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.
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.
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.
Smoking vs. Edibles
Just like smoking, getting red eyes can be a pretty common sign that you’ve consumed cannabis with THC, the active ingredient that gives you that “high.”
THC interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in your eyes, which lowers your blood pressure.
This, in turn, makes the blood vessels and capillaries in your eyes expand, increasing blood flow to the surface.
That’s why your eyes might get red, and it happens whether you smoke or eat THC-infused edibles.
However, red eyes don’t always come with consuming edibles.
The amount of redness depends on the THC concentration in the edible—sometimes your eyes will be super red, and sometimes they won’t change color much at all.
It’s worth noting that redness from edibles can actually last longer than redness from smoking since edibles take more time to reach their peak effect (around 2–3 hours) and can cause red eyes for 4–12 hours.
Factors like your tolerance, weight, metabolism, and even your health can make a big difference in how long the redness sticks around.
For instance, people with lower blood pressure might notice bloodshot eyes even after consuming edibles with less THC. On the flip side, those with higher blood pressure might need a higher THC dose to experience the same effect.
🫵 Remember: Everyone’s body reacts differently to edibles, so things like genetics, physiology, and overall health can play a role too. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
How to Reduce Red Eyes
Dealing with red eyes? No worries—it’s super common and typically nothing to stress about.
The redness can vary depending on the type of cannabis you’re using. For instance, a low-THC strain might barely affect your eyes, while a high-THC strain could leave them looking pretty red.
The good news is, the redness usually fades after a few hours, and you don’t have to totally give up THC to manage it.
Here are some easy tips you can try next time:
- Cut back on how often you consume cannabis—fewer sessions can make a difference.
- Opt for products with lower THC levels, like CBD flower (it’s a great alternative).
- Drink more water! Staying hydrated helps reduce dryness and puffiness.
- For itchy or swollen eyes, try using a cold compress or placing an ice pack over your eyes.
- And my personal favorite? Eye drops! Over-the-counter or prescription drops for dry eyes can work wonders.
- If you wear contacts, consider taking them out until your eyes settle down.
These simple tricks can go a long way in soothing discomfort and minimizing redness!
Conclusion
Your experience with edibles depends on the amount of THC you consume and how your unique endocannabinoid system responds.
The golden rule is simple: start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to THC or edibles.
If you’re worried about potential side effects, have specific medical conditions like eye issues, or suspect a cannabis allergy, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Want to learn more about edibles and feel confident making or consuming them?
Check out my Edibles Made Easy Course—it’s designed to help you every step of the way!
Take your edibles to the next level…
My Edibles Made Easy Online Cooking Course will teach you how to easily make cannabis edibles and topical recipes at home. This step-by-step video course will teach you how to infuse, extract, and create edibles with many different product types – all from the comfort of your own home.
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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
You are so kind, thank you for being an awesome reader, Mark!