With the legalization of medical marijuana in more and more states, people are curious about its potential positive and negative effects. One common concern is whether or not using cannabis can cause problems with vision. Let’s take a closer look at whether there is any truth to this claim.
How Does Cannabis Affect The Eyes?
Some evidence suggests that using cannabis can cause redness and irritation in the eyes. This is because of the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, which binds to receptors in the eye and causes the blood vessels to dilate. This can lead to short-term redness and irritation, but it is not known to cause any long-term damage.
In addition, cannabis use can also cause Dry Eye Syndrome, a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears. This can lead to symptoms such as redness, irritation, and a burning sensation. Dry Eye Syndrome is not permanent and can be treated with artificial tears or other medications.
The decreasing pressure in the eyeball caused by smoking cannabis can also lead to glaucoma. This is a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged, eventually leading to blindness. However, it is essential to note that this is only a temporary effect and does not lead to permanent impairment.
The Long-Term Effects
As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that using cannabis has any long-term effects on vision. However, it is essential to note that the research on this subject is still relatively new, and more studies need to be done to definitively say that there are no long-term effects. The THC in cannabis can stay in the body for weeks or even months, so it is possible that there could be some long-term effects that have not yet been discovered.
A recent study even showed that people who used cannabis were actually less likely to develop cataracts than those who did not use cannabis. Cataracts are a common age-related condition that causes the eye’s lens to become cloudy. This shows that the long-term effects of cannabis use on vision are most likely positive, depending on the condition. However, it is still essential to be aware of the potential risks and to consult with a doctor before using cannabis, especially if you have a history of eye problems. For instance, a Mississippi medical marijuanas card can only be issued to patients with certain qualifying conditions.
Generally, vision problems are more likely to occur in people who use cannabis heavily or on a daily basis. This is because heavy cannabis use can lead to a build-up of THC in the body, which can cause changes in the brain and the nervous system for long-term users. These changes can eventually lead to problems with vision, but they are usually not permanent.
Are There Any Benefits To Using Cannabis For Vision?
The use of cannabis has been shown to provide some benefits for people suffering from various vision problems. For example, cannabis can help to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. This can improve the quality of life for sufferers by reducing symptoms and allowing them to maintain a better quality of vision. Vision is critical for many people, such as soldiers and pilots, and improving it can have a significant impact on safety.
While some anecdotal evidence supports these claims, further research is needed to confirm the potential of cannabis as a treatment for vision problems. However, the available evidence suggests that cannabis could be a helpful addition to current treatments for various vision problems.
Bottom Line
Overall, the effect of cannabis on vision is not fully understood. However, the available evidence does not suggest that using cannabis will cause any long-term damage to your vision. It is vital to note that additional studies are needed to define the potential effects of cannabis on human vision.
