A common side effect of taking cannabis is red, bloodshot eyes. If you are new to taking it, you may be concerned as to why your eyes are red and if cannabis is harmful to your eyesight. Thankfully there are no health risks to your eyes in relation to partaking in marijuana. In fact, it is natural for your eyes to become red, but contrary to popular belief it is not the act of smoking cannabis that causes it.
Why Your Eyes Become Red
When you take any form of cannabis, whether it be concentrated or another edible version, a normal reaction is for the individual to experience an elevated heart rate and a rise in blood pressure. This is a result of the cannabinoids, or the chemical compounds, effects on the body. The heart and blood pressure elevation only last for a brief time, but as the blood vessels and capillaries dilate, the blood circulation increases. This includes an increase of blood flow to your eyes, which causes the eyes to become red and bloodshot. In addition, cannabis can also reduce the fluid pressure inside the eye. For this reason, medical marijuana can be useful in treating glaucoma symptoms.
How Long Redness Lasts
If the cannabis that you have consumed has a high amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), then the stronger your reaction will be, as this cannabinoid is responsible for intoxication. So, your bloodshot eyes can also be an indication that the marijuana you have consumed is high in its cannabinoid content. Typically, the redness will only last for a few hours. If the redness bothers you enough, you may try a few different solutions to treat the issue, such as eye drops, washing your face and eyelids with cool water, and drinking plenty of fluids. For those who feel self-conscious, wear sunglasses.
After taking medical marijuana, don’t be alarmed if you experience red and bloodshot eyes. It is your body’s natural reaction and will go away within an hour. For more information, please visit Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. We offer medical marijuana certifications and have doctors available to answer all your questions about mmj products.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
