October 27, 2023

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep.

Despite its popularity, many people are still hesitant to try CBD because they fear it will cause their eyes to turn red, a common side effect of smoking or consuming the psychoactive compound, THC.

In this blog post, we will explore whether CBD consumption causes red eyes and what factors contribute to this side effect.

Understanding Red Eyes

Before diving into CBD and its potential effects on our eyes, it's important to understand what causes red eyes in the first place.

Red eyes occur when the blood vessels in the eyes become dilated and swollen. This dilation can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, lack of sleep, fatigue, eye strain, or exposure to irritants like smoke or dust.

One of the most well-known causes of red eyes is smoking or consuming THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. THC causes blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, leading to the signature redness often associated with marijuana use.

Can CBD Cause Red Eyes?

Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause any feelings of intoxication or euphoria. While CBD is derived from the same plant as THC, it does not interact with the body's cannabinoid receptors in the same way.

Research suggests that CBD does not cause red eyes in the same way THC does. In fact, some studies have found that CBD may actually reduce intraocular pressure, making it a potential treatment option for glaucoma.

However, this does not mean that CBD is entirely without side effects. While rare, some people have reported experiencing red eyes after consuming CBD. This could be due to a number of factors, including the type of CBD product used, the dosage, and individual sensitivity.

Factors that Contribute to Red Eyes

While CBD itself may not cause red eyes, there are several factors that can contribute to this side effect when consuming CBD products:

1. The Type of CBD Product

CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. Each of these products has a different onset time and absorption rate, which can affect the likelihood of experiencing red eyes.

For example, smoking CBD flower or vaping CBD oil can cause red eyes because the cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. On the other hand, consuming a CBD edible or capsule may not cause red eyes because the cannabinoids are absorbed more slowly through the digestive system.

2. The Dosage

Like any substance, the amount of CBD consumed can play a role in whether or not red eyes occur. High doses of CBD may be more likely to cause red eyes than lower doses, especially if an individual is new to using CBD products.

It's important to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase as needed to avoid potential side effects like red eyes.

3. Individual Sensitivity

Every individual reacts differently to CBD, and some may be more sensitive to its effects than others. For some people, even a small dose of CBD may cause red eyes.

Factors like age, weight, metabolism, and general health can all affect how an individual responds to CBD, so it's important to start with a low dose and pay attention to how your body reacts.

What to Do if You Experience Red Eyes

If you experience red eyes after consuming CBD, there are several things you can do to alleviate the symptoms:

Use over-the-counter eye drops to reduce redness and inflammation.

Take a break from using CBD to see if the redness goes away.

Try a different form of CBD that may be less likely to cause red eyes.

Speak with a healthcare provider if you experience persistent red eyes or any other concerning side effects.

Overall, the evidence suggests that CBD does not cause red eyes in the same way THC does. However, individual factors like dosage, product type, and sensitivity can still contribute to this side effect.

If you're new to using CBD, it's important to start with a low dose and pay attention to how your body reacts. If you do experience red eyes, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms and find a CBD product that works for you.

As with any supplement or medication, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

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