One of the most noticeable features of a pot smoker is their red eyes. That, and their euphoric but drowsy state of being. If you’ve ever enjoyed a joint, you’ve probably looked in the mirror to notice your eyes did this, too.
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It’s one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. There are actually over 100 different chemicals that fall under the umbrella cannabinoid designation.
They each have unique properties and can be used as medicine or as an intoxicant.
For example, THC causes intoxication while CBD doesn’t. Some studies show that CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may even help with pain relief.
What Does it Do?
CBD has proven to be a very helpful cannabinoid. It can help treat anxiety, depression, epilepsy, muscle spasms, inflammation, migraines, insomnia, and more!
And since there are so many benefits to it, people tend to use it on its own or combine with other cannabinoids like THC.
So, if you want to experience these benefits yourself, you might try using CBD as a standalone product or mix it up with THC if you want to get high, too.
How Much Should I Take?
The recommended dose for CBD varies from person to person based on symptoms and health conditions. This means that some people will require less than others when taking CBD.
To figure out how much you need, start by looking at the dosage guidelines listed above. Then, consult your doctor or pharmacist to see what they recommend.
Is CBD Safe?
Yes! In fact, CBD is extremely safe. While there haven’t been any major side effects reported yet, it’s still important to research whether CBD products are right for you before taking them.
Talk to your doctor first to make sure you don’t have a medical issue that could interact negatively with CBD. Also, keep in mind that CBD interacts with other medications you’re currently taking.
Make sure you tell your doctor before starting a new medication regimen.
What Really Causes Red Eyes?
THC is the real reason why you experience red eyes after enjoying a doobie. This is because it binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which then induces the dilation of the blood vessels in the eyes.
Since there’s increased blood flow, more blood will then go to your eyeballs. This lowering of blood pressure can often cause dizziness, so always make sure you have a place to sit!
Understanding THC
This cannabinoid can be found in marijuana and hemp. When someone smokes weed, THC gets absorbed through the lungs and enters the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, it travels throughout the body, where it impacts everything from sleep patterns to heart rate. This is why smoking weed can lead to paranoia, confusion, and hallucinations.
Moreover, THC can also be found in edibles. The same way that THC affects the body, CBD does the opposite. By binding to the CB1 receptor, CBD reduces activity in the parts of the brain that produce feelings of pleasure.
This makes it possible to feel relaxed without getting high!
What Does it Do?
THC is the cannabinoid responsible for causing intoxication. It’s one of the main chemical compounds in marijuana plants. When consumed, THC impacts our body by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain.
This causes feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and euphoria. These effects are similar to those caused by alcohol. However, unlike alcohol, THC also alters memory and learning skills.
Red Eyes From THC
So, now that you know what causes red eyes after enjoying a joint, you might be wondering how to get rid of them.
Maybe you don’t want someone knowing about your guilty pleasure, or maybe you just don’t like the way it looks. Either way, you want to get rid of, or at least reduce, the redness.
We know that it’s THC that causes this redness, not CBD, but there could be other factors involved. Eyes could also become red from irritation from tobacco smoke.
This smoke irritates the mucosal membranes of the eye, making them swell up.
How to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Now – how do you get rid of red eyes from THC? There are a couple of different things you could try that may help. We’ll take a look at them below:
Try Using Some Eye Drops
Eye drops are available as over-the-counter remedies, and they contain chemicals that can help calm down irritated eyes.
For example, many brands of antihistamines work well when used topically. They’re also helpful if you’ve recently smoked pot.
Try Using Vasoconstrictors
There are some foods that can be eaten that can help combat the dilated blood vessels. These include foods such as salt, coffee, and chocolate.
Vasoconstrictors work by constricting blood vessels around the eyes. Try mixing these ingredients together into a paste and applying directly to the eyes.
Patience
Your red eyes will eventually go away on their own. In fact, most people who consume cannabis say that it only lasts for an hour or two.
The good news here is that once you remove yourself from the situation, your eyes should return to normal within a day or two.
In the meantime, you should avoid using screens or exposing yourself to bright sunlight—that only makes it worse.
Be Careful and Look Out For Scams
You should always be cautious when it comes to using CBD. CBD should not give you a cerebral high, or make your eyes red.
If you see any signs of this happening, then you need to stop immediately and consult with a doctor. Some scams have been known to use CBD that was contaminated with THC to trick customers.
You can check out our article “Are Cannabidiol Products Safe?” to learn more about CBD products.
Of course, these side effects are okay if you are expecting them, but there are many people who like to use CBD for medicinal purposes.
This problem is common when “CBD” products have been bought from uncertified sellers. If you are buying CBD products and are getting THC without knowing it, it can cause a number of problems.
Especially if you have things to do and places to be. Driving while high is incredibly dangerous.
Final Thoughts
So, now that you know a little more about CBD and THC, what do you think? If you’re a frequent weed smoker, do you do anything to get rid of your red eyes? Or do you leave them alone? Let us know in the comments section below!
Please bear in mind that this article should not be taken as medical fact. It is for educational purposes only. While marijuana is now legal in many states across the US, it still is not legal in some.
All information given on this page is for educational purposes, and does not encourage the use of marijuana where it is not legal to do so.
My name is David Lumis and I am a self-proclaimed smoker. Five years ago, after I had been made redundant from my job as an engineer, my anxiety hit an all time peak. I have always struggled with it since I was a teenager, but that life event sent me into overdrive.
My story is exactly why I want to educate more people about cannabis and show them that it isn’t a dirty drug, but a form of medicine. If you are struggling, I urge you to read through this site to see how cannabis can help you.
