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

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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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Cannabis Can Keep You From Freaking Out About Kessler Syndrome

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And like a holiday blockbuster – people have something new to worry about – but marijuana could come to the rescue.

Blockbuster disaster movies always have something destroying major cities. Now scientist are citing the very real evidence we could have space junk crashing and having a big impact on the planet. Kessler syndrome, proposed by NASA scientists Donald J. Kessler and Burton G. Cour-Palais in 1978, describes a potential cascade of collisions in low Earth orbit (LEO) that could render space activities increasingly difficult  This scenario occurs when the density of objects in orbit becomes so high that collisions between them generate debris, further increasing the likelihood of subsequent collisions. It seems with everything sent to space, civilization could be at a tipping point. But cannabis can keep you from freaking out about Kessler Syndrome.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

The syndrome poses a significant threat to satellite operations and space exploration. Even small debris fragments can cause catastrophic damage to spacecraft due to their high velocity. As collisions create more debris, the risk of further impacts grows exponentially, potentially leading to a chain reaction that could make certain orbital ranges unusable for generations. While there’s no consensus on whether Kessler syndrome has already begun, experts agree that the concept is valid and requires attention. The increasing number of satellites, particularly large constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, has raised concerns about exacerbating the problem.

While disaster movies are more dramatic, the idea of space junk destroying Paris, New York or Los Angeles is low.  BUT…the real tragedy it could force human to go analog again as it poses a significant threat to space-based activities and technologies. Critically, it could disrupt telecommunications, internet connectivity, GPS navigation, and weather forecasting. And the effects could last for generations, making space exploration and satellite usage dangerous or impractical.

On top of all the other anxiety, this could tip the scale, but research data shows cannabis, particularly products high in CBD (cannabidiol), may offer relief from anxiety symptoms without the risks associated with THC-dominant products.

While both THC and CBD can affect anxiety levels, their impacts differ:

  • THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This psychoactive compound has a biphasic effect on anxiety. Low doses may decrease anxiety, while higher doses can potentially increase issues.
  • CBD (Cannabidiol): Studies indicate that CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all tested doses, without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

RELATED: Holiday Hangover? Here’s How To Stop It Before It Strikes

When considering cannabis for anxiety management, especially in the context of concerns about the Kessler syndrome, it’s important to note:

  1. Individual Responses: Reactions to cannabis can vary widely among individuals, influenced by factors such as dosage, strain, and personal physiology.
  2. Consultation: It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or a state-certified cannabis clinician before using cannabis for anxiety treatment.
  3. Complementary Approach: Cannabis should not replace traditional anxiety treatments like talk therapy but rather be considered as a potential complementary approach.
  4. Dosage and Ratio: The ratio of CBD to THC in cannabis products can significantly impact their effects on anxiety. CBD-dominant products may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
  5. Long-term Effects: While cannabis may offer short-term benefits for anxiety symptoms, long-term effects and potential risks should be considered.

if you ever thought you were an actor in the movie, just look at the news – you can’t make this stuff up.



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Cannabis And Co2 – How To Increase Your Yield

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Discover Cannabis and CO2

Did you know that your plants can be harmed if they don’t get an adequate supply of CO2? Or that an excessive supply of carbon dioxide can potentially be harmful to your marijuana plants? Carbon dioxide is a crucial aspect of marijuana cultivation that can hinder or permanently halt the progress of plant growth. When it comes to supplying your plants with additional carbon dioxide, there are certain factors you need to keep in mind. In this piece “Cannabis and CO2” we will share ways to optimize CO2 levels for cannabis growth.

Cannabis and CO2

Why is carbon dioxide essential for cannabis cultivation?

It is essential to ensure that your plants receive a carbon dioxide level above 250 parts per million (ppm). Any CO2 level below this measure can pose immense risk to them. On the other hand, exposing your plants to dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide can be lethal. But why is carbon dioxide essential for cannabis cultivation? It enables plants to complete the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the conversion of carbon dioxide into energy in plants. As the name and formula imply, CO2 consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. This is significant because plants require 17 essential elements to grow and reproduce, and hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen make up 95% of a plant’s dry weight.

Many farmers suggest that adding CO2 to the cultivation room could improve yields by up to 20%. However, this guide will show you how to optimize carbon dioxide levels for better weed growth and excellent results.

How to introduce additional CO2 to your garden

There are several methods to add carbon dioxide to your garden. However, many of these methods do not guarantee controlled delivery of the desired PPM. Therefore, we recommend investing in reliable equipment to ensure proper CO2 supplementation.

CO2 generators

CO2 generators offer an effective way to improve the carbon dioxide levels in your plants. These products, resembling outdoor heaters, burn propane or natural gas to produce carbon dioxide. They also emit heat, making them suitable for larger spaces and climate-controlled enclosures.

Compressed CO2

Compressed CO2, stored in metal tanks like propane cylinders or scuba tanks, can be delivered to your plants through emitters. Unlike generating carbon dioxide on your own, compressed carbon dioxide is produced at a factory, eliminating concerns about heat generation. This makes compressed CO2 an excellent choice for small-scale growers.

What does carbon dioxide do for your cannabis plants?

Optimizing carbon dioxide levels for your plants will result in increased growth speed and higher yields. With accelerated growth, you can enjoy bountiful harvests every year, resulting in bigger and better yields without experiencing dry periods. When carbon dioxide is used properly, it increases the moisture content in your plants and enhances their resilience. This enables plants to withstand higher temperatures than they normally would without drying out quickly. As a result, your plants will thrive in hotter conditions, leading to improved growth.

carbon dioxide and cannabis plants

Why use CO2 in cannabis cultivation?

There are two primary benefits of using CO2 in your marijuana plants: faster growth and greater yield. Additionally, plants store a certain amount of moisture and energy in their leaves, and carbon dioxide helps release that energy, allowing plants to blossom. Most cultivators agree that unlocking this stored energy can lead to a 20-30% increase in yield, along with a relative growth speed increase of at least 15%.

What do you need to know before adding CO2 to your cannabis plants?

Adding CO2 will increase the humidity of your cannabis garden, creating a more moist environment. However, higher moisture levels can also increase the risk of fungus and rot. Moreover, uncontrolled release of carbon dioxide can create a toxic environment for both your cannabis plants and yourself. A CO2 level of about 2000 ppm can harm your plants, and levels higher than that can be unsafe for animals and humans to breathe. It’s important to remember that a quantity below 250 ppm will harm your plants.

Since carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen, it needs to rain down on your plants. Therefore, it’s necessary to regulate carbon dioxide levels to maximize its benefits without sacrificing the oxygen your plants require, and vice versa. In a nutshell, carbon dioxide supplementation will lead to bigger, improved, and higher annual yields.



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Cannabis Can Help With Holiday Stomach Issues

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It is the time for indulgence…but too much may cause issues…cannabis help with bloating, nausea and more

Cookies, appetizers, eggnog, the holiday is filled iwth treats BEFORE the feast.  Families, friends and more will gather together for turkey, beef, carbs and more.  But for some, the overindulge comes at a price, stomach issues. A 2022 survey found over 50% experience gastric issues during Christmas.  In addition, for some fatty and sugary foods slow digestion, which can lead to bloating. While traditional remedies exist, some are turning to a plant older than Santa as a potential solution for holiday-related digestive discomfort. Cannabis can help iwth holiday stomach issues.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating digestive processes. Cannabinoids can help improve poor digestive motility, a common feature of gastrointestinal disorders that can contribute to bloating. By interacting with ECS receptors, cannabis may help regulate the movement of food through the digestive system, potentially alleviating the feeling of fullness and discomfort associated with overeating during holiday meals.
Photo by RUNSTUDIO/Getty Images

One of the most notable benefits of cannabis for digestive issues is its potential to alleviate abdominal pain and bloating. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of certain cannabinoids may provide relief from the discomfort caused by excessive food intake. Many users report a significant reduction in abdominal pain and bloating when using cannabis, which could be particularly beneficial after a large Christmas dinner.

The holidays can be a stressful time, and stress is known to exacerbate digestive issues. Cannabis possesses considerable stress-relieving properties that can be highly beneficial for those coping with digestive discomfort. By promoting relaxation, cannabis may help ease tension in the digestive tract, potentially reducing bloating and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.

While cannabis is often associated with increased appetite (the “munchies”), its effects on eating habits can be more nuanced. Some strains of cannabis may help regulate appetite, potentially preventing overindulgence during holiday feasts. Additionally, for those who experience a loss of appetite due to digestive discomfort, cannabis may help stimulate hunger and promote better nutrient absorption.



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