Due to it’s non-intoxicating yet therapeutic effects, CBD has become a welcome addition in the lives of millions. The benefits to be gained from CBD, a compound which carries no potential for abuse, addiction or overdose and provides a safe, gentle and effective remedy for many of life’s challenges, are huge.

As CBD is derived from cannabis plants there are misconceptions with the intoxicating compound also found in cannabis called THC. This misconception often stops many from experiencing the benefits of CBD due to not having important concerns answered fully.

A common physiological reaction to using intoxicating cannabis containing high levels of THC is ‘red eye’. This can occur with cannabis use as THC reduces blood pressure causing the blood vessels within the eye to dilate or become larger, increasing blood flow causing noticeable redness.

Research on CBD has concluded that CBD does not cause ‘red eye’ as it does not bind to receptors in the same way as THC.

Our physiological response to CBD is completely different to THC. CBD does not make your eyes dilate and as it is non-intoxicating it will also not make you feel high.

One caveat is that if you are using full spectrum CBD (CBD that contains the full range of compounds from the cannabis plant) the presence of very low levels of THC (not enough to make you high) may be enough to affect ‘red eye’. Full spectrum products do offer a boosted effectiveness of CBD compared to CBD isolate products. THC and other minor compounds create an entourage effect on CBD making it more effective. THC also has excellent pain killing properties even at small levels so the benefits can outweigh any potential red eye.

Factors also to be considered for causing ‘red eye’ include allergies and illnesses which should be checked out by your medical professional.