Why Do We Get Red Eyes After Smoking Weed?

What’s the most telltale sign that you’ve been smoking weed, aside from a blissful smile?

Red eyes.

But why do we get red eyes after smoking weed? What causes one of the most popular physical symptoms of smoking marijuana?

Although some people are less sensitive to this effect than others, red eyes after smoking weed is a guaranteed occurrence.

They might be more or less visible depending on the amount of weed consumed – and your overall marijuana tolerance. Nonetheless, you simply cannot avoid them.

At this point, you’re probably wondering why we get red eyes after smoking weed.

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

 

Why Do We Get Red Eyes After Smoking Marijuana?

There several factors that can trigger this effect.

But if you think getting red eyes is bad for your health, fear no more, as the bloodshot eye phenomenon has been attributed to lowering one’s blood pressure, which is why marijuana is often recommended to patients with glaucoma.

Let’s shed some light at the most common causes of red eyes after smoking weed.

 

The Effects of THC On Blood Pressure

When you consume marijuana, be it through smoking/ingestion/vaporization, THC enters your bloodstream and lowers blood pressure.

This, in turn, causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate, including the ones in your eyes. As a result, more blood flows to the eyes, and thus, they become reddish.

The bloodshot eye effect may come and go depending on the amount and quality of your weed.

For example, when you smoke a low-THC strain one day, your eyes will only get a little bit red – if at all.

But when you puff on some potent marijuana bud like Gorilla Glue, your eyes may look like a red carpet for Hollywood stars.

Interestingly, you don’t have to smoke weed in order to get red eyes from weed. Eating edibles, taking tinctures, or vaporizing flowers/concentrates  can also prompt this effect.

That’s because it’s not the smoke that triggers red eyes, but the cannabinoids.

 

So… Is Getting Red Eyes After Smoking Weed Is Bad For Me?

Contrary to some opinions based on fear, getting red eyes after smoking weed is not a negative effect.

In fact, this is the reason why patients are recommended marijuana to combat glaucoma.

Like we said, when THC enters the body, it causes a dilation of blood vessels and capillaries by lowering blood pressure.

Studies have shown that cannabis can release the pressure that builds up due to glaucoma over time, so red eyes are actually indicative of something good.

Even though weed doesn’t fully eliminate glaucoma, it helps patients live with the symptoms without worrying about losing their sight, because that’s what happens if you left the condition neglected for too long.

 

How to Mask Red Eyes After Smoking Weed?

Now you know red eyes aren’t a dangerous side effect; better yet, it can prove beneficial for patients who struggle with increased blood pressure, especially in eyes.

Still, it’s not necessarily a desired reaction, because most of the time you’re high and go outdoors, most people will be able to tell right away that you’ve just lit one up.

Fortunately, there are a few life hacks you can use to mask the red-eye effect from weed.

 

1. Just Wait Until They’re Gone

If you’re not high as a plane, red eyes won’t last long.

It typically takes a couple of hours for the effect to disappear.

But let’s assume that you’ve just experienced the darkest scenario. If that’s your story, chances are you probably won’t feel like going anywhere, so a little bit of patience and a dash of common sense will be your best bets.

 

2. Use Eye Drops

Okay, but what if I’m not that stoned but there’s an important meeting you have to participate in.

In this case, waiting is not an option.

However, what you can do is buy the kind of eye drops that are designed specifically for red eyes. They will mitigate both their dryness and redness, so more often than not, people won’t be able to tell if you’ve just had a 4:20 time.

 

3. Turn to Coffee or Chocolate

This one can be a quick and effective solution to getting red eyes after smoking weed.

Since THC dilates blood vessels and capillaries, you need to find something that would constrict them again.

The good news is that you can do it in a natural way.

Just brew a cup of strong coffee or eat a bar of dark chocolate. This shouldn’t be a problem considered the munchies you get from weed.

 

4. Opt for High-CBD / Low-THC Strains

High-THC marijuana strains will potentiate the bloodshot eye effect. With that in mind, you can switch to strains with high levels of CBD or CBN; they will reduce the redness after your smoking session.

 

5. Drink Lots of Water

This tip might not have a direct effect on the redness of your eyes, but it will undoubtedly reduce the dryness.

The best option is to drink lots of water or, if you want to quench the thirst resulting from the cottonmouth, get a cup of freshly squeezed citrus juice.

 

A Final Hit On Getting Red Eyes After Smoking Weed

Next time when you look in the mirror after a puff or two and you notice a pair of ruby-like glossy eyes, don’t panic. It’s not a negative effect; in fact, it can prove beneficial for your blood pressure.

Still, if you need to go outdoors and you don’t want people to look suspiciously at you, try the above methods to hide your red eyes from them.

What are your tips for getting red eyes after smoking weed?