Cannabis edibles have been gaining in popularity in recent years as a way to consume cannabis without the need for smoking.

One of the most commonly asked questions about edibles is whether or not they make your eyes red.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind this phenomenon and whether or not it is something to be concerned about.

Do Edibles Make Your Eyes Red?

Man with red eyes

Yes, edibles can make your eyes red. This is because THC, the active ingredient in cannabis gummies, can cause temporary dilation of the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to redness.

This is a common side effect of consuming cannabis, whether it’s through smoking or edibles.

CBD Edibles

It’s worth noting that CBD, another compound found in cannabis, does not cause red eyes. CBD can help to reduce inflammation and redness in the eyes.

Cannabis consumption has been found to have various effects on the body, including increased blood flow and lower blood pressure.

However, it can also lead to side effects such as eye redness and bloodshot eyes due to the dilation of ocular capillaries, the tiny blood vessels in the eyes.

Despite this, THC has been shown to have a short-term effect on lowering intraocular pressure, making it a potential treatment option for glaucoma patients.

It’s important to be mindful of the dosage and potential side effects when consuming edibles, including high blood pressure, blood pressure returns, and ocular effects.

The good news is that blood pressure drops back to normal relatively quickly, and eye redness is usually a temporary side effect that will go away.

So, if you’re looking for a way to consume cannabis without the redness, you may want to try CBD edibles instead.

How Are Edibles Different Than Smoking?

There are a few key differences between edibles and smoking when it comes to how they affect your body.

When you smoke cannabis, the THC is absorbed into your bloodstream through your lungs and travels quickly to your brain, producing a rapid onset of effects.

With edibles, the THC is metabolized by your liver before it enters your bloodstream.

This means it takes longer for the effects to kick in, usually around 30 minutes to an hour after consumption.

However, the effects can also last longer than smoking, up to 6-8 hours in some cases.

Smoking vs. Edibles

Concept of Smoking vs. Edibles

Both smoking and edibles have their pros and cons. Smoking weed allows for a more immediate onset of effects and greater control over the dosage.

However, studies show smoking can also be harsh on the lungs and can produce a strong odor. Edibles, on the other hand, are a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis.

They also offer a longer-lasting and more intense high, making them a popular choice for those who want to experience the full effects of cannabis.

However, controlling the dosage of edibles can be difficult, and the effects can take longer.

Is It Dangerous to Get Red Eyes?

Red eyes are a common side effect of consuming cannabis, but they are not dangerous.

They are usually just temporary inconveniences that will go away on their own after a few hours.

However, seeking medical attention is important if you experience persistent redness, itching, or other eye symptoms.

These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as conjunctivitis or glaucoma.

How Do Edibles Work?

When you consume an edible, the THC is absorbed into your bloodstream through your digestive system.

From there, it is metabolized by your liver and converted into a more potent form known as 11-hydroxy-THC.

This compound is then distributed throughout your body, including your brain, where it produces its psychoactive effects.

THC Reduces Intraocular Pressure

One of the reasons that cannabis is often used as a medicinal treatment for glaucoma is that THC has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure in the eyes.

This can help prevent damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss over time.

However, it’s important to note that the effects of THC on intraocular pressure are short-lived and may not be sustained over the long term.

How to Avoid Red Eyes After Consuming Edibles?

Female Pours Drops in Red Eye

If you’re concerned about red eyes after consuming edibles, you can do a few things to minimize this effect.

One option is to use eye drops, which can help to reduce redness and dryness in the eyes. Another option is to consume lower doses of THC, as higher doses are more likely to cause redness.

It’s also important to stay hydrated when consuming edibles, as dehydration can exacerbate the redness.

Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after consumption can help to keep your eyes hydrated and reduce the risk of redness.

Consuming Cannabis – Edibles vs. Smoking

When it comes to consuming cannabis, there are pros and cons to both edibles and smoking.

Edibles offer a more discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis without the harshness of smoking.

They also offer a longer-lasting and more intense high, which can be desirable for some users.

On the other hand, smoking allows for a more immediate onset of effects and greater control over the dosage.

Smoking also produces a distinct flavor and aroma, which some users find appealing.

How Long Does the Red Last?

The redness in your eyes after consuming cannabis can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the individual and the amount consumed.

However, the redness is usually a temporary side effect and will disappear without long-term consequences.

How to Avoid Red Eyes After Consuming Cannabis

If you’re looking to avoid red eyes after consuming cannabis, there are a few things you can do. One option is to consume CBD instead of THC, as CBD does not cause redness.

Another option is to consume lower doses of THC, as higher doses are more likely to cause redness.

Staying hydrated is also important, as dehydration can exacerbate redness.

Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after consumption can help to keep your eyes hydrated and reduce the risk of redness.

How Blood Vessels and Capillaries Are Affected by Cannabis

When you consume cannabis, THC interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your body, including those in your blood vessels and capillaries.

This can cause a temporary dilation of these vessels, which can lead to redness in the eyes.

However, THC can also have other effects on the blood vessels and capillaries in your body.

For example, it has been shown to have vasodilatory effects, which can help to reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and other organs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, edibles can cause redness in the eyes due to the dilation of blood vessels caused by THC.

However, this is usually a temporary side effect and is not harmful. If you’re looking to avoid redness after consuming cannabis, there are a few things you can do. For example, such as consuming lower doses of THC or using eye drops to reduce redness.

Ultimately, the choice between edibles and smoking will depend on your personal preferences and needs, but both methods offer their unique advantages and drawbacks.