Why does cannabis make my eyes red?

The fast answer is because you are smoking pretty good really good stuff.  And while that answer may seem like I am joking around that is actually the truth. But it honestly, has nothing to do with smoke at all.

People using any form of cannabis (smoking or consuming) generally experience an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This effect is due to the plant's cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds responsible for some of the therapeutic and medicinal benefits of cannabis, and their initial interaction with the body. This rise in blood pressure and heart rate is similar to the experience people have during  normal physical activities like exercise or sex.

As the blood pressure lowers, the blood vessels and capillaries dilate. This dilation is most visible in the ocular capillaries because of the increased blood flow to the eyes which results in your eyes turning red while reducing intraocular pressure. This attribute of cannabis is responsible for the notable potential to treat glaucoma, an eye disorder that causes damage to the optic nerves that leads to blindness. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the intoxication associated with smoking cannabis and  the greater the concentration of THC in a cannabis product (whether smoked or ingested), the stronger the effects and the redder your eyes become.

Red eyes can act as an indicator that the cannabis you possess has a high cannabinoid content (i.e., it's potent). In other words, if your eyes are noticeably bloodshot after consumption, most likely you've landed yourself some highly potent weed. 

But don’t worry, cannabis-induced red eyes presents no health damages other than evidence that you have smoked or consumed cannabis. If you would rather not be a beacon of cannabis consumption, simple red eye relief eye drops, washing your face and eyelids with cold water, or wearing sunglasses will help you remain incognito.

Written by: Lady Kay