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Curious if CBD is to blame for making your eyes red? 

Maybe you’ve been consuming different strains of CBD, and you’re wondering if a specific strain is the culprit? 

Understanding how CBD works can be complicated, which is why we’re here to help. 

In this guide, we’re covering how CBD works, whether it makes your eyes red, and what you can do to counteract eye redness due to cannabis use. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is CBD?

CBD is short for the word cannabidiol — this is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). CBD, a component of marijuana, is derived from the hemp plant, containing minimal amounts (if any) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabinoids interact with your body and brain through your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Most cannabinoids, like THC, act directly with the cannabinoid receptors in this system, but CBD acts a bit differently. 

Instead of acting directly with these cannabinoid receptors, CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system to produce its own cannabinoids and slows down the breakdown of these cannabinoids by inhibiting the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzymes in your body. 

CBD also operates on 60 different molecular pathways which can affect your: 

  • Immune system
  • Serotonin receptors
  • And more. 

Many people use CBD on a regular basis to help relieve anxiety, nausea, and pain relief because it is a compound that brings comfort without making you feel “high.” 

CBD users may find themselves experiencing side effects, like … 

  • Dry mouth
  • Reduced appetite
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Sour stomach
  • And more

but does CBD make your eyes red? Keep reading to find out.

why does cbd make your eyes red

Does CBD Make Your Eyes Red?

There seems to be some confusion among CBD users on whether or not it is CBD that makes your eyes red.

The answer? CBD is not the reason for your red eyes. Generally, THC is the culprit.

Why Does CBD Make Your Eyes Red?

Generally, if you are experiencing red eyes after using CBD products, it could be for several reasons, including: 

  • THC content
  • Smoke sensitivity — your eyes may turn red if you are smoking CBD and have a sensitivity
  • Allergies to CBD

How Does THC Contribute to Red Eyes?

THC causes red eyes because when the substance enters your body, it lowers your blood pressure. This dilates your blood vessels, including the vessels that rest behind your eyes.

When these tiny vessels dilate (widen) the blood flow to your eyes increases causing your eyes to have a red hue.

If you are using a CBD product and find that you’re experiencing red eyes, it’s important to understand that the product may have a higher THC level in it.

3 Tips to Counteract Red Eyes Caused By CBD and THC

After reading the causes of red eyes from CBD and THC, you’re probably wondering, “Is there a way to reduce the chances of having red eyes after using THC/CBD?”

Although using THC commonly results in red eyes because of its effects on the body, there are some ways to lessen the blow.

#1: Use Eye Drops

Whether you’re heading to a social gathering, class, or just want to avoid red eyes caused by THC, you may find relief by using eye drops, like the popular eye drops such as: 

Grab a small bottle of over-the-counter eye drops, and keep it handy. These eye drops can easily be picked up at the grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station.

How Do Eye Drops Help With Red Eyes?

Just one or two drops is all you’ll need to reduce the redness. 

But why is this? 

Redness-reducing eye drops help to reverse the effects of THC on the blood vessels in your eyes. The drops contain drugs known as vasoconstrictors. 

These vasoconstrictors work by shrinking the blood vessels in the white part of your eye the smaller the blood vessel, the less redness you’ll experience.

#2: Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can play a massive role in getting red, bloodshot eyes due to being dry and irritated — even without consuming THC. 

If you’ve consumed or are planning to consume THC, staying hydrated is key. Your body uses water to help remove THC from your bloodstream, causing you to be more likely to become dehydrated.

How Does Hydration Help With Red Eyes?

Increasing your water intake helps flush out the salt from your body and potentially reduces redness and dryness caused by consuming THC.

#3: Choose a Cannabis Product With Lower Levels of THC

As we mentioned, THC is likely the main reason your eyes are turning red. If you’re looking for a way to consume cannabis products without dealing with red eyes, you should consume products that are low in THC — or products that lack it entirely. 

Look for high-CBD strains or raw CBD products that have no trace amounts of THC. 

Be sure to check the labels and ask your dispensary for details about CBD products and their THC content before purchasing.

does cbd make your eyes red

Does the Method of CBD Consumption Contribute to Red Eyes?

If you’re consuming CBD with higher levels of CBD in them, you might also be curious,

“Will how I consume the CBD contribute to how it affects my eyes?” 

The answer is still a straightforward no. It is all dependent on the THC levels in the product(s) you are consuming.

5 Strains of CBD That Have the Lowest Levels of THC to Reduce Red Eyes

Figuring out which strains have the lowest THC levels can take a lot of time to research — and that’s why we’re here to help. 

Hail Mary Jane’s team has done the research, and in the following sections, we’re sharing the top five strains of CBD that have the lowest levels of THC in them.

#1: Harlequin

Harlequin is known for its elevated CBD content. When smoked, Harlequin gives off a citrus aroma that many CBD users consider to be soothing. Contrary to the scent, some say Harlequin has a more earthy taste, while others say it has a sweet taste similar to a mango. 

Harlequin is perfect for those who are looking for CBD that is low in THC levels but still want to:

  • Relax
  • Reduce pain
  • Focus; or 
  • Uplift their mood

Although a hybrid of multiple strains, Harlequin is typically classified as a Sativa-dominant strain with a CBD:THC ratio of 5:2.

#2: Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web was specifically bred for its CBD to THC ratio — with only 0.3% THC, it has virtually no psychoactive or intoxicating effects. Charlotte’s Web is hemp-derived and commonly used for medical needs, specifically for treating epilepsy

Charlotte’s Web tends to have a woodsy scent and tastes of pine and lemon. Other common uses for Charlotte’s Web include: 

  • Inducing sleep
  • Reducing inflammation caused by exercise
  • Stress relief; 
  • And more

#3: ACDC

Another CBD-dominant strain is ACDC (also known as the CBD Queen). ACDC has a ratio of 20:1 CBD to THC and is a parent to several hybrid breeds, including …  

  • Thunderstruck
  • Treasure Island; and
  • Incredible Power

just to name a few. 

ACDC has aromas of cherries, diesel, gas, and Mandarine orange peels and is known to help with: 

  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Depression; and
  • Creativity

#4: Sour Tsunami

Sour Tsunami was one of the first strains that was bred to be higher in CBD and low in THC. The strain flowers in as little as nine weeks and is a Sativa-dominant hybrid. 

Sour Tsunami has a musky smell with sweet undertones (think blueberries and limes) and is known to provide: 

  • Relaxation
  • Uplifted/Happy vibes
  • Pain reduction
  • Stress relief; 
  • And more

#5: Harle-TSU

Lastly, we have Harle-TSU, a high-CBD hybrid cross between Sour Tsunami and Harlequin. Harle-TSU’s THC content is virtually non-existent and tends to aid in relief from pain and inflammation. 

Consumers of Harle-TSU say that it gives off a mix of earthy flavors and citrusy flavors.

Find the Best Cannabis Products for Your Needs With Hail Mary Jane

Are you on the hunt for the best CBD and THC products? 

Whether you’re looking for products to reduce anxiety or are curious about the different benefits that specific strains of CBD/THC products provide Hail Mary Jane is here to help! 

We know just how overwhelming it can be to shop hundreds of brands with little insight on which might work best for you. 

Our team has helped millions of cannabis consumers find the best products on the market for their specific needs.

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