Why Does Weed Make Your Eyes Red?

Taking a look in the mirror after you smoke weed for the first time can sometimes come as a surprise. Why are my eyes so glassy and red? “Weed eyes” or “stoner eyes” are a common side effect of consuming cannabis products, but why exactly does this happen?

A common misconception about why weed makes your eyes red is that the smoke is getting in your eyes, causing irritation. However, consuming edibles and other cannabis products will also have the same effect, implying that there is a deeper connection. 

Why Do Your Eyes Get Red When You Smoke Weed?

Cannabis can cause red eyes because of the effect it has on blood vessels when the body responds to active compounds like THC. When THC enters the body, it interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, leading to various physiological and psychological effects. One of these effects is the dilation of blood vessels and the increased flow of blood throughout your body.

While most of your blood vessels are hidden behind your skin (thank goodness), there are a few teeny-tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Normally these blood vessels are invisible because of their size, but when they become dilated, that changes. The increased blood flow from smoking cannabis can make the blood vessels in your eyes more visible and give the whites of the eyes a reddish or pinkish hue.

How Long Do Red Eyes Last From Weed?

While red eyes are a common side effect of using marijuana, they are temporary and usually not harmful. The redness typically subsides as the effects of THC wear off, and the blood vessels return to their normal state. Typically, red eyes caused by weed should return to normal within several hours, but this can vary. If your smoke session only lasts for a few minutes, you can expect your eyes to return to their normal color relatively quickly. However, if you end up smoking all night with your friends, you’ll experience a much more gradual reduction in redness.

How to Get Rid of Red Eyes From Weed

The best way to get rid of red eyes from weed is to simply wait it out. The pinkish coloration will usually dissipate in a matter of hours, so don’t stress about it too much. However, if you’re desperate to speed up the process, there are a few common remedies that will help hide your stoner eyes. 

• Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the severity of red eyes. Dehydration can exacerbate bloodshot eyes, so staying hydrated can be beneficial
• Try smoking a different strain of weed with lower THC. Some strains of marijuana may cause less redness than others. If red eyes are a frequent issue for you, consider trying low-THC strains to see if there's a difference in how your eyes react
• Apply lubricating eye drops to help soothe dryness and redness in the eyes
• Cold compress by applying a damp washcloth to your closed eyes. This process can help constrict blood vessels and reduce redness

These methods are effective on the fly but eventually might not be necessary. Over time, some individuals might develop a tolerance to the red eye side effects as their body becomes more accustomed to the effects of THC.

Other Cannabis Effects on the Eyes

Cannabis use, particularly smoking, can also sometimes lead to dry eyes, which can cause discomfort and temporary vision disturbances. This is usually a short-term effect and tends to improve after the high wears off. Cannabis can also sometimes increase sensitivity to light, alter visual perception, and temporarily reduce pressure around the eyes. This pressure reduction is actually one of the reasons why people smoke cannabis for glaucoma.

While sometimes slightly irritating, red eyes from weed are nothing to be worried about. There isn’t any risk of blindness when smoking weed, and any effects are only temporary. Just remember that everyone's body reacts differently to marijuana, so don’t be surprised if your eyes become a darker shade of red than your friends.

Similarly, the duration of red eyes caused by weed can vary from person to person and the amount consumed. While the easiest way to get rid of “weed eyes” is to wait it out, as an alternative, can I suggest a pair of sunglasses?

How do you deal with red eyes from weed? Hit me up on social media, and let's spark up a conversation about it!