CBD cannabidiol cause red eyes? Red, watery and inflamed eyes are indeed one of the most common side effects of cannabis use. But this side effect is usually associated with THC-rich marijuana.
What about cannabidiol then? Does CBD also cause red eyes? In a word, no, it is not. But of course, the answer is not as simple as that.
Cannabis, CBD and bloodshot eyes
There is no denying that cannabis has the potential to help alleviate a litany of medical conditions and symptoms. Of course, cannabis plants can differ wildly in terms of their chemical profile. When it comes to effects on the human body, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are generally considered the two compounds best known for influencing our physiology.
When it comes to red eyes specifically, however, THC seems to be the sole culprit. When THC enters the body, it lowers blood pressure and thus dilates blood vessels. This includes the tiny blood vessels that sit behind the eye.
When the vessels dilate (widen), blood flow to the eyes increases quite noticeably. This helps reduce built-up pressure and is coincidentally why high-THC cannabis is often used for glaucoma. And that goes for any THC consumption. Things like high THC foods and oils will produce just as bloodshot eyes as smoking.
Things like high THC foods and oils will produce just as bloodshot eyes as smoking.
Unfortunately, increased blood flow to the eyes also leads to a red, puffy, watery, irritated look that has become so stereotypical of marijuana users over the generations.
CBD doesn’t produce these same types of effects, so if you’ve asked the question “does CBD cause red eyes,” the answer is a pretty resounding “no.” smoke (or another allergen), but it shouldn't be the CBD itself that's causing the irritation.
CBD: what is it?
Although there are hundreds of compounds in marijuana, CBD is one of the main components. As we discussed above, CBD is short for cannabidiol. CBD is found in most strains of cannabis, although in different amounts.
For example, in potent, THC-rich strains, CBD may only be present in trace amounts. In CBD-rich varieties, however, it can make up to 20% or more of the plant's dry weight.
The chemical structure of CBD is quite similar to THC. The difference lies in one essential element: CBD contains an additional combination of hydrogen and oxygen. This subtle change allows CBD to work without disrupting cognitive processes.
By most accounts, CBD is cited as safe to use in various forms. A recent report from the World Health Organization corroborates this by stating that CBD “exhibits no effects indicating potential for abuse or dependence.” The report also states that “there is no evidence of public health concerns associated with the use of pure CBD .
How CBD Works
The body must maintain processes such as temperature, mood, memory and movement in balance, which is called homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, plays a major role in this endeavor.
The ECS is abundant in the peripheral and central nervous systems. It consists of a network of receptors and endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids made in the human body. The cannabinoids found in cannabis plants are called phytocannabinoids. CBD and THC, of course, are both phytocannabinoids.
While THC binds directly to endocannabinoid receptors (thus galvanizing cognitive changes), CBD acts more indirectly. CBD does not appear to bind directly to a receptor. Instead, it appears to influence a variety of receptor-independent pathways and ion channels to produce a range of beneficial effects.
Blood vessel dilation is not part of this “range of beneficial effects”. For this reason, we can more or less dispel the myth that CBD causes red eyes.
If you have red eyes due to cannabis use, rest assured that it's not too complicated to resolve. Methods to avoid and soothe marijuana-induced bloodshot eyes include proper hydration and the use of quality eye drops. Or, changing strains from a high THC strain to a high CBD/low THC strain can also do the trick.
Overall, we hope this article has helped answer the question of whether or not CBD causes red eyes. If you want to consume cannabis but don't like the irritated look of your eyes, responsible consumption of quality CBD products can allow you to experience beneficial effects without suffering from swollen, watery and red eyes.