Red eyes from cannabis usage often last one to two hours, however for some people it may linger up to three or four. If you’ve ever wondered, how long do red eyes last from weed, we’ll answer your question down below.
The most obvious indication that someone has used cannabis is frequently red eyes. When using marijuana, some individuals get it every time, while others could only get it sometimes. This could be brought on by variations in body chemistry and cannabis strains. Red eyes from cannabis usage, however, are hardly ever something to be concerned about.
Main Causes of Cannabis-Related Red Eyes
Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of cannabis’ primary active ingredients (THC). When cannabis is consumed, a substance from it travels to the bloodstream and interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body (ECS). This system has receptors called CB1 and CB2 that are dispersed throughout the body and to which cannabinoids like THC attach.
THC molecules connect to CB1 receptors in the brain and eyes, causing the red-eye effect. As a result, the blood vessels in the eye dilate, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Red eyes are a result of increased blood flow brought on by blood vessel enlargement.
According to some reports, smoking marijuana can reduce intraocular pressure (the pressure within the eye) by up to 30%. Cannabis can help treat eye diseases like glaucoma due to the reduction in intraocular pressure. High intraocular pressure is a common cause of glaucoma, a group of eye illnesses that affect the optic nerve and can result in blindness (IOP).
Does the manner of ingestion matter?
There are numerous different ways to consume cannabis. Smoking, vaping, and oral delivery, such as edibles, are popular techniques. The amount of THC in cannabis is closely correlated with red eyes following consumption. This indicates that THC molecules from cannabis will reach the circulation and bind to CB1 receptors in the eye regardless of the mode of consumption. Cannabis strains with a high THC content are more likely to result in red eyes than those with a low THC content since the appearance of red eyes after consuming cannabis is directly related to THC.
The duration of appearance is the primary distinction between ingestion techniques. Smoking or vaping tends to cause red eyes to appear fast since THC enters the circulation immediately and enters the brain and ocular blood vessels swiftly. Smoke irritation may also make eyes red, but this is not a significant contributing factor. Due to the fact that THC must first travel through the liver before entering the circulation, consumption of edibles may cause red eyes to appear more slowly.
When Will Eye Redness Dissipate?
Red eyes brought on by cannabis consumption often fade away one to two hours after they start. The length of time that red eyes can endure, however, can vary depending on how rapidly your body metabolizes the THC and the amount of THC present in the specific cannabis strain. Some people’s marijuana-induced red eyes might continue for three to four hours.
How to Stop Having Red Eyes After Using Marijuana Eye Drops
The most popular way to lessen marijuana-induced red eyes is using over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops used for treating allergies. Tetryzoline is a substance found in eye drops that are used to treat allergic responses (also known as tetrahydrozoline). Vasoconstrictor tetryzoline tightens the dilated blood vessels of the eye. Blood flow is decreased as a result of blood vessel constriction, which lessens the look of red eyes.
Caffeine
Similar to eye drops, caffeine may lessen eye redness through this method. Vasoconstriction brought on by caffeine lowers blood flow to the eyes and lessens their redness. You could discover that taking one of the drinks listed below can help lessen eye redness.
Blood flow is decreased in peripheral body parts (such as the eyes) when it is cold because the blood vessels there constrict. This is a natural survival strategy that the body uses when it’s cold to direct the majority of the blood to the brain and heart, two important organs. This explains why cold weather frequently causes people to have pale or bluish fingers and toes. To lessen red eyes, try applying a cold compress to your eyes or sprinkling some cold water on your cheeks. Alternately, if you’re feeling bold, you may plunge into an ice bath or take a cold shower.
Put on sunglasses.
If you are unable to lessen your eyes’ redness, consider donning sunglasses. The redness won’t go away as a result, but the sunglasses will cover it up. Unfortunately, this is not a practical wintertime option.
Use a Cannabis Strain with Low THC
Using a low-THC cannabis strain won’t help with red eyes that are already there, but it could stop them from getting red in the first place. Consuming a cannabis strain low in THC can lessen the likelihood of red eyes developing since vasodilation in the eyes is directly related to THC content in cannabis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get Rid of the Redness in My Eyes From Smoking Marijuana?
The fastest approach to reduce redness in your eyes after cannabis use is to use over-the-counter eye drops made for treating allergies and red eyes. As an alternative, putting a cold compress over your eyes or ingesting coffee may help to lessen the redness. Each of these treatments reduces blood flow to the eye by restricting the blood vessels, which lessens redness.
Does Sleep Aid Reduce Weed-Related Red Eyes?
Marijuana-induced red eyes do not go away with sleep. However, the THC—the substance responsible for the redness—will be metabolized by your body while you are sleeping. THC no longer binds to the CB1 receptors in the eyes once it has been digested, therefore it no longer causes redness. You must snooze for a few hours in order for red eyes to entirely fade while you’re asleep.
Does Eating Marijuana Cause Red Eyes Like Smoking It Does?
Yes, much like smoking marijuana, eating marijuana can result in bloodshot eyes. Red eyes are caused by THC from cannabis in the circulatory system, not by the smoke as some people believe (although some irritation may occur due to the smoke). As THC must pass via the liver before entering the bloodstream, whereas THC consumed by smoking reaches the bloodstream rapidly through the lungs, red eyes from edibles may take longer to emerge.
The THC content of marijuana is what causes the red eyes it causes. A lower THC content in the marijuana used to make the treats lowers the likelihood of getting red eyes. Regardless of the method of ingestion, this is the same.