Do CBD Edibles Make Your Eyes Red?

Stereotypes indicate that red or bloodshot eyes are a tell-tale sign of a well-smoked blunt. However, while this is a generalisation at best, it’s rooted in truth. Marijuana can, in fact, cause red eyes – but can CBD do the same?

Studies indicate that THC could be the reason for red eyes. At CBD Village, however, we consider ourselves industry experts. Therefore, today, we’ll explore the idea of CBD – and whether it can cause red, bloodshot eyes.

Can My CBD Edibles Cause Red Eyes?

Here, the short answer is no – CBD edibles cannot cause bloodshot eyes. This means that you can safely consume your CBD gummies or capsules without fear of those bloodshot eyes.

However, it’s also important to remember that CBD can sometimes cause dry eyes. While this is a fairly rare side-effect, it could affect you – especially if your eyes are rather sensitive. In this case, you might be inclined to rub at your eyes, causing them to turn bloodshot.

Here, you should note that these bloodshot eyes occur due to physical irritation and broken blood vessels. These red eyes aren’t caused by CBD at all. In this case, what causes red eyes?

THC – The Real Culprit

Studies show that THC could be behind those bloodshot eyes. Apparently, marijuana consumption can lower your blood pressure. This, in turn, can dilate and widen the blood vessels in your eyes.

Wider blood vessels mean increased blood flow to your eyes. Therefore, this is what causes red eyes – that complete and total giveaway.

While you might think that smoking a joint or two can cause red eyes, they certainly aren’t the only culprits. In fact, consuming THC in any way, shape, or form can cause this to occur. Due to this, we can conclude that it’s THC – not CBD – behind those red eyes.

Help; I Only Consume CBD, but I Still Have Red Eyes!

Sometimes, you may experience red or bloodshot eyes after consuming CBD. Here, we should reiterate – on its own, CBD cannot cause red eyes. However, there could be a few other factors that cause red eyes.

Smoking and Vaping Can Cause Bloodshot Eyes

First, red eyes could be due to your method of ingestion. For example, smoke and vapour could contribute to bloodshot eyes. Therefore, when you smoke CBD flower, or use CBD e-liquid in your vape pen, this could contribute to red, watery eyes.

In addition to this, sensitive eyes could also play a factor here. When your eyes are sensitive, they could be more susceptible to external factors – including smoke and vapour. A smoky environment could cause red, watery eyes.

In this case, we’d recommend smoking your CBD flower, or puffing on your vape pen in a well-ventilated area. This will draw the smoke or vapour away from your eyes, helping you avoid bloodshot, watery eyes. Additionally, you could also change your consumption method.

Instead of smoking CBD flower, or utilising your vape pen, consider taking an alternative. For example, a CBD oil or tincture could go a long way, in terms of bioavailability. Plus, with this method, you’ll be able to avoid red eyes!

Your CBD Edible Could Contain THC

You might think that you’re consuming a THC-free CBD edible – so why are your eyes still red? Well, it could all come down to your product of choice. In the UK and Ireland, the CBD industry is still largely unregulated.

While the government is trying to implement proper guidelines around CBD products, it can be hard to keep track of them all. Plus, with multiple new businesses popping up every month, the CBD boom is well underway. However, this also means that you might be consuming an unregulated CBD product.

If your product of choice isn’t tested at a third-party lab, then it could still contain THC. With the number of unregulated CBD products on the market, this is becoming a fairly common situation. Earlier, we mentioned that THC – in any form – can cause red eyes.

Therefore, your CBD tincture, or gummies of choice, could contain large amounts of THC. This, in turn, could lead to red or bloodshot eyes. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid this.

First, we’d recommend buying your CBD edibles from a reputable retailer. This will help avoid unregulated CBD products, which could result in red eyes.

Before making a purchase, look for a company with its Novel Foods certifications in order. This will help establish that you’re buying and consuming a government-approved, established CBD product. Generally, these products will only contain trace amounts of THC – perfect for avoiding bloodshot eyes!

We’d also recommend purchasing third-party lab-tested products. These products usually come with Certificates of Analysis (COAs). By browsing these certificates, you’ll be able to tell just how much CBD they contain – and whether or not they contain THC.

With this method, you’ll be able to confirm that you’re buying and consuming THC-free CBD products, effectively dodging watery, red eyes!

So, CBD Doesn’t Cause Red Eyes… but Are There Any Other Side Effects?

By now, we’ve established that CBD isn’t to blame for red eyes. However, it could have some other side effects. While side effects from CBD consumption are fairly rare – especially when you buy from a reputable business, they can still occur.

Here are two of the most common:

• Feelings of exhaustion: Many people take CBD as a sleep aid. While we need more studies to properly conclude its effectiveness, it can sometimes cause feelings of sleepiness and exhaustion. If you experience this with your regular CBD dose, consider changing your consumption method. You can also take a CBD dose just before bedtime!
• Appetite changes: CBD could also play a role in feelings of hunger. Some people report that it increases their appetite, while others say that it suppresses it. If CBD increases your appetite, why not take a dose just before mealtimes? You could also have a selection of healthy snacks on hand – fruit, yoghurt, and protein bars all make tasty treats. However, if CBD decreases your appetite, take your dose right after mealtime, which will help ensure that you don’t skip meals.

In addition to these side effects, CBD could also interact with some medication. To safely consume CBD, discuss its use with your doctor, highlighting any other forms of medication you already take. Once your doctor gives you the green light, you’re good to go!

The Final Word on CBD and Red Eyes

On its own, a CBD edible won’t cause red eyes. However, there are some circumstances where CBD consumption can lead to bloodshot, watery eyes. For example, you might be accidentally consuming THC with your CBD. Your CBD smoke or vapour could also be affecting your eyes.

To avoid accidentally consuming THC, we’d recommend purchasing your CBD edibles from a reputable supplier. Certain online shops – like us, at CBD Village – work to procure and stock the best CBD products on the market. By doing this, we ensure that our customers only get the best CBD options – third-party tested and ready to ship.

As for avoiding smoke and vapour, we’ve got hundreds of other options. Choose from tinctures and teas to creams and capsules – at CBD Village, the choice is yours. Browse our CBD selection right here on the website, and maybe even pick up a new CBD product or two!