Remedies for Red Eyes From Weed

I've mentioned before that I have a telltale sign if I've consumed cannabis: I get a bad case of the munchies. That said, with a little self-control, you'd never know.

A telltale sign I can't control, however, is that my eyes get red. Let's dive into the causes, duration, and remedies for the stereotypical marijuana-induced red eyes:

The Cause: When you consume cannabis, the THC interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system, causing vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) in your eyes. This increased blood flow makes your eyes appear red.

Duration: Red eyes typically last one to two hours but can persist for up to three to four hours, especially with high-THC strains. The method of ingestion also plays a role, with smoking and vaping leading to quicker onset compared to edibles.

Relief Strategies:

• Over-the-Counter Eye Drops: Look for allergy eye drops containing tetryzoline, a vasoconstrictor that reduces blood flow in the eyes.
• Caffeine: Caffeine can help constrict blood vessels, reducing redness.
• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or splashing cold water on your face can constrict blood vessels and alleviate redness.

Community Question: Do your eyes also get really red when you consume cannabis, or are you one of the lucky ones who doesn't have that problem? If they do, does it bother you?