We all know the stereotype: red eyes, giggles, and snacks at midnight. But that image mostly comes from THC, not CBD. Still, we get asked a lot, “Does CBD make your eyes red?”
Fair question. If you are sipping a Little Rick at work or during your commute, red eyes are not the vibe. So let’s clear things up, literally and scientifically.
Can CBD Ever Make Your Eyes Red?
The short answer? Not usually.
CBD on its own is not known to cause red eyes. Unlike THC, it does not dilate blood vessels in your eyes or increase intraocular pressure. In fact, studies have shown that CBD tends to have no significant impact on eye redness for most people.
That said, Little Rick drinks use full-spectrum CBD, which includes small amounts of other cannabinoids. While the THC content is legally below 0.2%, extremely sensitive individuals might experience mild redness, but this is rare and temporary.
CBD vs. THC: What Part of Cannabis Causes Red Eyes?
Let’s be clear: it is THC, not CBD, that causes red eyes.
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the body, including those in your eyes. This leads to vasodilation, a widening of the blood vessels, especially in the capillaries of the eyes. That is what makes them appear red or bloodshot.
CBD does interact with cannabinoid receptors too, but mostly CB2, which are more related to immune function and inflammation. The result? You get the calming benefits without the eye drama.
We do not include THC in our UK drinks, and we definitely do not want your coworkers asking if you had “a cheeky smoke” on your lunch break.
Factors That Might Cause Red Eyes After CBD
So what gives if your eyes still look tired or red after sipping a CBD drink?
Here are a few likely culprits:
- Dry eyes or seasonal allergies
- Screen fatigue from too much scrolling
- Contact lens irritation
- Environmental triggers like wind, smoke, or poor sleep
- Individual sensitivity to trace cannabinoids in full-spectrum formulas
In short, it is probably not the CBD causing it, it is everything else going on around you.
How to Get Rid of Red Eyes
If you do get red eyes after taking CBD, do not panic. It usually sorts itself out quickly.
Here are a few easy fixes:
- Use hydrating eye drops (look for ones marked “lubricating” or “soothing”)
- Drink water, dehydration can make eye issues worse
- Rest your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and wind
- Get enough sleep, fatigue shows in your eyes before anywhere else
Also, make sure you are using a high-quality, lab-tested product like Little Rick. We are fully FSA-compliant and transparent about what goes into every can.
Still unsure about how CBD affects your system? We cover how long it takes to kick in and how long the effects last on the blog, too.
Conclusion: When to See a Doctor
Red eyes are rarely a sign of anything serious, but if the redness sticks around for more than a day or comes with pain, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light, book an eye test.
Also, if you notice persistent redness after every CBD drink, especially if you’re also taking medication or have a pre-existing condition, speak to your GP before continuing.
For everyone else: you are good to go. You can relax, sip, and focus on the important things… like how good our Raspberry Lemonade tastes after a long day.
