Stoned Eyes | Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention

stoned eyes

For most folks, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most desirable compound in cannabis because it causes euphoric effects. But besides getting you high, THC can cause red, glassy, droopy eyes or stoned eyes. Why does this happen and is it a bad thing? Keep reading to learn everything you should know about stoned eyes from using weed.

What Are Stoned Eyes?

Stoned eyes or high eyes are the red, glassy, or droopy eyes most people get after consuming cannabis with 5% THC or more. Even lower doses can cause this effect, especially for those with higher sensitivity to THC. It occurs because THC lowers blood pressure, causing blood vessels in the eyes to expand, leading to redness. THC may also cause eye dryness, making them look extra glossy.

While stoned eyes are harmless, they can be a giveaway that you’ve used cannabis, which unfortunately is still illegal and unwelcome in many places – Way to go Idaho! The good news? High eyes are temporary and easy to manage.

hire cannabis writer

Symptoms of Stoned Eyes

  • Redness: Bloodshot eyes due to dilated blood vessels.
  • Glassy look: Reduced tear production can make eyes appear shiny.
  • Droopy eyelids: THC relaxes muscles, including the eyelid muscles that control movement.
  • Slightly dilated pupils: Can make vision feel sharper or blurrier depending on the person.
  • Increased sensitivity: Light may feel brighter and affect vision.
  • Dry or itchy eyes: A side effect of decreased tear production.

What Causes Stoned Eyes?

Stoned eyes occur because THC lowers blood pressure, causing eye blood vessels to expand and become more visible. This causes the classic red-eye look after using cannabis. On top of that, cannabis can reduce tear production, making your eyes feel dry and look extra glossy.

The higher the THC content of a cannabis product, the more intense the stoned eyes effect will be. Also, some people are more prone to high eyes than others, but it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about.

Why Can’t I See Properly When High?

THC changes how your brain processes visual information, which can make things look blurry or out of focus when you’re high. It can also slow eye movement coordination, making it harder to track objects smoothly. It’s why driving while high isn’t recommended.

Furthermore, many people experience increased light sensitivity, so bright lights might feel harsher or make it tougher to see clearly. These effects are temporary and usually fade as the high wears off.

Why Can I See Better When High? 

THC can reduce eye pressure, which is why it’s used to treat glaucoma—helping those with the condition see more clearly. Pupil dilation also plays a role, allowing more light in, which can enhance night vision in low-light settings. While this effect isn’t universal, some users swear by their “high-definition” eyesight after consuming cannabis.

What Happens To Eyelids When High?

THC relaxes muscles, including those controlling the eyelids. This often leads to a droopy, half-lidded appearance, making you look more stoned than you feel.

Does Cannabis Have Any Lasting Effect on the Eyes?

For most users, no. Stoned eyes are typically temporary and wear off as THC leaves your system. However, frequent heavy use may contribute to chronic eye dryness or mild irritation over time.

Are Stoned Eyes Harmful?

Stoned eyes don’t pose any danger to your short or long-term visual health. The redness and dryness are temporary and harmless, fading away within hours. If redness, dryness, or irritation persists long after cannabis use, see a doctor because you likely have a health issue.

Now, while stoned eyes aren’t a health hazard, they can damage your reputation. You probably don’t want to become the guy/gal who’s constantly seen as high, especially at your workplace. With that in mind, let’s jump into how to fix stoned eyes.

How to Get Rid of Stoned Eyes

The quickest way to get rid of stoned eyes is with eye drops like Refresh and Visine that contain at least 0.05% tetrahydrozoline. It treats eye redness by shrinking eye blood vessels, making them less engorged and visible. Products like Visine Advanced Relief combine redness relief and lubrication to cure stoned eyes even faster.

However, frequent use can lead to rebound redness, where the eyes become even redder over time due to dependency on the drops. So, don’t make it a habit!

You can also drink water and blink more to help minimize eye dryness. Get results even faster by placing a cold compress over your eyes to reduce puffiness. If you would like to prevent or minimize stoned when next you use cannabis, go for a strain with lower THC or take smaller doses.

get rid of stoned eyes

How to Prevent Stoned Eyes While Using Cannabis

  1. Use eye drops before cannabis use – Prevents the issue before it starts.
  2. Less potent cannabis – Use strains with lower THC and higher CBD.
  3. Sunglasses – The easiest way to hide red, droopy eyes from cannabis use.
  4. Stay Hydrated – Hydrating before and after smoking can help minimize dryness.
  5. Avoid rubbing your eyes – Rubbing worsens redness.
  6. Lighting – Use cannabis in a well-lit space to reduce eye strain.
cold compress to ease stoned eyes

How Long Do Stoned Eyes Last After Cannabis Use?

Pupil dilation, dry, and red eyes from using weed typically fades within 1–4 hours. The exact time will depend on your dose, strain, consumption method, and tolerance. For example, high eyes from ingesting cannabis lasts longer than smoking or vaping. This is because the effects take longer to kick in and last longer, including eye redness and dryness.

However, not everyone experiences pupil dilation, but when it happens, it’s usually subtle. If your pupils stay noticeably large for longer, other factors—like lighting, hydration, or mixing substances—could be at play.

Stoned Eyes vs. Other Eye Issues

Stoned eyes are just red, droopy, dry eyes—nothing more. Allergies, on the other hand, come with itchiness and watery discharge, while infections bring pain, swelling, and gunk. If your eyes stay red even when you’re sober, it could be something else, like irritation or an underlying issue.

Cannabis-related redness fades in a few hours, but if it sticks around or comes with discomfort, it’s worth checking with a doctor.

What Other Drugs Can Cause Stoned Eyes?

  • Cannabis concentrates – Cannabis-derived products containing HHC or THC can cause red eyes.
  • Alcohol – Can cause redness due to dehydration.
  • Cocaine and other stimulants – May lead to dilated pupils.
  • Psychedelics – LSD and shrooms can cause bloodshot eyes and dilation.

FAQs About Stoned Eyes

What are stoned eyes?

Stoned eyes are bloodshot, droopy eyes from taking cannabis, which contains THC that dilates eye blood vessels, leading to red and puffy eyes. It’s temporary and harmless for most cannabis users.

How long do high eyes last?

Stoned eyes usually last between 1-4 hours, depending on the THC dose and how your body processes it.

How do I get rid of stoned eyes fast?

To get rid of stoned eyes quickly, use eye drops that contain tetrahydrozoline and apply a cold compress to your eyes. Drinking water to hydrate can also help.

Why do edibles cause stoned eyes?

Edibles cause stoned eyes because they contain THC like any other cannabis product. However, stoned eyes from edibles can last longer because ingested THC enters your bloodstream and metabolizes slower.

Can CBD cause high eyes?

CBD typically doesn’t cause stoned eyes, but full-spectrum products with small amounts of THC can still lead to some redness.

Do edibles make your eyes red?

Yes, edibles can make your eyes red because THC still affects your blood pressure and causes blood vessels in the eyes to dilate.

What causes pupils to change size?

THC affects the muscles around your pupils, causing them to dilate (get bigger) by relaxing the eye muscles.

How do I get rid of high eyes fast without eye drops?

Hydrate, use a cold compress, and blink repeatedly to stimulate tear production and relieve dryness.

Conclusion

Stoned eyes are a harmless but obvious sign of cannabis use. You can usually manage them by hydrating and using eye drops and a cold compress. Do you have other tricks for keeping red eyes under control? Share them below! You should also check out my cannabis content writing service if you’d like articles like this for your website.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents