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Ocular Effects of Substance Use – How and Why Drugs Change Your Eyes

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1 year ago

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Eyes are the windows to the soul. You can tell a lot about a person by looking into their eyes, like how they’re feeling, if they’re lying about something, and often times, if they’re high on drugs. While not all substances affect our eyes the same way, most of them do impact our peepers in some way. From pupil dilation and constriction to bloodshot, watery eyes, it’s a very common and simple way to determine if a person may be on drugs, and which ones.  

Ocular manifestations of drug use 

One of the significant side effects from drugs is changes in the appearance of the eyes, including the pupil’s motion and size and the color of the whites. Many drugs from illicit ones to legal substances to prescription drugs, in all different classes from cannabis to opiates to amphetamines, all of them have effects on the eyes.  

Some of these effects are short term, like the ones mentioned above, while some are more severe and can lead to lasting changes in vision. For now, we’ll focus on the former, immediate effects that indicate current intoxication. These include bloodshot and/or watery eyes, dilated pupils, and pinpoint pupils.  

Bloodshot eyes 

Many irritants like make-up and various chemicals, medical conditions such as allergies, and several different substances can cause red, bloodshot, eyes – which is a result of expanding blood vessels in the sclera. Chronic dry eye can also cause redness in the eyes, as your body is not producing enough tears to keep them properly lubricated.  

Again, there are many different drugs that can make your eyes red but most commonly, you see it when people drink too much alcohol, smoke weed, or use cocaine. As a regular pot smoker that also suffers from chronic dry eye, I use eyedrops pretty much anytime I leave the house, just to not look like I’m baked out of my mind while out in public.  

Dilated pupils  

Some substances trigger the body’s fight or flight adrenaline response by interacting with serotonin and adrenergic receptors in our sympathetic nervous system. This chemical reaction leads to mydriasis, the muscle relaxation that allows the eye’s pupil to expand and let in more light. Pupils also dilate naturally due to changes in light and emotional events, for example, pupils can dilate when a person is scared, stressed, or sexually aroused.  

Close up of a very dilated pupil

Stimulants are most commonly cause pupil dilation. However, this symptom can result from ingesting alcohol, cocaine, cannabis in rare cases, and it’s pretty common with most hallucinogens as well such as MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine. SSRI antidepressants are also known to cause pupil dilation. What’s also interesting is that opiates cause the opposite effect, constriction of the pupils, but opioid withdrawal can cause the pupils to dilate. 

I’ve experienced pupil dilation when using MDMA and psilocybin, but since I typically use those types of drugs at night, I didn’t really notice any changes to my vision. In my younger years, I sometimes used ecstasy during the day, and I do remember feeling like my eyes were more sensitive to sunlight – sunglasses were my best friend. As a matter of fact, I’ve met people who were rolling and wore their sunglasses at night too, so I guess the struggle is real for some.   

Pinpoint pupils  

Whereas dilation due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system, it’s stimulation of the parasympathetic system, known for “rest and digest” functions, that causes constriction, or pinpoint pupils. Pinpoint pupils appear and remain very small even in darkness. 

Pupil constriction can have natural causes, like exposure to bright lights and aging. It’s also a side effect of certain medications, or could be caused by hemorrhaging or poisoning. It can also indicate opiate use, but unlike dilated pupils, pinpoint pupils are often a sign of a possible overdose. If your friend or family member displays this symptom and their eyes are not responding to light, call 911 immediately.  

Other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) and barbiturates (e.g. phenobarbital) can cause pinpoint pupils. These drugs act on the brain’s GABA receptors, which play a role in pupil size regulation. 

Other effects

In addition to the above-listed side effects, which are the most frequently discussed, there are quite a few other eye-related tells that point to intoxication. For example, when people use alcohol, opiates, and other downers, it’s common to experience heavy, droopy eyelids. From an outsider’s perspective, it almost looks like the person is starting to fall asleep because their eyes will barely stay open.  

Heavy eyelids that make a person look like they’re nodding off are common

With amphetamines, twitching can happen pretty often. This can be in various parts of the body, but it does often occur in the eyelids. It can be subtle, but sometimes it’s extremely noticeable. Other ocular symptoms can include blurred vision (common when people drink too much, but other substances can cause this too), slowed reaction time or jerky eye movements (which is why police ask suspects to follow their fingers when testing for sobriety), and glazed over eyes (stoned eyes).   

Final Thoughts

Listen to the eyes, they have much to say; especially when it comes to a person’s current state of mind. Again, it doesn’t really matter what class of drugs you’re talking about, most of them have some type of effects on the eyes. Some are very obvious, like extremely dilate pupils or severe twitching, but some can be more subtle, or can be attributed to many other causes, like redness. So whether you’re checking for drug use in someone else, or trying to hide your own drug use, remember to always take a quick glance at your eyes before doing something important.

Hello readers. We’re happy to have you with us at Cannadelics.com; a news source here to bring you the best in independent reporting for the growing cannabis and hallucinogen fields. Join us frequently to stay on top of everything, and subscribe to our Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, for updates straight to your email. Check out some awesome promos for cannabis buds, smoking devices and equipment like vapes, edibles, cannabinoid compounds, magic mushroom products, and a whole bunch more. Let’s all get high together!



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RFK Jr. Does Champion Cannabis

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22 minutes ago

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January 30, 2025

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He is in middle of the process to be the new Health and Human Services Secretary, the good news he aligns with their stance on marijuana.

Robert F Kennedy, Jr has some unique healthcare ideas and it is causing a bit of a stir in Congress. He is being nominated to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency, among other things, is responsible for advancing the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services along with ensuring food and drug safety, and provide health insurance programs. Part of the programs they oversee include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is a massive job with million of lives effected.  His approval by the Senate could make a difference in one area, RFK Jr does champion cannabis.

RELATED: A Glass Of Water Should Only Sit Out For This Long

Kennedy has gained the ire of public health officials, the Kennedy family, bipartisan Congressional members and more…but the new administration backs him.  When he announced his endorsement of this GOP nominees, the current President embraced him wholeheartedly.  He would have influence of the chaos of the rescheduling process. He would also provide home to the thousands of small business in the industry.

Kennedy’s stance on marijuana is multifaceted:

  1. Federal Legalization: He supports the complete federal legalization of marijuana, which would align federal policy with the growing number of states that have already legalized cannabis for recreational use.
  2. Banking Services: Kennedy advocates for opening up traditional banking services to the cannabis industry. This would address the current cash-intensive nature of the business, which he believes encourages crime.
  3. Tax Revenue Allocation: A central aspect of Kennedy’s plan is to implement a federal tax on marijuana sales. He proposes using this revenue specifically to fund drug treatment and rehabilitation centers.
  4. Treatment Centers: Kennedy envisions creating “renewal centers” that would focus on treating mental illness, PTSD, and drug addiction. These centers would also incorporate therapeutic activities like organic farming.
  5. Personal Freedom: While acknowledging his own past struggles with addiction, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of personal freedoms and views the current policy of criminalizing and incarcerating people for drug use as unsustainable.

As the debate around marijuana legalization continues, Kennedy’s stance represents a an updated and science based cannabis policy. It also emphasizes treatment and regulation over criminalization. His position aligns with a growing bipartisan trend towards cannabis legalization, reflecting changing public attitudes and a reevaluation of America’s approach to drug policy



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How AI Impacts The Cannabis Industry

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24 hours ago

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January 29, 2025

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Artificial Intelligence has been the shiny new toy and now has hit a threat….but has it had an impact on the cannabis industry? 

The Chinese companies DeepSeek and Alibaba have upended artificial intelligence (AI) world this week. AI has been the new buzz world and an investment darling, raking in billions with the promise of a changed world.  Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, and more have worked to integrate into their businesses in the pursuit of more innovations, effectiveness and cost saving business lines. ChatGPT rocked the world and Nvidia become the darling of Wall Street.  But this week, analysts had a chance to review DeepSeek and it sent the US AI market spiraling…causes a dip in the stock market. Here is how AI impacts the cannabis industry.

RELATED: The Best Marijuana Strains For Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

One of the downsides of this new technology is how venture firms have become hyper-focused on tech, specifically AI. When companies announce AI they get a stock boost and it is popping up in a variety of places from phones to appliances. The entry of DeepSeek could be a devastating event for venture capital firms who went all-in on foundational model companies. The amount of capital is much more than anything firms has ever before disbursed, based on what might be a suddenly-stale thesis. Now they could be in danger.

Despite the financial aspect, AI is helping the cannabis industry. It is having the biggest impact in various aspects of cultivation, production, and retail. This technological advancement is enhancing efficiency, quality, and sustainability across the entire cannabis supply chain.In cultivation, AI algorithms are optimizing growth conditions by processing environmental and plant health data to maintain ideal growing conditions. This maximizes yield and reduces resource waste. AI-powered video analytics and machine learning technologies are providing detailed insights into every aspect of the growing process. These systems analyze data from environmental sensors and cameras to monitor conditions such as light, humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels in real-time, making precise adjustments to maintain optimal growing conditions.

AI systems are also optimizing water and nutrient delivery to cannabis plants, significantly affecting yields and product quality. By analyzing data from soil moisture and nutrient sensors, these systems precisely adjust irrigation and fertilization schedules based on the plants’ needs. This technology not only improves crop performance but also conserves resources and reduces environmental impact.

In the harvesting process, AI-driven robotics are automating and streamlining operations. These robots use AI video analytics to determine the optimal harvest time for each plant, ensuring consistent quality and reducing labor costs. Companies like Bloom Automation have developed robots that can delicately handle plants, identify ripe cannabis flowers, and trim buds from branches with precision.

In supply chain management, AI algorithms are optimizing inventory management, forecasting demand, and streamlining logistics. By analyzing sales data, production schedules, and market trends, AI helps businesses forecast demand, minimize excess inventory, and streamline distribution processes. This enhanced visibility and control over the supply chain empower cannabis businesses to make data-driven decisions and improve operational efficiency.

Moreover, predictive analytics can anticipate customer demand and optimize inventory management, ensuring that products are available when and where they are needed.

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on the cannabis industry is expected to grow, driving innovation, efficiency, and quality across all aspects of the sector. However, challenges such as high implementation costs for smaller companies and data privacy concerns will need to be addressed to fully realize AI’s potential in this rapidly growing industry. Also, the Chinese government have a worse aversion to cannabis than most companies, and it could impact customer perception in the future.



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The Best Marijuana Strains For Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

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2 days ago

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January 29, 2025

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As we start the year of the snake – are you curious what cannabis strain is best for your sign?

Lunar New Year is a significant cultural festival celebrated by many Asian countries marking the beginning of a new year based on lunar or lunisolar calendars. It typically begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. It is most important festival of the year for many Asian cultures. This year is the year of the snake! But why not skip the tradition of the red envelope and go straight for the green! Here are the best marijuana strains for your Chinese Zodiac sign.

RELATED: A Glass Of Water Should Only Sit Out For This Long

Cannabis enthusiasts and astrology buffs alike have found an intriguing intersection between the lunar zodiac and marijuana strains. This fusion of ancient wisdom and modern horticulture has given rise to a unique way of selecting and experiencing cannabis based on one’s astrological sign.

Each zodiac sign is believed to have distinct traits that can be complemented by specific cannabis strains1. For instance, the bold and energetic Aries might find harmony with sativa-dominant strains like Green Crack or Jack Herer, which provide an uplifting and energizing experience13. In contrast, the grounded and sensual Taurus may prefer indica-leaning strains such as Grandaddy Purple or Northern Lights, known for their relaxing and indulgent effects. Here is what is best for you.

Rat: Known for intelligence and adaptability. Strain: Green Crack – energizing and mentally stimulating

Ox: Diligent and strong. Strain: OG Kush – relaxing and stress-relieving, perfect after a hard day’s work

Tiger: Brave and confident. Strain: Sour Diesel – energizing and confidence-boosting

Rabbit: Gentle and elegant. Strain: Harlequin – calming with high CBD content for anxiety relief

Dragon: Charismatic and energetic. Strain: Durban Poison – uplifting and creative

Snake: Wise and enigmatic. Strain: Girl Scout Cookies – balanced hybrid for introspection

Horse: Energetic and free-spirited. Strain: Jack Herer – energizing sativa for adventure

Goat: Mild-mannered and creative. Strain: Blue Dream – relaxing yet creative-enhancing

Monkey: Clever and playful. Strain: Trainwreck – euphoric and sociable

Rooster: Observant and hardworking. Strain: Skywalker OG – relaxing without impairing productivity

Dog: Loyal and honest. Strain: ACDC – high CBD strain for gentle relaxation

Pig: Easy-going and generous. Strain: Purple Punch – deeply relaxing and comforting1.

The connection between astrology and cannabis extends beyond strain selection and cultivation. In some spiritual practices, such as Hoodoo, certain plants and animals associated with zodiac signs are believed to have magical properties6. This cultural overlap highlights the diverse ways in which astrology and plant medicine intersect across different traditions.

While often referred to as “Chinese New Year” in the United States, the term “Lunar New Year” is preferred by many Asian communities to recognize the broader cultural significance of the celebration



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