Glaucoma is the most common eye condition that alternative doctors believe marijuana can help manage. According to cannabis proponents, this drug’s anti-inflammatory properties help naturally decrease intraocular pressure (IOP), which is crucial for reducing the likelihood of full-blown blindness. 

Glaucoma patients have abnormally high IOP levels, and optometrists commonly prescribe IOP-reducing drops to help people struggling with this condition. However, if cannabis naturally reduces IOP, it may open up a new therapeutic option for millions of patients living with glaucoma. 

While many weed fans are hopeful that ganja can prevent glaucoma-related blindness, not every cannabinoid may be beneficial for this eye condition. 

So, Does Cannabis Work For Glaucoma? 

Most researchers who’ve studied cannabis for glaucoma believe delta-9 THC is responsible for the positive effects on IOP. THC is also the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. So, although delta-9 shows excellent potential at reducing IOP, many scientists are wary about prescribing medical marijuana joints or tablets for this condition.

Although THC reduces IOP, these effects wear off after a few hours. Patients would need to take THC supplements a few times per day to keep their IOP scores in a healthy range. Of course, taking THC that often would cause people to feel a constant “high” that would make everyday working life challenging. Excessive consumption of THC might also put some patients at risk of panic attacks and paranoia. 

Unfortunately, putting delta-9 THC in an eye drop formula has proven difficult. Like all other cannabinoids, delta-9 is fat-soluble. Therefore, it doesn’t blend in well with standard water-based eye drops. Some scientists have tried administering oil-based eye drops, but they’ve discovered patients felt significant eye discomfort. Plus, these oil-based drops didn’t reduce IOP as well as oral THC pills. 

It’s also essential to note that CBD could interfere with THC’s impact on IOP. A few major trials suggest CBD supplements can temporarily raise IOP. When CBD and THC are combined, CBD seems to negate all of THC’s positive effects on eye pressure. Researchers consistently note that only delta-9 THC shows the most potential to manage glaucoma. 

How Should Patients Use Cannabis For Glaucoma

Although we know THC has tremendous potential for glaucoma patients, there’s no clear strategy on how to use this cannabinoid for eye care. Most ophthalmologists say they need more data to better understand how patients could use delta-9 THC to manage their glaucoma without triggering other issues. 

As mentioned in the previous section, some doctors are working on THC eye drops, but these may take a few years to develop. Researchers may soon use nanotechnology to shrink THC molecules and make them more water-soluble, but this is pure speculation. There are also discussions about using THC-rich topicals around the eyes to manage IOP without making patients constantly feel “high.” 

While there are a lot of developments in this field, patients should remember that research into THC for glaucoma is relatively new. It’s always best for glaucoma patients to speak with a trusted healthcare provider about including medical marijuana in their lifestyle. 

At this point, we can say that THC temporarily reduces eye pressure. However, patients should always consult an eye doctor to determine the best treatment regimen for their condition.