5 Tips to Get Rid of Stoned Eyes Quickly

To get rid of stoned eyes fast, you can try ice packs, cold compresses, or even cucumber slices to reduce redness. Additionally, some redness-reducing eye drops may help lessen any swelling and itching after cannabis use. 

The reason your eyes become red when smoking cannabis is due to the dilation of blood vessels in the eyes and is generally considered a benign side-effect. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to quickly alleviate the appearance of stoned eyes.

What Are Stoned Eyes?

Stoned eyes, also known as red or bloodshot eyes, are a common side effect of smoking weed. It’s important to be aware, however, that it can happen after any type of cannabis consumption—not just after smoking. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, causes the blood vessels in the eyes to expand, resulting in a reddish appearance. Redness of the sclera, the whitish part of the eye, can suggest that a person has recently consumed cannabis. 

While it's a common misconception that stoned eyes are usually a result of smoking cannabis, red eyes can occur no matter how you consume cannabis. From consuming edibles to vaping or ingesting tinctures and oils, red eyes are a direct effect of THC. Other terms for stoned eyes are "high eyes," "bloodshot eyes," or "pink eye." However, “bloodshot eyes” more often refers to burst or dilated blood vessels in the eyes, and “pink eye” often refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva from infection or allergies. 

Why Do Your Eyes Go Red After Consuming Cannabis? 

THC consumption brings on an immediate rise in blood pressure and heart rate, and as this rush slows, the blood vessels begin to dilate. This increased blood flow makes the eyes appear red or bloodshot.

The redness that occurs from consuming cannabis is specific to a person's blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure, the less likely it is that THC will cause your eyes to turn red. If you have high blood pressure, you may even benefit from consuming cannabis, as current data shows that there is a correlation between cannabis use and decreased blood pressure. Interestingly, THC also lowers intraocular pressure (IOP), which is why many states list glaucoma (an eye condition) as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.

Can Edibles Give You Red Eyes? 

Yes, consuming edibles can give you red eyes. That's because THC, when absorbed into the bloodstream through the liver, has similar effects on blood vessels as it does when you smoke cannabis. Some people prefer edibles because consuming edibles doesn't emit a strong weed smell. However, while the onset of red eyes from consuming edibles may take longer, the THC in edibles can still lower blood pressure while increasing blood flow in the body. This increase in blood flow can lead to red or bloodshot eyes. It makes no difference how THC enters your body. Smoking, vaping, and edibles can all cause red eyes. 

5 Ways to Get Rid of Stoned Eyes

The following are five of the best ways to get rid of stoned eyes quickly.

1. Use Eye Drops

The best way to eliminate stoned or "high eyes" is to use an over-the-counter eye drop solution, AKA artificial tears. OTC eye solutions that are effective for getting rid of stoned eyes include those that are designed for allergies. These OTC eye drops work by constricting the blood vessels in the eyes and preventing the release of histamine.

2. Apply a Hot or Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress or ice pack to your eyes can help constrict blood vessels and reduce redness after consuming cannabis. To make a cold compress, wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or a plastic bag and place this gently over your eyes. Reusable ice packs and cold therapy bags can also be used to help lessen red eyes caused by cannabis.

Warm or hot compresses may also help with red eyes by helping oil to flow out of the meibomian glands more easily. Hot or warm compresses can be made at home using a washcloth soaked in warm water or you can purchase a heated eye mask. Be sure to check the temperature of the mask before placing it over your eyes. 

3. Try Chamomile Tea Bags 

Applying chamomile tea bags to stoned eyes could reduce the redness and help you relax. Chamomile is well known for its calming effects. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness in the eye. You can use tea bags for eye redness after cannabis consumption by brewing up a big batch of chamomile tea with multiple tea bags. Next, remove the tea bags from your brew and place them on a separate plate to cool. You can simultaneously place one cooled chamomile tea bag over each eye for ten to fifteen minutes, or until the redness has subsided. 

4. Make a Cucumber Mask

Placing cucumber slices over your eyes is another way to help clear stoned eyes. Cucumbers have antioxidants and hydrating qualities that can help reduce inflammation and puffiness in and around the eyes. 

When using cucumber slices to get rid of stoned eyes, be sure to use fresh cucumbers. Cut the cucumbers into round slices, place them in your refrigerator, and chill the slices for fifteen minutes. Once the cucumber slices have cooled, place them over your eyes for at least ten minutes. 

5. Hydrate

Drinking plenty of water can improve circulation, which may help reduce eye redness. Also, staying hydrated can help with eye dryness, which is a common culprit of red eyes. If you are slightly dehydrated, your eyes may get even more red, itchy, or even feel grainy. And while smoking weed itself doesn't lead to dehydration, sometimes it can give you the feeling of a "dry mouth." 

If you feel like your eyes are red after consuming cannabis and also want to get unhigh, increase your water intake or hydrate yourself with lemon pepper tea. Coconut water, with its high electrolyte content, is also an excellent way to hydrate yourself after cannabis consumption.

Stoned Eyes Won’t Last Forever

Managing red eyes after recreational or medical cannabis use may involve using OTC eye drops and warm or hot compresses. Alternative solutions for getting rid of stoned eyes include placing tea bags or fresh cucumber slices over your eyes. 

Remember that red eyes can be more noticeable in some people than others. Furthermore, red eyes are typically a temporary side effect of cannabis that resolves within a few hours. Aside from eye drops and other solutions, sometimes the easiest way to get rid of stoned eyes after cannabis consumption is to simply wait.