Anyone who uses cannabis knows the feeling. You get stoned, feel relaxed - and then you look in the mirror. Your eyes are red. Sometimes only slightly, sometimes strikingly bright red. And even if you feel good, you suddenly look as if you haven't slept for two days.
But why is that? And more importantly, should you be worried?
Many people ask themselves these questions - beginners and experienced consumers alike. So let's take a look at what really happens in the body.
What THC triggers in the body
The psychoactive substance in cannabis is called THC, tetrahydrocannabinol. Among other things, it influences the endocannabinoid system in the human body. This system plays a role in many functions: in temperature regulation, pain perception, mood - and also in blood pressure and blood vessel width.
What many people don't know: THC lowers blood pressure. At the same time, the blood vessels dilate. In medicine, this effect is called vasodilation. And this is precisely the key to the question of why your eyes turn red after smoking weed.
The small vessels in the eye
There are also many fine capillaries in the eyes - tiny blood vessels that are normally barely visible. When these dilate, the conjunctiva fills up more with blood. The result: the eye looks red.
This is not a sign of irritation or inflammation. It is simply the result of more blood flowing through more open vessels. This happens automatically after smoking weed as soon as THC becomes active in the body.
Does the smoke also have an influence?
A little, yes. Especially if you smoke joints or consume them in a poorly ventilated room. The smoke can irritate the eyes, especially if it gets directly into them. But that alone does not explain the typical redness. Redness also occurs when using edibles or vaporizers - where no smoke is involved. So it's clear: the main reason is the systemic effect of THC, not the smoke.
Is that dangerous?
No. Red eyes after smoking weed are harmless. They are a visible effect of a normal physical reaction. The body copes with it without any problems.
In fact, this effect is even of medical interest. In patients with glaucoma, cannabis can help to reduce intraocular pressure. The vasodilating effect also plays a role here. In this context, the effect is even desirable.
Why does it affect some people more than others?
Not everyone gets red eyes - and not everyone gets them to the same extent. There are several reasons for this.
One is individual predisposition. Some people have more sensitive blood vessels that react more quickly. Secondly, the type of consumption: the higher the THC content, the more pronounced the effect on blood pressure. The form of consumption also plays a role. Vaporizers and edibles usually produce stronger systemic effects than a few small puffs from a joint.
In addition, there are external factors: lack of sleep, dry heating air, screen time. All of these can increase the redness.
What to do about red eyes?
If you don't have any appointments, the answer is simple: nothing at all. The redness will go away by itself. Usually after one to two hours, depending on your metabolism.
However, if you want to go out or have to be around people, a few tricks can help.
Eye drops. There are over-the-counter products with a vasoconstrictor effect - these quickly reduce the redness. But be careful: these drops are not for long-term use.
Drink plenty of fluids. Sounds simple, but it helps. Fluids support the circulation and also counteract the dryness of the mucous membranes.
Fresh air. A walk brings oxygen into play and boosts circulation.
Cool compresses or a cold washcloth. This can help to constrict the blood vessels again for a short time.
Or you can just accept it. For many people, red eyes are simply part of consumption. And often only those who know what it looks like themselves notice it anyway.
Red eyes after smoking weed are a completely normal effect. They occur because THC lowers blood pressure and dilates the blood vessels - also in the eyes. It is not a sign of harm, not a warning signal, but simply a side effect of the physiological reaction to cannabis.
You can do something about it, but you don't have to. If you use regularly, you will learn to classify the effect - and either conceal it or simply accept it. Because sometimes a red eye is simply a sign of a good moment.
