Bloodshot Eyes from Weed: Why It Happens and What to Do?

November 14, 2025 by Canna City 3 minutes
This page was last updated on November 19, 2025
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The reason why eyes go red after smoking weed is because THC causes the small blood vessels near the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye) to widen (vasodilation), which increases blood flow to the area. Additionally, THC will lower your intraocular pressure for several hours. Wider vessels + more blood flow = the bloodshot look associated with being stoned.

How to Remove Red Eyes from Weed: Safe, Quick Methods

1) Hydrate your eyes before using medication. There are many things you can do to hydrate your eyes including:

  • Blink more often (it’s harder to blink when looking at screens for extended periods of time).
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears.
  • Drink water; dry eyes will appear more redder than hydrated ones.

None of these options will restrict blood flow through your vessels, but they will improve comfort and appearance.

2) Brimonidine 0.025% (best eye drops for stoners)

Brimonidine 0.025%:

  • Works by targeting alpha-2 receptors on veins to decrease redness while still allowing oxygen to be delivered.
  • Fast onset and long duration compared to standard decongestants.
  • No significant rebound reported in clinical trials.

Typical Use: One drop per eye, as needed. Follow all instructions for the product.

Clinical Studies: have shown clinically significant redness reduction lasting for up to 8 hours with a low risk of rebound/tachyphylaxis when used appropriately.

3) Classic Decongestants (Tetrahydrozoline/Naphazoline):

Classic Decongestants:

  • Will rapidly constrict vessels in the eye, however prolonged/frequent use may lead to rebound redness (eyes will appear even redder when the drops wear off). Only use these products as an occasional short-term solution.

4) If Allergies Are A Factor

If you have allergy-related red eyes consider using antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer products such as ketotifen or olopatadine.

Antihistamine/Mast-Cell Stabilizers:

  • Don’t just hide redness, they treat the underlying allergy.

How to fix red eyes from weed: Comparison of Options

Drop Goal Drop Type What Helps Pros Cons
Comfort & Moisture Lubricating Tears (PF) Dryness/Burning Gentle Contact Lens – Friendly Options Doesn’t “Whiten” Dramatically
Long Lasting Whitening Brimonidine 0.025% Visible Redness Fast Onset; Hours Of Relief; Low Rebound Follow label directions
Allergy Related Red Eyes Antihistamine/Mast-Cell Itch/Tearing/Redness Treats Cause Daily use; be aware of age/label limits
Emergency Use Decongestants (Tetrahydrozoline) Temporary Redness Quick Fix Rebound Redness

How to get rid of red eyes from weed without eye drops?

If you don’t want to use eye drops for high eyes, try the following:

  • Cool Compress For 3-5 Minutes: Temporarily reduces the size of the surface blood vessels in your eyes.
  • Hydration/Humidity: Have some water and take a short break from the dry air created by your heater or air conditioning unit.
  • Screens Breaks: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds (20-20-20).
  • Dark Amber Lenses: Help to minimize the contrast between light and dark areas of your eyes, making the redness less noticeable when you’re out and about.

While these will help to improve the way you look and feel, they won’t remove redness the same way medicated eye drops would.

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