to do with this effect. THC lowers our blood pressure, which causes the blood vessels and capillaries to dilate, increasing blood flow to the eyes and reducing pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure.
Red eyes don’t happen when smoking weed only. It also occurs when eating weed edibles, which means the smoke is not what makes your eyes red, but the THC is. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana and is responsible for its psychological effects.
In this article, we will explain more in detail why your eyes turn red when consuming weed, how to get rid of red eyes from cannabis, and how long your eyes stay red from smoking weed.
Why Does Weed Make Your Eyes Red?
As previously mentioned, the cause of reddening of the eyes after smoking cannabis is related to why the plant is famous as a treatment for glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition where the nerves in the eyes are damaged; this can also lead to vision loss or partial vision loss.
Red eyes can still occur even without smoke. In addition, it’s also possible for some people to have an allergic reaction to cannabis which can also increase eye redness.
How to Get Rid of Red Eyes After Smoking Cannabis
The symptoms of red eyes are not dangerous; however, you might feel uncomfortable when you’re out in public, at school, or work. Here are the most common ways to avoid or get rid of red eyes:
Get Non-THC Strains
Opting for non-THC strains and higher amounts of CBD and CBN is perfect for users who want to avoid red eyes after consuming cannabis. If you have no idea what CBD and THC are, we recommend reading this article on THC vs CBD: Understanding Their Differences and Usages.
Now, we know that most people don’t want to quit THC, so another way to help reduce red eyes is eye drops.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is another essential factor when it comes to treating red eyes. Staying hydrated by increasing fluid intake will help alleviate the dryness of the eyes.
Give It Time
Sometimes time is the only way to get rid of red eyes in some people. Redness is not permanent; over a few hours, it will eventually disappear, and the whiteness will come back
Plan Accordingly
This last tip has to do more with planning as you don’t need to worry about your eye’s appearance if you smoke, knowing you won’t go anywhere.
How Long Do Your Eyes Stay Red from Smoking Weed?
The amount of time your eyes stay red from smoking weed can vary depending on how quickly your body metabolizes the THC into your bloodstream. In addition, factors such as age, health, and sensitivity to THC play a crucial role.
For most people, red eyes will last for about an hour or two, and sometimes even a little longer.
Final Words on Red Eyes and Weed
When consuming cannabis, you must remember that red eyes can be an expected symptom. While the side effect is common, it is not something to be concerned about. Strains with lower THC may involve less redness.
At Bud Lab, we offer a wide variety of selections in cannabis products providing only the best quality marijuana in Canada. Feel free to reach out today; we will be happy to assist you!