At some point, you must have experienced a bloated face, red and puffy eyes, as well as dehydrated skin after smoking. Have you ever stopped to think and ask yourself why this happens whenever you smoke? Does using weed cause vasodilation. The answer is maybe.
What is Vasodilation?
Vasodilation is a mechanism to enhance blood flow to areas of the body that are lacking oxygen and/or nutrients. The vasodilation causes a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and an increase in blood flow, resulting in a reduction of blood pressure.
The word “vasodilation” is used to describe the opening up of the body’s blood vessels.
It is the opposite of “vasoconstriction” where the blood vessels close up within the body. It is a temporary situation. It occurs naturally in your body in response to triggers such as low oxygen levels, a decrease in available nutrients, and increases in temperature. It causes the widening of your blood vessels, which in turn increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
Consuming marijuana could bring about vasodilation. When using cannabis, blood flow to some parts of the body is restricted or reduced. Oxygen transportation is also slowed down and not quickly delivered as promptly. While not dangerous, vasodilation can occur.
The easiest way to know this is happening is by the obvious reddening of the eyes, as well as the puffy/bloated face of the user. Unfortunately, many are not aware of this physiological mechanism, so they pin it on smoke irritation.
Some medical practitioners prescribe cannabis-based medications to patients suffering from glaucoma, high blood pressure, etc. This is because of the vasodilating response that would be induced by these drugs to help lower the blood pressure.
Vasodilation and Cannabis
While researchers have been able to find useful medical applications for cannabis in the human body, they have still not discovered the full extent of the effects of cannabis consumption on other organs in the body. And the risks involved are most times underestimated. The vasodilating effects of cannabis are one of the physiological responses of the body that have been investigated.
What Makes Cannabis a Vasodilator?
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive element present in cannabis. It is the agent that causes a noticeable increase in the heart rate, as well as a lowered blood pressure.
Another vasodilating effect is dizziness. This is because THC reacts with cannabinoid receptors present around the body, most especially the eyes to induce these effects.
Although THC is not the only cannabinoid responsible for all these, it is responsible for the bulk of these reactions. The amount of THC present in the cannabis strain ingested determines the extent of vasodilation in the user’s body.
For example, consuming a cannabis strain with less than 15% THC might result in little or no noticeable reddening of the eyes, compared to consuming over 30% THC cannabis strain. It also depends on the user’s tolerance, because everyone’s body anatomy is unique.
What Causes Reddening Of the Eyes?
The main reason your eyes get red — or bloodshot and bloated — when you use marijuana is due to vasodilation being set off by THC and other cannabinoids present in cannabis. When your eyes redden and get puffy, it indicates that there is an increased blood flow to your eyeball due to the dilation of blood vessels and capillaries around the eye area.
After the effects of the drugs begin to wear off, the capillaries and blood vessels gradually begin to close off and constrict. Till everything is back to normal.
Can Vasodilation Be Halted?
Vasodilation is a subconscious response, hence it cannot be prevented from occurring. Neither can it be halted when it has started. It only stops when the last effects of cannabis wear off in the body. You have zero control over the workings of vasodilation, nor vasoconstriction.
However, you can put in the effort to mask/cover up the effects of using cannabis by hiding your bloated face and puffy eyes.
Masking Vasodilation
Like I mentioned above vasodilation can’t be stopped, however with a few techniques you can effectively mask the signs. Here are some ways you can hide your puffy reds eyes effectively.
Eye drops—Allergy and Artificial: Allergy drops help with bloodshot eyes. It effectively reduces discomfort and redness. If it is itchy, it also helps soothe the eyes. Artificial teardrops can also help, although it is not as efficient as allergy eye drops, which is not surprising.
Both drops contain Tetryzoline, which acts as a constricting agent for the blood vessels. And both drops are easy to get at the nearest pharmacy over the counter.
Using Sunglasses: This is a perfect way to hide the use of marijuana, especially when in a public gathering with people you do not stare at your bloodshot eyes.
For example, you can use it for a lecture in college. It’s simple, less expensive, and fast to just pick your glasses, put them on and go about basking in your high. The only downside to this is that you cannot wear sunglasses at night, so as not to damage your eyesight.
Doing away with caffeinated drink: Coffee is also like cannabis, they are both vasodilators. Stay hydrated. Take a very cold bath if you can or put ice bags over your eyes.
Calmly wait for symptoms to subside: The redness will even be reduced and everything will go back to normal. The duration may vary from 1-12 hours depending on your body’s tolerance, weight, metabolism. And the strain and dose of cannabis ingested. Choose strains of cannabis with low THC.
Vasodilation is a temporary issue which can be partially mitigated with some simple steps. There isn’t a long term danger.
As it it becomes available to more people, there is a positive health change going on according to data.
Cannabis is becoming more mainstream and and the side effects are doing even better than expected. It seems the availability of legal marijuana is helping with the health of the general population. Studies in California, Canada and the now New Zealand have shown the upside of legalization. While cannabis has been used for health benefits for millions of years, reduction in more harmful intoxication products is another important wellness trend.
Alcohol consumption is associated with significant health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers. In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 36,000 annual U.S. deaths are attributed to chronic alcohol use, while there is no comparable category for marijuana-related deaths. Alcohol is also much more addictive than marijuana, causing long term physical and mental issues.
A study from New Zealand has found some interesting trends regarding the relationship between marijuana legalization and the consumption of alcohol and opioids.
Following the legalization of marijuana in New Zealand, researchers observed a notable decline in alcohol consumption:
The study found no significant impact on underage drinking rates among those aged 12-20.
This suggests for adults, marijuana may be serving as a substitute for alcohol in some cases, particularly when it comes to heavy drinking episodes.
The relationship between marijuana legalization and opioid use appears more complex:
There was no clear evidence of marijuana legalization directly reducing opioid use or abuse.
However, some research indicates that people who use cannabis are more likely to initiate opioid use, with an odds ratio of 2.76 compared to non-cannabis users.
The likelihood of transitioning from opioid use to opioid use disorders among cannabis users was found to be 2.52 times higher than non-cannabis users.
The study also revealed some additional findings regarding substance use patterns:
Marijuana use increased by 16% among adults aged 21 and older following legalization.
There was a 5-6% increase in marijuana use initiation among adolescents and young adults aged 12-20. This would be go with the greater North American trend of California sober and Gen Z drifting away from alcohol and more into marijuana.
No significant changes were observed in the use of hard drugs like cocaine or heroin in any age group.
These findings suggest while marijuana legalization may lead to decreased alcohol consumption among adults, it does not necessarily translate to reduced use of other substances, particularly opioids. The relationship between cannabis use and other substance use behaviors is complex and multifaceted. Time and more research should yield more benefits.
Want something delicious with an “oomph” – these yummy creamy concoctions will make your mouth happy!
Fall is a time of coziness, cuffing and nights in front of the fire. Want better way to accent it with a nice tasty cocktail? Try these delicious autumn cream drinks and enjoy the pre-holiday season. Bailey’s was the commercial first cream liquor and made available to the public in 1971. But Irish monks have blended whiskey with fresh dairy cream since the 14th century. These new and classic connections will bring a smile on crisp nights.
Important note, using cream instead of milk in alcoholic cocktails can significantly enhance the drink’s texture, flavor, and overall experience. Cream provides a richer and smoother texture compared to milk. The higher fat content in cream (typically around 36% or more) creates a luxurious mouthfeel that can elevate the drinking experience.
White Russian
The White Russian’s development took about 30 years. The first mention of the drink is in a newspaper was in 1965 in the Oakland Tribune. The 1961 edition of the Diner’s Club Drink Book included a recipe for a Black Russian, with a note suggesting adding cream to make a White Russian. The White Russian’s popularity increased after the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, drinks it throughout the film.
Ingredients
2ouncesvodka
1ounceKahlúa
1ounceheavy cream
Create
Add the vodka and Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice
Top with the heavy cream and stir
Churro Cocktails
A churro is a fried dough pastry originated in Spain and Portugal. They are a fast-growing dessert and breakfast item on menus, and are a popular treat at theme parks and sporting events in Europe and North and South America. Somrus, who makes cream liquors, made a cocktail from the flavor.
Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Somrus Coffee
1/2 part cinnamon whiskey
Create
In an ice-filled shaker, add ingredients and shake
Strain and pour
Brandy Alexander
This is was a classic “go to drink” for X. It was rumored to have been created at the Paris Ritz in 1922. Or it could have been made in 1915 by celebrate pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander during a World Series. It was considered a posh way to end the evening, especially after other cocktails.It’s creamy and boozy or a delicious replacement for dessert for those who like to drink their sweets. In the 2000s, it has moved to the back of the line, but is still a great way to cap off a night drinking.
1 1/2ouncescognac
1ouncedark creme de cacao
1ouncecream
Gratednutmeg for garnish
Create
Add cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass
For those who are holding on to every last bit of summer, this mango cocktail can add a a little sunshine. The fruit is considered the world’s most popular fruit with over 20 million tons consumed each year. Mangoes are a symbol of friendship and love, which can add to special evening.
Ingredients
2 parts Somrus Mango
1 part citrus vodka
½ part simple syrup
Club soda
Create
Combine Mango liqueur, vodka and simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker
Cocktails, beers, vapes, and gummies are all staples of social gathers – but is the cocktails or the vape better?
Alcohol has long consistent hold on society. Having been part of India, the Middle East and more, it has played a part in medicine, religion, intimacy and recreation for thousands of year. Yet alcohol has become the modern accepted intoxicant. But is an old fashioned or a gummy healthier in today’s world? Moderation is the key for both, but science comes down clearly on one side.
Cannabis and alcohol are two of the most widely used recreational substances, but their health impacts differ significantly. While neither is without risks, research suggests that cannabis may be the healthier option overall when used responsibly.
Alcohol consumption carries substantial health risks, especially with heavy or long-term use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that excessive alcohol use leads to approximately 88,000 deaths annually in the United States. Alcohol is linked to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and increased cancer risk. It can also exacerbate mental health issues and contribute to accidents and violence
Cannabis, on the other hand, has a lower risk profile. There have been no reported deaths from marijuana overdose, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. While smoking cannabis can have negative effects on lung health, alternative consumption methods like gummies, tinctures and oils avoid this risk. Cannabis is also less addictive than alcohol, with about 9% of users becoming dependent compared to 23% for alcohol.
Both substances impair cognitive function and motor skills in the short term. However, alcohol tends to have more severe immediate effects, including the risk of alcohol poisoning. Cannabis typically does not cause the intense hangover effects associated with alcohol use.
Moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, according to some studies. However, cannabis has shown promise in pain management and as a potential alternative to more dangerous opioid medications. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that researchers continue to explore.
While both substances carry risks, the available evidence suggests that cannabis is likely the healthier choice when compared to alcohol. It has a lower risk of overdose, less severe long-term health consequences, and potentially more medical applications. However, it’s crucial to note that the healthiest option is always moderation or abstinence from both substances.