Why Does Weed Make Your Eyes Red?
If you’re a medical marijuana patient, you’ve probably noticed that weed makes your eyes red whenever you use it. This issue is common for many, and it can be a little unsettling, especially if you’re not used to it. But why does weed make your eyes red in the first place?
In this article, we will cover why weed makes your eyes red and what you can do to fix it.
Your Eyes Turn Red Because of THC
THC, the prime psychoactive ingredient in weed, interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. This interaction causes the symptoms associated with marijuana consumption, such as euphoria and relaxation.
One of the side effects of THC is that it lowers your blood pressure. This decrease in blood pressure causes the capillaries in your eyes to dilate. As a result, dilated blood vessels are more visible and appear as red lines, making your eyes appear red after consuming cannabis.
Increased Blood Flow Is a Good Thing
One of the reasons weed makes your eyes red is that it improves blood flow to your eyes. This may seem like it’s a bad thing, but it’s actually good. Increased blood flow brings extra nutrients and oxygen to your eyes, which helps keep them healthy.
It’s also important to note that the increased blood flow only lasts for a short period. Once the THC wears off, your blood pressure will return to normal, and so will the blood flow to your eyes.
How to Fix Red Eyes from Cannabis
If you can’t wait and want to get rid of the redness quickly, there are a few things you can do.
The most common method is using over-the-counter eye drops. These will help to constrict the blood vessels in your eyes and make them less visible. When using eye drops, make sure you select one formulated specifically for red eyes.
Another option is artificial tears. These are available over-the-counter and can help to soothe your eyes.
You can also administer a cold compress by putting a clean cloth in cold water and covering your eyes with it for three minutes or longer. The cold temperature will help to constrict the blood vessels in your eyes.
If you know that weed will make your eyes red before consuming it, you can take some preventative measures. One way to do this is by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated will keep your eyes from getting dry and reduce the likelihood of red eyes.
You can also try using a cannabis strain with lower THC levels.
In Summary
Weed makes your eyes red because of the THC content. THC lowers blood pressure and causes the blood vessels in your eyes to dilate. This increased blood flow to your eyes is what makes them appear red.
If you want to reduce the redness, you can use over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears. You can also drink some water to stay hydrated and reduce the likeliness of getting red eyes in the first place.
Sources:
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/why-does-smoking-weed-make-your-eyes-red
