Do your eyes get red after smoking or eating an edible? You’re not alone! But why does this happen, and is it something to worry about? Let’s break it down. Cannabis can cause red eyes due to its effect on blood pressure and dilating blood vessels, but don’t stress—this isn’t harmful. Plus, there are easy ways to soothe those red eyes and get comfortable again.

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Table of Contents

Article Features

  • Why edibles make your eyes red
  • Suggestions for combating the red-eye look and discomfort
  • Want to skip the hard work? Shop with me and have premium, high-quality cannabis products delivered directly to your door! Now shipping across the US.
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Why You Will Love This Guide

If you’re new to cannabis, seeing red, bloodshot eyes can feel a little alarming.

You might worry it’s a sign of harm, but don’t stress—this is actually just a harmless, common effect.

Here’s the scoop: the cannabis plant is packed with different compounds, and one of the most well-known is THC.

This active ingredient is the main reason why red eyes happen.

This guide will walk you through exactly why THC causes this reaction and share my go-to tips for easing it.

The Cause of Red Eyes 

If you’ve ever used cannabis for recreation or medical purposes, you’ve probably noticed those unmistakable red eyes, sometimes called “stoner eyes.”

The main culprit behind this is THC, the active ingredient in products like my THC gummies.

THC lowers your blood pressure, which causes the blood vessels and capillaries in your eyes to dilate.

This increased blood flow not only gives your eyes that red appearance but also lowers intraocular pressure, which is a big reason why THC can be helpful for glaucoma patients1.

On the bright side, red eyes are usually not a concern for those using CBD products, as they don’t produce the same effects.

💧 While the redness itself is harmless, it can feel awkward in professional or social settings, so some people turn to eye drops or other remedies to reduce it.

A picture of Emily Kyle in a cannabis field.

Smoking vs. Edibles

Just like smoking, red eyes can be a telltale sign that you’ve consumed cannabis with the active ingredient THC.

THC binds with the endocannabinoid receptors in your eye, dropping your blood pressure levels.

This makes your blood capillaries and vessels expand, increasing the flow of blood on the surface of the eyes.

This is the primary cause of your eyes turning red and happens regardless of whether you smoke or eat THC.

While redness can be expected when you consume edibles, it does not mean it will occur every time you have them.

Every edible has a different concentration of THC, suggesting that sometimes your eyes will be redder, while for others, they will not be red at all.

It is important to note that redness caused by consuming edibles can last longer than when you smoke cannabis.

This is because it takes longer to reach its maximum effect, approximately, 2-3 hours, while the redness may last between 4-12 hours.

Your tolerance, weight, and metabolism will determine how long it will take for the redness to clear.

Remember, edibles affect everyone differently. In addition, the individual health status of each person matters.

Factors like sex, blood pressure, and genetics will influence the effect of the edibles on the body.

For example, people with lower blood pressure may experience bloodshot eyes even with a low concentration of THC.

On the other hand, people with high blood pressure may need edibles with a higher concentration of THC to lower their blood pressure enough to cause red eyes. 

A picture of cannabis gummies and grape tomatoes.

How to Reduce Red Eyes

The quantity and quality of the cannabis you consume will determine the intensity of the redness in your eyes.

For example, you may consume a low THC strain today and experience little or no red-eye, while tomorrow, you consume a high THC strain, and your eyes will be beet red.

Eye redness does not last for long, and it usually goes away after a few hours.

The good news is, that abstaining from THC is not the only way to decrease the intensity and discomfort of your red eyes.

Here are some options to try the next time red eyes happen to you:

  • Reducing the frequency of consumption
  • Reduced your number of smoke sessions
  • Use products with a lower THC content, like the CBD flower from my shop
  • Increased your fluid intake, drink cold water and stay hydrated
  • For itchy or puffiness, try a cold compress or ice pack over the eyes
  • My favorite? Eye drops! Whether it be over the counter eye drops, or prescription, drops for dry eyes can be a lifesaver
  • Take out your contacts if you have them in

Conclusion 

Again, your experience will depend on the dose of THC you consumed and your unique endocannabinoid system.

The best thing you can do is start low and go slow when consuming edibles, especially if you do not know the effects of THC personally.

If you are concerned about any of the side effects of cannabis products, have medical eye conditions, or suspect a cannabis allergy, please seek professional medical advice.

 

About Emily

Hi, I’m Emily Kyle and I teach people just like you how to use cannabis to find joy, enhance productivity, improve relationships, and naturally support your overall health and wellness.

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2 Comments

  1. Useful and informative as always. Yours is the one email I receive that I actually look forward to.
    Great Job Emily, thank you.
    Regards Mark

    Reply