Do you know anyone who gets red eyes that come and go after consuming or smoking marijuana? Have you ever wondered why this happens? Do edibles cause your eyes to turn red, or does it only occur when you smoke marijuana and become irritated by the smoke?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive component in marijuana, causes vasodilation behind your red eyes (THC). THC is one of 113 cannabinoids, or active chemicals, found in cannabis. Cannabinoid receptors are found all over your body, including in your eyes.

When THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors, it reduces blood pressure, which causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate or expand. The ocular capillaries dilate in your eyes, causing an increase of blood flow to the area and a red look of the sclera (aka the white of the eyes). That’s why they’re referred to as “bloodshot” eyes.

If you’ve ever wondered if edibles cause your eyes to become red, this information should help. Edibles containing THC, like topicals and formulations, can trigger red eyes due to dilation.

The dilatation of ocular capillaries caused by THC decreases intraocular pressure briefly in glaucoma sufferers. Glaucoma is characterized by a rise in intraocular pressure, which can cause optic nerve injury and vision loss. As a result, one of the top priorities of glaucoma treatment is lowering this stress.

Do edibles make your eyes red?

Eating edibles can cause your eyes to turn red, just like smoking cannabis. It, too, is dependent on how much THC is eaten. It’s important to remember that cannabis can reduce blood pressure that causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate, not the smoke itself, that causes your eyes to turn red.

Even though eye redness is possible, it does not occur every time you consume edibles. The amount of THC in each consumable product varies. As a result, ocular redness is not always present.

Individual health also has a role. Blood pressure, sex, genetics, and overall health are all factors. Those with hypertension, for instance, will require a larger THC content to lower their blood pressure sufficiently to cause eye redness.

Smoking Marijuana/THC Causes Red Eyes: How to Get Rid of Them?

Marijuana causes red eyes, which are normally not a concern. They can, however, be inconvenient, particularly for individuals who rely on cannabis to get by during the day.

Attending work or education with bloodshot eyes can draw unwanted attention and lead to legal questions. Thankfully, there are ways to lessen the severity of redeyes caused by marijuana use.

Treat With Eye Drops

The most efficient method to relieve red eyes is to use over-the-counter eye drops formulated to treat allergies, redness, and irritation.

Tetryzoline is a dominant male that constricts blood vessels in all eye drops. It effectively reverses the dilatation generated by THC, reducing blood flow to the eyes and the resulting redness.

Home Remedies

Other items you may keep around the house can cause vasoconstriction as well. Stimulants like caffeine, for example, can aid in causing vasoconstriction. As a result, a new cup of coffee or a few bars of dark chocolate may aid in relieving red eyes.

Coldwater is a powerful vasoconstrictor as well. It forces the body to send blood to our core to preserve essential organs as a survival mechanism.

This effect can be achieved by splashing cold water on your face or placing an ice pack across your eyes. A cold shower or ice bath will also work if you’re courageous enough.

Is It Something to Worry About?

The appearance of red eyes after consuming edibles is very typical and safe. It’s a difficult side effect to deal with, especially if you’re using edibles for medical reasons. Using cannabis has a stigma attached to it, and having red eyes at work can draw negative attention.

All of the eye redness will go away eventually, but keep in mind that eye redness generated by edibles typically lasts longer than eye redness caused by other marijuana delivery methods.

It not only lasts longer, but it also takes 2-3 hours to reach its peak effect. The redness can last from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dose. The amount of time it takes for your eyes to clear depends on your weight, metabolism, and tolerance. If appropriate, utilize CBD-only strains or low-THC cultivars.