Why Does Weed Make Your Eyes Red?

Weed users usually ask why does weed make your eyes red? Are red eyes due to too much weed? 

Having red eyes is one of the classic signs of marijuana use. People call red eyes “stoner’s eyes” as most people who consume cannabis develop this hallmark sign. But why do red eyes happen? What to do to avoid red eyes and to treat red eyes as well? We’ll reveal the answers to these weed use-related questions with this handy guide.

Why does weed make your eyes red?

Blame THC for red eyes after consuming weed. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a very potent cannabinol that brings out the psychoactive effects of weed. Weed with steep amounts of THC will make you high allowing you to experience anxiety, restlessness, and sensory perception problems.

THC also causes a generalized increase in blood flow as this cannabinoid compound increases the size of the walls of the blood vessels. This also includes the very small, microscopic blood vessels of delicate organs like the eyes.

When these tiny blood vessels in the eyes become dilated, blood flow is increased causing bloodshot eyes. However, the effects of THC vary in some people. 

Some people who are sensitive to THC may immediately experience red eyes due to THC’s effects. The presence of bloodshot eyes may last depending on the amount of THC in the strain that they used. In some sensitive users, THC also causes side effects like restlessness, palpitations, headaches, and paranoia, all are effects of the increased amount of cannabinoid in the body. 

But it’s a different story in people who are not as sensitive to THC. Some experienced smokers are not too affected by THC and may only exhibit slight side effects. Some may never experience red eyes and other side effects at all. 

Some strains contain higher THC and thus you can expect severe side effects, not just red eyes. Some have very low THC and higher CBD making these strains more medicinal or therapeutic qualities and very little to absent psychoactive effects. 

Smoking a new strain for the first time? Unsure if the weed you’re using has high THC? It’s best to check the label. Look for charts that indicate the amount of THC in the weed before you smoke it. In case you’re smoking weed that you’re unsure with, always consume moderately. 

THC is not just found in smoked weed. THC is also present in oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, and in many other forms. This means you can get red eyes even if you did not smoke or vape weed. THC is still in your system when you consume edibles and these can still give you red eyes 

How to get rid of red eyes after taking weed?

Now that you know how red eyes came to be, it’s time to find out how to get rid of red eyes. Most people look for ways to remove red eyes because they fear being labeled as a pothead. Some people want to immediately get rid of red eyes as they need to pass a physical exam. Here are some easy ways to get rid of red eyes after smoking weed. 

1. Use eye drops (the red-eye drops kind)

Eye drops come in different varieties. Some can relieve red eyes, dry eyes, and some hydrate the eyes. You need to find the one that works best for your condition. Some commercial eye drops available in pharmacies, drug stores and supermarket aisles contain decongestants that can shrink blood vessels, reduce redness but can eventually dry out your eyes. 

It’s best to use doctor-recommended dry eyes drops. Consult your doctor if you frequently suffer from red eyes or your eyes are always irritated and sensitive.

2. Use a cold compress or ice packs

Relieve red eyes by applying cold compresses or ice packs. These will help shrink blood vessels in and around the eye and stop redness. It’s also best to apply ice packs or cold compresses on your face, head, and neck to relieve other side effects like headaches, redness, and migraines.

3. Wash your face with cold water

Another way to reduce blood flow to the eyes is by washing your face in cold water. Splash cold water to get instant relief. Not only will you get relief from red eyes and dry eyes but you’ll also reduce your high. 

4. Get out, get some air

Get some fresh air to relieve symptoms like red eyes, dry eyes, headaches, and paranoia. Staying stuck in a smoke-filled room won’t help. You need to get out and cool down.  

5. Rest your eyes, sleep

A sure-fire way to get rid of red eyes is to get some rest or sleep. Usually, weed use ends in becoming too sleepy or too hungry. Sleep and get the rest of your body and your eyes deserve. It’s a guarantee you’ll feel better and less high right after you sleep.

Dry eyes happen together with red eyes or cottonmouth Dryness happens when there’s an increase in blood flow in the area. More blood moving about, more heat; heat that can dry up the eyes and cause dry cottonmouth. To deal with dry mouth, drink more water before and after you consume cannabis. Consider candies, ice chips, ice cream, yogurt, or gelatin to help you cope with dryness. Just like dry eyes and red eyes, the dry cotton mouth will come to pass soon enough. 

THC can remain in the body for days and this may depend on the amount of THC in the weed you consumed. But dry eyes and red eyes are the very first symptoms that fade away even without any kind of treatment.  

How to prevent red eyes when consuming weed?

Preventing red eyes is a bit complicated especially if you’re sensitive to THC in weed. Therefore the best way to avoid red eyes is to avoid weed with THC. Choose weed high in CBD instead. 

You may also avoid red eyes by keeping hydrated as you get high. Drink water or juices but never take alcohol to combat the effects of weed. If you take alcohol, you will only become higher and you’ll only make these side effects worse. 

Now that you know why does weed make your eyes red and how to get rid of red eyes, you may now treat and avoid this common side effect for good.