There was a time when getting your hands on cannabis products legally was next to impossible. Despite being used for medical and recreational purposes for ages, society still saw it negatively.
However, in the last few years, that image has completely flipped. Every other person you talk to has tried edibles like CBD gummies or Capsules at least once in their life. Thanks to the 2018 farm bill, you can legally buy CBD gummies in almost all 50 American states.
Edibles are also quickly gaining traction in Europe, Southern America, India, and other Southeast Asian countries. One thing that concerns most users is whether edibles will give them red eyes.
The concern is valid because those who smoke cannabis get bloodshot eyes, and edibles are also made from similar plants. Don’t worry though, this article will clear all your confusion.
What are Edibles?
Edibles is a modern term used to describe snackable forms of cannabis-based products. They are mainly made by mixing cannabinoid-carrying extract with gelatin or agar agar. Depending on the formulation, they can carry different types of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. They are precisely dosed, have good taste, and are easy to carry around.
Looks just like candy, so no one will even suspect or bother you. The onset time is a bit slow though, as they first pass through your digestive tract before getting metabolized. Where Smokable or Sublingual consumption through vapes and oils will deliver effects within 10-15 minutes, edibles will take around 40 minutes to an hour or two before kicking in.
That’s why many people prefer to take them after dinner so that by the time they are in bed, the body feels all relaxed and ready to slide into a deep restful state. Typically the effects of edibles last between 4 to 6 hours and usually wear off by the time you are out of bed. People who use edibles regularly report a reduction in anxiety, stress, and overall pain levels.
So what’s with Red Eyes after eating edibles?
Okay, so not all edibles will give you red eyes. If you are consuming CBD edibles that have no more than 0.3% THC, the chances of getting red eyes are next to nil. The redness mainly happens based on THC levels.
So if you are eating THC gummies or making some THC-rich brownies at home, you’ll get red eyes. Whereas regular CBD edibles with negligible THC in them won’t give you red eyes. So why THC is the culprit here? Well, that’s because it causes the blood vessels in our body to dilate.
In scientific terms, the process is known as vasodilation. This dilation lowers the blood pressure and increases blood flow to various areas, including the small blood vessels in your eyes. When these blood vessels expand, they become more visible and give your eyes that red bloodshot effect.
A similar thing happens when your allergies are triggered, but when it comes to edibles, it specifically happens due to THC’s interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the body. This is not very concerning though, and in a few hours, the redness goes away.
This same mechanism that causes red eyes is also responsible for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. So you can, it’s not all negative, and may even benefit certain people. But yes, not a good idea if you have a meeting or some social event ahead where you don’t wanna look all stoned and trippy.
Factors that can affect the intensity of Redness in Eyes from Edibles
Ok, so how red will your eyes get? Well, it depends on various factors. The first thing to consider is dosage. The higher the amount of THC per serving, the higher the intensity of redness in the eyes.
The next thing that matters is your tolerance levels, which usually build up over time. So a newbie may get stronger red eyes than someone who has been consuming edibles for a very long time.
Another important thing is your hydration level. Being well-hydrated can help minimize red eyes, whereas dehydration might make them more noticeable. Taking edibles on an empty stomach or after eating something also matters. Usually, people who consume edibles after a fat-rich diet often experience less intense red eyes.
Finally, medications that you are taking for other conditions also matter as some of them may affect blood pressure or blood vessel dilation and increase the redness in the eyes. That’s why you must consult with a medical professional first before adding edibles in your routine, especially if you have strong ongoing medications.
How to reduce redness in eyes from Edibles?
You can try the following methods to reduce or soothe redness in your eyes :
- Purchase a good over-the-counter eye moisturizing eye drop and use it regularly
- Increase your water intake, and avoid too much caffeine through coffee or energy drinks
- Applying a cool compress, like a damp cloth, can also reduce redness and puffiness
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can make the redness worse.
- Rest in a darker room to give your eyes a break
- Try to reduce your THC intake, or maybe avoid weed gummies altogether
- Buy CBD edibles only from reputed and well-tested brands, having exact cannabinoids as mentioned on the label
It’s a simple and common thing, so there’s no need to panic. Only get in touch with a doctor if the redness doesn’t go away in a while or when you feel pain, vision change, and excessive discomfort.
Our Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Yes Edibles can make your eyes red if they have high levels of THC in them. THC triggers vasodilation which results in extra blood flowing to vessels in the eyes, making them appear red.
If it’s a major issue for you but you still want to relax and feel less stressed, opt for CBD gummies instead. CBD edibles won’t cause red eyes, and you can easily buy them through high-quality online brands like Colorado Botanicals.
Factors like your tolerance levels, medication history, and product quality also impact the intensity of redness in your eyes. Having a hydrating eye drop and increasing water intake can be a good way to manage this problem.
