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Most people don’t prefer to get bloodshot eyes when they dab. So, what’s the verdict on dab pens and red eyes?
The jury is still out on this one. Someone say that dab pens make your eyes red, while others swear they’ve never experienced this side effect. It’s hard to know for sure since everyone’s body responds differently to vaping.
That being said, there are a few possible explanations for why dab pens might make your eyes red. Let’s take a quick look at the science and how you can mitigate red eyes if you get them.
The science behind dabbing and red eyes
Cannabis makes your eyes red because of its active ingredient, THC. Regardless of whether you’re consuming edibles, smoking a vape, or dabbing, the THC in cannabis is what’s responsible for making your eyes red.
THC binds to receptors in the brain that control things like appetite, pain, and blood pressure.
These receptors are also found in the eyes. When THC binds to these receptors, it can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate.
Dabbing concentrates has a higher concentration of THC than smoking weed does. So it stands to reason that dabbing would also cause your eyes to become redder.
How long do your eyes stay red after dabbing?
As is known, the cannabis experience is different for everyone.
This is because everyone has a different endocannabinoid system – the system in the body that responds to cannabis.
The length of time your eyes stay red after smoking weed depends on how sensitive your endocannabinoid system is. For some people, the effects of dabbing wear off after a few hours. For others, the effects can last for days.
Reasons why dab pens might make your eyes red
Here are a couple of the most common reasons why dab pens might make your eyes red.
If you’re concerned about getting bloodshot eyes from dabbing, there are also a few things you can do to minimize the risk.
Dabbing temperature
The vapor from dab pens is hotter than the vapor from other types of vapes, which can cause your eyes to become irritated and red.
Using a lower temperature will produce cooler vapor that is less likely to irritate your eyes.
Dehydration
Vaping in general can cause dehydration, as vaping removes moisture from your body. To combat this, be sure to drink plenty of water when you are dabbing.
Dry eyes
If you already have dry eyes, vaping can make the problem worse.
This is because the vapor from your pen can remove moisture from your eyes. If you have dry eyes, be sure to use eye drops when you dab.
Allergies
If you’re allergic to the ingredients in your vape juice, that could be the reason your eyes are getting red. Allergies can cause all sorts of eye problems, including redness, itching, and swelling.
If you think you might be allergic to something in your vape juice, switch to a different flavor or brand.
Other ways to reduce the occurrence of red eyes
Here are a few other things you can do to reduce the chance of getting red eyes from dabbing.
Lower your dosage
If you are allergic to some of the ingredients in the concentrate, this may be the cause of your red eyes. Allergies can cause various eye problems, including redness, itching, and swelling. If you think you may be allergic to something in the concentrate, try a different concentrate or switch to another brand.
Take breaks
If you’re using your dab pen frequently throughout the day, try to take breaks of at least a few hours in between uses. This will give your body time to recover and may help reduce the chances of getting bloodshot eyes.
Eat a companion food
Some people find that eating a certain food alongside cannabis can help reduce the chance of getting bloodshot eyes.
This is known as the entourage effect and it occurs because the cannabinoids in cannabis work together with other compounds in the plant to produce various effects.
For example, consuming or sniffing black pepper and cannabis has been shown to reduce red eyes.
This is because black pepper contains a compound called beta-caryophyllene, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Final thoughts
There’s no definitive answer on whether dab pens make your eyes red.
However, if you’re concerned about getting red eyes from dabbing, try a few of our suggestions to see if they help.
And remember, everyone’s body responds differently to cannabis so what works for one person may not work for another!
