Why Does Marijuana Make My Eyes Red?

While many patients are excited for the relief-potential when they receive their Florida medical marijuana card, many users experience red eyes after consumption, especially if they are inexperienced users with low tolerance to cannabis. Marijuana use can cause red eyes for two primary reasons.

The most likely explanation is that THC lowers blood pressure, which results in the dilation of blood vessels and capillaries, which in turn helps treat glaucoma.  Your ocular capillaries dilate as THC enters your system, increasing blood flow and giving the appearance of reddened eyes.

The idea that eating an edible instead of smoking marijuana will keep your eyes from turning red is incorrect. The cannabinoids, not the method of consumption,  cause your eyes to turn red. Your white eyes will likely turn red, no matter how you ingest THC into your bloodstream.

An allergy or irritation to cannabis or smoke may also be a possible cause of red eyes, but in these cases the reddening of eyes is likely to be a general reaction to smoke in general  rather than cannabis smoke specifically.

How Can I Prevent Red Eyes from Marijuana?

Red eyes caused by cannabis use are harmless, but patients don’t want to reveal their marijuana use to everyone they meet.

  • Choosing low-THC or THC-Free strains of marijuana can help prevent red eyes. Patients who want to avoid red eyes altogether will benefit greatly from using CBD and CBN-rich strains.
  • Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated and healthy. Dry eyes can be helped by increasing fluid intake.
  • Give it Time: Your eyes will eventually return to their original white color after they have turned red.
  • Plan to consume marijuana at home where you won’t have to worry about what others think. The reddening of your eyes from cannabis use is not harmful.

Are Red Eyes from Marijuana Harmful?

No. Eyes turning red are a completely natural side-effect of cannabis and generally does not present any risk to the user. If your red eyes are causing you concern, do not hesitate to contact your Florida medical marijuana doctor and consult with them. 

How Long will my Eyes be Red after Smoking or Using Marijuana?

Depending on how quickly your body metabolizes the THC that enters your bloodstream, the general timeframe for your eyes to return to white can vary. Age, health, and sensitivity to THC are all factors that influence the metabolization process. As a result, the answer varies from person to person. The general consensus is that your eyes will be bloodshot for at least an hour and a half, and in some cases longer.

How to get Rid of Red Eyes from Marijuana

Without a doubt, eye drops are the best way to get your eyes back to their usual white as soon as possible. There are a number of quality over-the-counter eye drops that can help alleviate redness, including Rhoto and Visine. These brands include Be careful not to overuse the products, as this can lead to dry and irritated eyes.

Consult with your Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor

Whether you are new to medical marijuana or an experienced patient, consulting with your Florida medical marijuana doctor is always advised to maximize the benefits of your medical cannabis use. Red eyes are one of several side-effects which are common with medical marijuana use. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida today!