How long do Red Eyes last from Weed?
Red eyes are probably one of the most common and classic signs of being high off weed. It is a temporary condition that is linked to THC’s effects on the small blood vessels on the surface of the eyes. For many, weed red eyes fade as the cannabis effects begin to wear off. Many are left wondering how long do red eyes last from weed?
The exact timing and duration depend on many factors like dosage, hydration levels, sensitivity to cannabis and method of ingestion. Some people experience red eyes every time they use weed. Some people only experience it sometimes. This common side effect of weed consumption is dependent on different body chemistries and even the differences between the type of marijuana strains being ingested.
One thing is for certain. Red eyes can occur with any form of THC ingestion. Whether you smoke it, vape it, drink it or eat it, it will make your eyes red.
What is THC and how does it make your eyes red?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC is the cannabinoid chemical found in marijuana that produces the feeling of a high. It is also the reason why your eyes turn red. The redness comes down to the substance’s vascular effects.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, after marijuana use, blood vessels in the eyes can expand and make the eyes look bloodshot.
When THC enters the body, it attaches to endocannabinoid receptors in the body and induces vasodilation. This happens all over the body, including in the blood vessels in the eyes. Vasodilation lowers blood pressure and dilates or widens the blood vessels and capillaries, making it easy for large amounts of blood to rush through your veins, leading to increased blood flow. Enlarged blood vessels are more apparent in the eyes, resulting in redness in the white parts of your eyes.
In typical marijuana red eyes, the whites of the eyes may appear pink, glassy or streaked because the vessels are more visible. You may also notice some dryness, heaviness of eyelids, light sensitivity and a tired-looking gaze to the eyes. All of these effects become much more noticeable when smoking marijuana because the smoke itself can be irritating to the eye surface.
THC is the main compound associated with visible marijuana eye effects. Cannabis can also affect blood pressure and can change circulation, which contributes to why eyes can look red in some people.
How long do Red Eyes last from weed?
For most people, red eyes from marijuana can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. The redness typically peaks around 30 minutes after smoking or vaping weed. However, the exact duration of red eyes is dependent on each individual, method of ingestion, type of cannabis strain consumed and dosage of the substance.
With edibles, red eyes may last longer because the ingested THC tends to have a slower and longer-lasting effect. The eye redness usually peaks around the same time as the effects feel the strongest and then will slowly decline as THC levels decline and the blood vessels return to normal.
This time frame is just an estimate. A small dose may only result in mild redness for a few hours. A stronger dose can make eyes appear bloodshot for much longer. Other factors include allergies, dry eyes, contact lenses, lack of sleep, dehydration and exposure to smoke, which can also impact the length of eye redness even after the cannabis effects have died down.
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Main factors that impact red eyes duration after weed
Eye redness from weed doesn’t always follow an exact schedule or process because THC can affect everyone differently. The same amount that can barely change one person’s eyes can leave another person visibly bloodshot for hours.
- Method of use. Smoking or vaping THC can create faster redness because it reaches the bloodstream more quickly. Edibles can take longer to kick in and last longer because it takes longer for THC to reach the bloodstream, where it also lingers longer in the body.
- Dose and potency. The higher the THC product, the more likely it is to cause a stronger and longer-lasting redness.
- Personal sensitivity. Some people have a higher tolerance or naturally experience more visible vasodilation compared to others.
- Sleep and hydration. Dehydration and fatigue can make eyes look drier, duller and more red.
- Smoke exposure. Smoke in general can irritate the eye surface, causing redness.
- Existing eye issues. Allergies, dry eyes or conjunctivitis can make cannabis related eye redness more intense or harder to distinguish from another condition.
Red eyes from Smoking, Vaping and Edibles
Smoking cannabis can cause red eyes through THC absorption and environmental irritation. The smoke may irritate dry eyes, especially when it comes in contact directly with your face. Eyes may feel scratchy, itchy or watery, leading to the look of redness.
Vaping cannabis can reduce smoke exposure, but it doesn’t eliminate THC-related vasodilation. If the product contains THC, redness in the eyes will still occur. While edibles do not expose the eyes to smoke, they can still cause red eyes because the THC and metabolites are circulating through the body. Edibles often take longer to start working so red eyes may appear later and linger for longer.
How to help alleviate Weed Red Eyes
Eye drops/Artificial tears. Lubricating eye drops that resemble artificial tears can help with dryness and irritation. Though they cannot erase THC’s effects on the blood vessels, they can make your eyes look and feel calmer. Other over-the-counter eye drops that contain caffeine can help constrict blood vessels in the eyes and therefore decrease eye redness.
Hydrate. Water won’t instantly clear red eyes, but dehydration can make the dryness worse and keep eyes red for longer. Sipping on water will help your body slowly flush out the THC in your body.
Use a cold compress. A clean and cool washcloth over closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes can help soothe irritated skin around the eyes and make them feel less hot or tired. It helps to reduce puffiness and redness by decreasing the dilation of blood vessels.
Type of cannabis. Using a strain of cannabis with a lower level of THC can help reduce redness and the duration of redness in the eyes.
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Redness from weed use is a common side effect and temporary. Both sativa and indica strains of cannabis can cause red or bloodshot eyes if they contain enough THC. The higher the concentration of THC in the product, the more redness and longer lasting the redness will be.
So how long red eyes last from weed will depend on the dose, method and the body’s response to the substance. The typical range is from 1 to 4 hours after smoking or vaping and 4 to 8 hours after edibles.
Professional behavioral health programs like Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for those who have become addicted to cannabis. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as DBT, CBT and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://unitedrecoveryproject.com/rehab-blog/high-eyes
https://leafwell.com/blog/how-long-do-red-eyes-last-from-weed
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/marijuana/stoned-eye
https://willoughbyeyecare.ca/do-edibles-make-your-eyes-red/
