CANNABIS (MARIJUANA) USE – PATIENT EDUCATION

Research indicates that Cannabis use before surgery can make anesthesia less effective and negatively impact the functioning of the heart, nerves and lungs (the cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems). Being honest about Cannabis, frequency of use, and mode of ingestion (smoking, edibles, vaping, etc), along with a complete health history and prescribed medications, can help enhance patient safety. For your safety, the doctor may recommend that you stop using Cannabis for a period of time prior to your scheduled surgery.

Specific risks of Cannabis use before surgery with anesthesia include: 

• an increased heart rate and high blood pressure (hypertension), including drops in blood pressure (hypotension) when transitioning between anesthesia stages.
• airway irritability, including an increased risk of airway inflammation, leading to the tightening of the muscles that line the airways (bronchospasm), and tightening of the throat muscles (laryngospasm).
• increased secretions which contribute to airway obstruction and an increased risk of food and fluids entering the airways and lungs (aspiration).
• the need for higher and more frequent doses of sedatives, due to Cannabis’ ability to desensitize certain receptors, potentially interfering with their effectiveness and increasing the risk of anesthesia awareness and patient recall if sedation is not sufficient.
• slow and shallow breathing (respiratory depression), if combined with opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol), or benzodiazepines (g., Xanax, valium, klonopin).

Cannabis use after surgery may interfere with the healing process, lead to a delayed recovery with more pain and complications, especially if your treatment includes extractions and/or implants.