Do you have a family function to attend right after your smoke sesh? Or maybe you’re heading to brunch with friends who aren’t quite in the loop about your “green” habits?
Let’s just say that we’ve all been there, the sudden realization that your eyes are looking redder than a ripe tomato. It’s one of those moments that can really throw you off, especially when you’re trying to keep things on the down low. And now unless you’re a Uchiha (or Kakashi, maybe), the red eyes you inherit from weed are not so much fun!
But if you’ve been around the green scenes for some time, you’ll know that stoned eyes are a common occurrence, and there’s plenty you can do to manage them. And we’re here to just nudge you in the right direction!
What Are Stoned Eyes?
Stoned eyes, red eyes, bloodshot eyes—whatever you call them, they’re a telltale sign that you’ve been enjoying some cannabis. That’s it! Nothing less, nothing more. So, what’s going on behind those crimson peepers?
What causes stoned eyes?
When you partake in a canna sesh, the active compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is absorbed into your bloodstream. THC has a relaxing effect on your body, which includes lowering your blood pressure. When your blood pressure drops, it causes blood vessels and capillaries (including those in your eyes) to dilate. This increased blood flow makes the tiny blood vessels in your eyes more visible, which is what gives them that red, glassy look.
Note: It’s not just the THC either; the smoke itself can irritate your eyes, which makes the redness even more pronounced.
How to Get Rid of Stoned Eyes Fast?
Now that you know why your eyes get red, let’s talk about how to deal with it. Here are seven tried-and-true methods to clear up those red stoned eyes:
1. Eye Drops Are Your Best Friend
If you’re a regular cannabis partaker, you probably already have a bottle of eye drops handy. They’re designed to reduce redness by constricting those dilated blood vessels. Brands like Visine, Clear Eyes, or Andre I-Kul are popular for a reason—they work, and they work fast. Just a drop or two in each eye, and you’ll be looking fresh in no time.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking water might seem like simple advice, but it’s incredibly effective. Cannabis can cause dehydration, which contributes to both cottonmouth and red eyes. By drinking plenty of water, you help flush THC out of your system faster, and you keep your body (and eyes) hydrated. The result? Less noticeable redness.
3. Cold Compress for the Win
Grab a washcloth, soak it in cold water, or use some ice cubes wrapped in a towel, and place it over your eyes for a few minutes. The cold constricts blood vessels, reduces the redness, and soothes the irritation away. It’s a refreshing way to deal with stoned eyes, especially if you have a few minutes to spare.
4. Chamomile Tea Bags
If you have a bit more time, chamomile tea bags can work wonders. Steep a couple of tea bags in hot water, let them cool down and then place them over your closed eyes for about 10-15 minutes. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and puffiness. Also, the gentle warmth of the tea bags can be really relaxing.
5. Sleep Like a Baby
If you have the luxury of time, taking a nap is a great way to reduce eye redness. When you sleep, your body naturally reduces inflammation and irritation, including in your eyes. Plus, you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to face the day—minus the red eyes.
6. Put on Your Sunglasses
Sometimes, you just need a quick cover-up. Sunglasses are the easiest and most stylish way to hide red eyes, especially if you’re heading out right after your smoke session. They conceal the redness and also protect your eyes from further irritation caused by bright lights or the sun. Of course, it’s not the solution you were looking for but is the easiest one out there.
7. Use Chilled Cucumbers
Slice a chilled cucumber and place the slices over your closed eyes for about 10-15 minutes. Cucumbers, as we all know, have natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and puffiness and also cool down your eyes.
Also read: Mangoes and Weed: Do Mangoes Make You Higher?
Why Do Some Get Extremely Red Stoned Eyes While Others Don’t?
It’s an interesting phenomenon—some people can smoke a joint and walk away looking completely normal, while others end up with eyes that look like they’ve been swimming in chlorine. So, what gives?
It turns out that your tolerance to THC plays a huge role in how your eyes react. Some people are just more sensitive to the effects of THC on blood pressure and blood vessel dilation.
Genetics also comes into play here. Just like some people are more prone to blushing or getting flushed after a drink, some are more likely to get red eyes after consuming cannabis.
The strain of cannabis you use also matters. Some strains are higher in THC, which means they’re more likely to cause stoned eyes. If you’re someone who’s prone to red eyes, you might want to opt for strains with lower THC content or try CBD-rich strains, which are less likely to cause redness.
Does It Have a Long-Term Impact on Eye Health?
Are those red eyes just a temporary annoyance, or could they have long-term effects on your eye health?
The good news is that, for most people, stoned eyes are harmless in the short term. The redness is just a temporary response to the THC and typically goes away once the effects of the cannabis wear off.
But what about long-term consumption? There isn’t much research directly linking cannabis use to long-term eye damage. However, chronic smoking of any substance can lead to dryness, irritation, and in some cases, more serious conditions like chronic dry eye syndrome.
If you’re a regular consumer and you notice persistent eye problems, it might be worth talking to an eye specialist. They can offer advice and possibly recommend alternative methods of cannabis consumption that might be easier on your eyes.
So, the next time you catch a glimpse of your bloodshot eyes after a smoke session, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to clear them up and face the world without looking like you’ve just walked out of a red-eye flight.
