Does CBD make your eyes red?

CBD is the latest big thing in the world of health and wellness. It feels like wherever you turn your head, there is a CBD store. Everyone is buzzing about it, from athletes to people struggling with insomnia and anxiety.

Let’s see what all the fuss is about, shall we?

One big question people are wondering about is whether CBD makes your eyes red or not, and we’ll dig deeper into that topic in the text below.

What is CBD?

CBD, which is an abbreviation of cannabidiol, is a chemical compound extracted from the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. Marijuana itself is made up of two primary components: CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive part, while THC is the psychoactive part. Legally hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC. CBD is a substance used in oils, edibles, and similar products in order to create a feeling of relaxation and calm. Both compounds, CBD and THC, interact with a person’s endocannabinoid system but have completely different effects. CBD won’t get you high. 

There is a vast range of CBD related products these days, from oils and tinctures to gummies and edibles. The best way to use CBD oil is to take it sublingually, let it sit under your tongue for about 30 seconds, but it can be added to food or drinks, while CBD gummies and soft gels should be consumed after a meal. Vaping CBD oil has also become increasingly popular. In case of a localized pain and skin conditions such as psoriasis, CBD topicals are a great option. CBD-related products can be extremely beneficial for people struggling with epilepsy, pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, inflammatory skin conditions, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.

With such a wide variety and options regarding CBD products, it’s important to choose safe, tested, and high-quality products. We’d recommend products that a third party testing company has tested and to consult with your medical doctor before using any of these products. 

What is THC?

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana which produces sensations which we call a “high”. A difference in how atoms are arranged in THC versus CBD is what actually makes different effects on your body. Both THC and CBD consist of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. What produces a high sense of euphoria is how THC binds with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

THC is quite beneficial and can help with glaucoma, pain, low appetite, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasticity.

Why does marijuana make your eyes red?

Contrary to popular belief, pot smoke is not the reason why your eyes are red. The reason why your eyes are red after smoking weed is the same reason why it makes you dizzy – vasodilation. We’ve talked about cannabinoid receptors in the brain, and these receptors are notably found in your eyes. Cannabinoid receptors induce the widening of your blood vessels, which increases the blood flow in these areas and causes a decrease in blood pressure. The blood flow to your eyeballs makes your eyes red. Tests have been done where people have used marijuana through a non-smoking method with the same redding of their eyes. 

What to do with red eyes

The most common and easiest solution to the red-eye syndrome is to get some over-the-counter eye drops that are generally used by people struggling with allergies. Remember the dilated blood vessels we’ve talked about? These drops help these dilated blood vessels constrict with the help of tetryzoline, an alpha agonist. Getting the eye drops is the safest method to get rid of the bloodshot eyes. However, other alternatives include consuming sodium, chocolate, or even caffeine. A big misconception, though, is to drink a lot of water to help reduce redness in the eyes. This is completely false, red eyes are not a sign of dehydration, so no matter how much water you drink, it won’t help with the eye redness.

To sum it up, this redness is nothing serious or dangerous, so don’t be alarmed. This is nothing to worry about, and you shouldn’t suffer any negative effects if you do have red eyes.