How Can I Reduce the Look of High? A Practical Guide to Managing Cannabis Effects

October 2, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the THC in cannabis is responsible for many of its effects, including dilated blood vessels in the eyes, which leads to tell-tale redness. This guide offers practical advice on how can I reduce the look of high and manage its associated symptoms.

Quick Summary

Red eyes and dry mouth are common short-term effects of THC consumption, caused by changes in blood pressure and salivary gland activity. These symptoms, along with potential anxiety, can be managed with hydration, eye drops, and other calming techniques.

Key Points

Combat Red Eyes: Use redness-relieving eye drops, apply a cold compress, or simply wear sunglasses to conceal the redness caused by THC-induced blood vessel dilation.
Relieve Dry Mouth: Stay hydrated with water and stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on candy to counteract 'cottonmouth'.
Manage Anxiety: If paranoia or anxiety occurs, find a safe and familiar environment, use grounding techniques like deep breathing, and distract yourself with a calming activity.
Start 'Low and Slow': Especially with edibles, start with a low dose and wait to gauge your body's reaction to avoid overwhelming effects and potential paranoia.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drinking water helps flush your system, while eating a light, carb-rich snack can help metabolize THC and lessen its intensity.
Consider CBD: Choosing strains with higher CBD content or incorporating CBD products can modulate THC's psychoactive effects and reduce the likelihood of anxiety.

Understanding the Physical Signs of Being High

When you consume cannabis, several physiological changes occur in the body, primarily due to the active compound, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). These effects can range from altered perception and mood to more noticeable physical signs, like bloodshot eyes and a dry mouth, often referred to as 'cottonmouth'. Understanding the root cause of these symptoms is the first step toward managing them effectively.

Why Red Eyes Occur and How to Fix Them

One of the most common physical indicators of cannabis consumption is red, bloodshot eyes. This is not a side effect of smoke irritation, but rather a systemic effect of THC. THC lowers blood pressure, which in turn causes the blood vessels and capillaries in the eyes to dilate, or widen. This increased blood flow makes the whites of the eyes appear red. The effect is temporary, but can be inconvenient in certain situations.

To combat red eyes, several quick and effective methods can be employed:

Use Redness-Relieving Eye Drops: Over-the-counter eye drops like Lumify or Visine are designed to constrict the blood vessels in your eyes, reducing the redness. Lumify, for example, uses a low-dose brimonidine tartrate that specifically targets redness with fewer potential side effects compared to older formulas. It is crucial to follow the directions and not overuse these products, as prolonged use can sometimes lead to 'rebound redness'.
Apply a Cold Compress: Placing a cool, damp cloth or washcloth over your closed eyes for about 10 minutes can help constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling. The cold temperature helps to shrink the capillaries, thereby lessening the redness.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate eye redness and dryness. Drinking plenty of water both before and during your session can help mitigate this effect.
Consider Lower-THC Strains: The intensity of eye redness is directly related to the amount of THC consumed. Opting for strains with lower THC levels or higher CBD content can minimize this side effect.
Wear Sunglasses: This is the simplest and most immediate solution if you cannot address the redness directly. It effectively conceals the eyes and also protects them from bright light, which can cause further irritation.

Tackling Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or 'cottonmouth,' is another ubiquitous side effect of THC, which affects the submandibular salivary glands. To increase saliva production and provide relief, consider these methods:

Drink Plenty of Water: Sipping cold water is the most straightforward remedy. Stay hydrated to help moisten your mouth and throat.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum or Suck on Sugar-Free Candy: The act of chewing or sucking stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Sour-flavored options can be particularly effective.
Eat Food: Engaging your mouth with a snack can get saliva flowing. Dry, salty, or spicy foods can be avoided as they may worsen the sensation.
Use Xylitol Products: Products containing xylitol, such as certain gums or lozenges, can be helpful for stimulating saliva flow and are often recommended for dry mouth.

Managing Mental and Behavioral Effects

While physical symptoms are easily addressed, managing the mental and behavioral effects is just as important. Intense feelings of anxiety or paranoia can be overwhelming, but there are techniques to regain a sense of calm.

How to Calm Down from a High

Change Your Environment: A new setting can help reset your mindset. Move to a quiet, comfortable, and familiar space.
Ground Yourself: Focus on your senses. Listen to calming music, take a warm shower, or feel the texture of a soft blanket. Deep breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8), can help regulate your nervous system.
Distract Your Mind: Redirecting your focus to a simple, engaging activity can help. Watch a familiar movie or TV show, play a low-stakes game, or talk to a trusted friend.
Consume Food and Water: A light snack can help your body metabolize THC and make you feel more grounded. Water helps flush your system.
Consider CBD: CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that can counteract some of THC's anxiety-inducing effects by modulating its impact on the brain's receptors.

Choosing Your Products Wisely

Being mindful of the type of cannabis product you use is a preventative step. Starting with a low dose and going 'low and slow' is always a good strategy, especially with edibles, which can have a delayed but more potent effect.

Eye Drops: Vasoconstrictors vs. Artificial Tears

When choosing an eye drop, it's important to know the difference between the two main types and their mechanisms of action. Vasoconstrictors provide a quick, cosmetic fix, while artificial tears address dryness and irritation from a different angle.


Feature	Vasoconstrictor Eye Drops (e.g., Visine)	Artificial Tears (e.g., Systane, TheraTears)
Mechanism	Constricts dilated blood vessels to reduce redness.	Hydrates and lubricates the eye surface to combat dryness.
Primary Use	Fast, temporary cosmetic relief from redness.	Soothes dry, irritated eyes and improves comfort.
Key Ingredient	Contains active ingredients like tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline.	Mimics natural tears using ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose.
Potential Side Effects	Risk of 'rebound redness' with overuse. Not recommended for long-term daily use.	Typically very safe for regular use. Preservative-free versions are available for sensitive eyes.
Best for	Urgent situations where you need to quickly reduce the appearance of red eyes.	Alleviating dry, irritated eyes and maintaining moisture over time.

Conclusion

Managing the visible and mental effects of cannabis is possible with the right strategies. For physical symptoms like red eyes and dry mouth, immediate relief can be found through eye drops, hydration, and simple home remedies. For more psychological effects such as anxiety or paranoia, focusing on grounding techniques, distraction, and mindful consumption can be highly effective. Ultimately, being prepared and understanding your body's reaction allows for a more controlled and comfortable experience. It is always wise to know your limits and to consume responsibly. For further information on health and cannabis use, the National Institute on Drug Abuse offers a wealth of resources on their website.

A Quick Reference List of Do's and Don'ts

Do:

Stay calm and remind yourself that the feeling is temporary.
Hydrate with plenty of water.
Have a snack, especially something rich in carbs.
Change your setting to a comfortable, safe place.
Try deep breathing or meditation.
Distract yourself with a movie, music, or a simple task.

Don't:

Panic or focus on the negative feelings.
Assume you need more cannabis if effects don't appear quickly (especially with edibles).
Drive or operate heavy machinery.
Use redness-relieving eye drops excessively, as this can cause rebound redness.
Mix cannabis with alcohol, as this can intensify the effects.
Engage in stressful or unfamiliar activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using over-the-counter eye drops specifically designed to reduce redness, like Lumify or Visine, is the fastest way to constrict blood vessels and lessen the red appearance. A cold compress can also help quickly.

Yes, drinking plenty of water can help with two common side effects: dry mouth and dehydration, which can contribute to the feeling of being high. Staying hydrated helps flush your system and can make you feel more grounded.

Eating a meal, particularly one high in carbohydrates, can help reduce the intensity of a high by helping your body metabolize THC more efficiently. Examples include bread or crackers.

While effective for occasional use, it's not recommended to use redness-relieving eye drops excessively. Overuse can cause a 'rebound redness' effect, making your eyes dependent on the drops. Artificial tears are a safer option for frequent use.

You can prevent anxiety by choosing products with lower THC or higher CBD content, starting with a small dose, and consuming in a comfortable, familiar environment. CBD can help modulate THC's effects on the brain.

Yes, since red eyes and dry mouth are systemic effects of THC in the bloodstream, they can still occur when consuming edibles. The onset may be slower than with smoking, but the effects can last longer.

Eating before consuming cannabis can sometimes slow the absorption of THC, potentially resulting in a less intense experience initially. However, consuming food after can still help reduce the intensity of an existing high.