Introduction: Cannabis consumption comes with a variety of effects, both desirable and less so. One common and often inconvenient side effect is red eyes. While red eyes are generally harmless, they can be a source of discomfort and self-consciousness for many users. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help enhance your overall cannabis experience.
Here’s what we’re going to cover:
- WHY DO EYES TURN RED AFTER CONSUMING WEED?
- FACTORS INFLUENCING REDNESS
- HOW DIFFERENT METHODS OF CANNABIS CONSUMPTION IMPACT RED EYES?
- HOW LONG DO EYES STAY RED AFTER CONSUMPTION?
- ROLE OF EYE DROPS
- BEST TIME TO APPLY EYE DROPS
- ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR MANAGING RED EYES
- ARE THERE SPECIFIC WEED STRAINS THAT DON’T CAUSE RED EYES?
- WHEN TO SEEK HELP
WHY DO EYES TURN RED AFTER CONSUMING WEED?
There are two facts that cause red eyes due to consumption:
- THC and Blood Vessel Dilation: THC in cannabis causes blood vessels to widen, including those in your eyes. This increased blood flow makes your eyes look red.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: THC lowers blood pressure, enhancing this effect. More blood flows through the dilated vessels, making your eyes appear even redder. Some people are more sensitive to this than others.
FACTORS INFLUENCING RED EYES
- Consumption Method: How you consume cannabis affects how red your eyes get. Smoking or vaping tends to cause more redness compared to edibles since THC is absorbed faster through the lungs.
- Dosage and Potency: Higher doses and stronger strains of cannabis are more likely to cause red eyes. Starting with lower doses and gradually increasing can help reduce this effect.
- Individual Sensitivity: Everyone's body reacts differently to THC. Some people may get very red eyes, while others might only notice slight changes.
HOW DIFFERENT METHODS OF CANNABIS CONSUMPTION IMPACT RED EYES
Cannabis consumption comes in various forms, each with distinct effects on the body, including the likelihood and severity of red eyes. Understanding how different methods influence this common side effect can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Ranking of Methods by Red Eye Impact (Highest to Lowest):
- Dabbing: Delivers a large amount of THC quickly, causing intense effects and the highest likelihood of red eyes.
- Smoking and Vaping: Rapid absorption of THC into the bloodstream leads to significant redness.
- Tinctures and Oils: Fast onset of effects when taken sublingually can cause noticeable red eyes, but the impact varies with dosage.
- Edibles: Slower onset due to liver metabolism may result in less immediate redness, but higher doses can still cause significant red eyes once the THC takes effect. Yes! Edibles can give you high eyes.
- Topicals: Applied to the skin and not absorbed into the bloodstream, so they generally do not cause red eyes.
HOW LONG DO EYES STAY RED AFTER CONSUMPTION
Marijuana can have very noticeable effects on a person’s eyes immediately after use and while an individual is still under the influence of its effects.
Red eyes may last for up to three or four hours after marijuana use.
ROLE OF EYE DROPS
Redness relief eye drops work by narrowing the blood vessels in your eyes, counteracting the effects of THC. This reduces blood flow and quickly helps to clear up redness (remember that THC widens the blood vessels, causing increased blood flow causing red eyes).
Types of Eye Drops:
- Decongestant Eye Drops: These contain vasoconstrictors that shrink blood vessels.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: These provide moisture and can help with dryness often associated with cannabis use.
Best Eye Drops to Use: (specifically for red eyes)
- Visine Red Eye Comfort: Known for its fast-acting vasoconstrictive properties.
- Clear Eyes Redness Relief: Provides quick relief from redness and soothes irritation.
- Rohto Cool Redness Relief: Offers a cooling sensation along with redness reduction.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Tetrahydrozoline: While effective, it can cause rebound redness with overuse.
- Naphazoline is another vasoconstrictor that can increase redness over time if used excessively.
- Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK): A preservative that can cause irritation and dryness with frequent use.
BEST TIME TO APPLY EYE DROPS
- Before Consumption: Applying eye drops before consuming cannabis can preemptively reduce redness.
- After Consumption: If you forget to apply them beforehand, use them immediately after noticing redness.
- As Needed: Reapply according to the product’s instructions, but avoid overuse to prevent rebound redness.
You can apply eye drops at any time during or after your session, but applying eye drops before can preemptively reduce redness.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR MANAGING RED EYES
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the intensity of red eyes by keeping the body hydrated.
- Consumption Choices: Opt for lower-THC strains or edibles, which can reduce the likelihood of red eyes.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC WEED STRAINS THAT DON'T CAUSE RED EYES?
While no strain can guarantee complete avoidance of red eyes, certain strains are known to have milder effects due to their cannabinoid profiles:
- High-CBD Strains:
- Cannatonic: Known for its high CBD content and low THC levels, Cannatonic provides therapeutic benefits without intense psychoactive effects, reducing the likelihood of red eyes.
- Harlequin: This strain is another high-CBD option that offers a balanced experience, often resulting in fewer side effects like red eyes.
- Low-THC Strains:
- ACDC: ACDC is famous for its low THC and high CBD content, making it a popular choice for those seeking the benefits of cannabis without the strong psychoactive effects and associated red eyes.
- Charlotte's Web: Originally developed for its medicinal properties, Charlotte's Web is low in THC and high in CBD, providing a gentle experience with minimal red eye risk.
- Hybrid Strains:
- Pennywise: A balanced hybrid with equal parts THC and CBD, Pennywise offers mild effects that can help reduce the occurrence of red eyes.
- Canna-Tsu: This strain combines the genetics of Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami, resulting in a high-CBD, low-THC profile that minimizes red eyes.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
While red eyes from cannabis consumption are typically harmless, there are instances where medical attention might be necessary. A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent redness that does not resolve with standard measures, severe discomfort, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as itching, swelling, or severe pain).
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Summary: Red eyes from cannabis consumption are primarily due to THC-induced blood vessel dilation. Eye drops are an effective and quick solution to manage this side effect. By using decongestant or lubricating eye drops and maintaining good hydration, you can minimize redness and enjoy your cannabis experience more comfortably.
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For more tips and tricks on enhancing your cannabis experience, visit PARA Unpacked, your go-to resource for all things cannabis accessories and lifestyle.
* Please note that we do a ton of research to get you the most accurate and reliable information. Individual reactions to cannabis vary, so it is crucial to consult a qualified medical professional before using cannabis or cannabis-related products, especially if you have specific health conditions or concerns. Also, ensure compliance with your local laws and regulations regarding cannabis use. Thank you for reading, and we wish you a safe cannabis experience.
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