What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve–the nerve connecting the eye to the brain. It usually happens gradually as fluid builds up in the front part of the eye, causing pressure to the eye and leading to a range of negative effects. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, although this can be prevented if it’s diagnosed and treated early.

There are two main types of glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma is generally painless, caused by a gradual build-up of eye pressure that eventually leads to vision problems. Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the iris blocks the drainage angle. This causes pressure to build, which can result in an acute attack with symptoms such as blurred vision, severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Glaucoma is particularly common in elderly people, although it can affect people of all ages, and it can also be caused by other issues such as diabetes. It’s generally diagnosed with eye tests and treated with eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery to drain fluids in the eye. Medical marijuana has also emerged as a popular treatment for handling eye pressure and helping with the symptoms of glaucoma.

Medical Marijuana & Glaucoma

Many states now allow patients with glaucoma to use medical marijuana, especially as research shows that cannabinoids can help with glaucoma in various ways. THC can help reduce intraocular eye pressure, making it particularly helpful in reducing the severity of glaucoma. It can also help with many of the symptoms caused by glaucoma attacks.

A study found that the cannabinoids in marijuana significantly helped reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). Smoking marijuana caused IOP to fall by as much as 60% to 65%. Using other methods of THC consumption, such as oral ingestion, also helped reduce IOP. However, the reduction of the IOP only lasted around 3-4 hours before returning to its previous levels.

Further research noted that, although marijuana was found to consistently help reduce intraocular eye pressure, there were issues as the effects weren’t sustained. With that said, marijuana is helpful for instantly reducing IOP as well as helping with many of the other symptoms of glaucoma.

How Medical Marijuana Helps with Glaucoma Symptoms

One of the main benefits of using medical marijuana for glaucoma is that it swiftly helps reduce intraocular pressure- the issue that causes problems to your vision in the first place. However, it can also help in various other ways, especially for glaucoma patients who suffer from acute attacks.

Marijuana can almost instantly relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This makes it particularly helpful for relieving the severe eye pain and inflammation often caused by glaucoma. Marijuana is also extremely helpful for nausea and vomiting relief–two symptoms that are also common in acute attacks from glaucoma.

It’s also worth noting that marijuana can help prevent certain causes and triggers of glaucoma. For instance, research shows that stress can often trigger the build-up of IOP, and marijuana helps relieve anxiety and stress. Marijuana also helps by reducing the risk of diabetes, as diabetes can cause a rare form of glaucoma to develop.

How to Use Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma

There are many ways to use medical marijuana, although some methods of consumption are more helpful than others for reducing IOP and helping with the symptoms of glaucoma. 

The most popular option is smoking or vaping marijuana. Inhaling marijuana can instantly help reduce the issues caused by glaucoma, although the effects only last for a few hours.

Oral consumption of THC is also helpful for glaucoma. As such, glaucoma patients may want to use THC Capsules or THC Edibles. These generally have longer-lasting effects, and the effects are also stronger than inhaled marijuana. However, you can avoid unwanted side effects by taking a microdose of less than 10mg.

It’s important to note that certain methods of consumption aren’t helpful for glaucoma. Marijuana topicals don’t help reduce IOP and should not be applied to your eyes. What’s more, while CBD products often help with many of the same symptoms as THC, CBD can potentially increase eye pressure and, as such, shouldn’t be used for glaucoma.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma in 5 Easy Steps

Here are the five simple and easy steps on how you can become eligible to consume medical marijuana for glaucoma in Florida:

• Register online with the nearest My Florida Green’s medical marijuana doctors to share your medical history.
• After collecting your medical information, we need to meet you in person to check your symptoms.
• If your condition qualifies for medical marijuana, our compassionate doctors will create your profile on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
• Then, you must pay the application fee and wait for approval from the state.
• Once approved, you will get your medical marijuana card in Florida, which will help you easily buy cannabis products.

FAQs About Medical Weed and Glaucoma

Which cannabinoid is best for glaucoma?

THC is the best cannabinoid for glaucoma. It helps reduce intraocular pressure by attaching to CB1 receptors in the eye. This attachment lowers fluid production and increases fluid drainage.

Is weed good for glaucoma?

Weed is beneficial in managing glaucoma symptoms. Some studies found that the THC in weed can help lower intraocular pressure by 40%. 

Does THC help with eye pressure?

Yes, THC attaches to the CB1 receptor in the eye to lower eye pressure. The effect lasts for 2-4 hours.