No matter how hard you try, smoking always leaves tell-tale signs that you’re high. While it’s not illegal to walk around town stoned, it can lead to some unwarranted and judgmental stares from onlookers and passersby. Nothing shows people that you’re high on your favorite strain from a Denver dispensary like bloodshot and red eyes. Though harmless, many smokers actively look for ways to hide their high before going out in public. If you’ve ever wondered what causes your eyes to go red after smoking a bowl, you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know about the dreaded red eye and how you can hide the symptoms before leaving home.

What Causes Red and Bloodshot Eyes?

Though many people believe that the redness resulting from a smoke session is nothing more than eye irritation or allergies to smoke, it’s not the whole truth. While smoke of any type will aggravate your eyes, it’s not the primary cause of red eyes from smoking marijuana. In fact, it’s the THC in the marijuana that contributes to your red and bloodshot eyes.

After smoking, THC lowers your blood pressure and causes the blood vessels in your eyes to dilate. This means more blood flows through the vessels after smoking, resulting in red eyes and bloodshot eyes. Though visible, it’s not harmful and, according to some physicians, may even help patients with glaucoma. Like most side effects of getting high, red eyes are not something you can completely avoid. It’s how your body reacts to the presence of marijuana.

How to Minimize the Effects

Though it can’t be avoided, there are ways to minimize the effects of red eye after your smoke sesh. Here are a few easy things you can try.

• Choose Low THC Strains: Since it’s the THC in marijuana that causes your blood vessels to dilate, you can mitigate the dilation by choosing a strain that’s low in THC. CBD tinctures, vapes, and patches have no THC at all, but still give you the positive effects associated with marijuana. Keep in mind that if you want to get high, you’ll need to choose a strain that has some THC present.
• Use Eye Drops: Every smoker should have a set of eye drops on hand to alleviate the dryness and itchiness associated with exposure to smoke. However, the drops may also help alleviate the redness itself. Look for brands that are specifically designed to treat red eye.
• Drink Water: Drinking water is always a good idea, but when you’re smoking, it’s especially important. By staying hydrated, your body is better equipped to combat the feelings of dry-mouth and itchy eyes on its own.

Though side effects are not completely avoidable, they can be reduced and make your smoking a bit more pleasant.

Looking for a low-THC strain to help reduce red eye after smoking? Stop by Altitude Dispensary and check out our great selection of quality products. Our budtenders will help you find the best products for your preferences. Preview our menus online and drop by one of our three locations today.