Marijuana and Surgery: What You Need to Know

An upcoming surgery may have you wondering whether you will need to take a break from cannabis or whether you should mention your cannabis consumption to your doctor or surgeon. As we are not doctors, we cannot provide a definitive answer to the question of whether you will need to take a break or for how long. 

Based on articles about marijuana and surgery in medical journals, cannabis appears to affect the dose of anesthesia and pain medications needed by some patients. We would strongly advise you to mention your cannabis use to both your doctor and your surgeon well ahead of the date of the surgery and ask them what they recommend.

How Marijuana Affects Different Elements of Surgery

Cannabis could affect various aspects of the process of surgery, including the amount of anesthesia needed, the ease of inserting a breathing tube, and the postoperative medications prescribed.

High Blood Pressure May Lead to the Surgery Being Postponed

Smoking marijuana raises your blood pressure and heart rate when you are lying down. High blood pressure could lead to your surgery being postponed.

Cannabis Consumers May Need More Anesthesia

A 2021 study into anesthesia dosages in endoscopy patients concluded that regular marijuana users tend to need larger doses of anesthesia meds to reach the same level of sedation. Chronic users also generally need larger doses than more infrequent (weekly or monthly) consumers. 

Cannabis Use Could Affect Your Breathing During Surgery

A secondary effect of marijuana use is how inhaled products can affect your airways. Marijuana use can cause airway obstructions. This could make it harder to place a breathing tube, if required.

You May Need Stronger Painkillers

Cannabis is heavily associated with pain relief. However, there is some evidence to suggest that cannabis consumption potentially increases postoperative pain. You may need more pain medicine than non-cannabis-consumers to provide relief after your surgery.

Cannabis Use Before, On the Day of, and After Surgery

Cannabis can have different effects depending on whether it’s consumed before, on the day of, or after your surgery. The following are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Marijuana Use Before Surgery

A literature review published in 2018 advises against consuming marijuana within 72 hours of general anesthesia. Your doctor or surgeon may recommend a different timeline, so it’s essential to ask them how long you should abstain from cannabis before your procedure.

Marijuana on the Day of Surgery

Though recreational or medical cannabis users might be tempted to consume marijuana to relax before their surgery, the above timeline suggests that you shouldn’t consume any marijuana products on the day of surgery, including edibles.

Consuming Marijuana After Surgery

There isn't a great deal of research on how cannabis can affect you after surgery, which is why it’s so important to speak openly with your doctor. Your doctor will take into account the nature of your surgery, your condition, and your medical history to determine whether you are at an increased risk of complications if you consume cannabis.

Take into account the following if you're considering having cannabis after surgery:

• Coughing caused by smoking can put stress on any incisions made.

• Cannabis interacts with a range of other substances, including some prescription medications. Just as marijuana and alcoholtaken together can cause unpredictable effects, mixing cannabis with the drugs prescribed by your doctor during the recovery period might not be a good idea (so you should always ask your doctor first).

• There are other approved drugs your doctor may prescribe to help you control pain and reduce any anxiety you're feeling if cannabis is not an option.

Note: If you take any prescription cannabinoid-based medications like dronabinol, discuss this with your doctor to find out whether you should take or abstain from this medication after surgery.

The Bottom Line: Be Open with Your Doctors

When preparing for surgery, people who regularly consume cannabis must discuss their marijuana use with their health providers. This is the case whether you live in a cannabis-prohibition state, in a state where medicinal marijuana has been legalized, or in a city like Seattle, Washington, where recreational cannabis is legal for adults. Because health information is protected, you can feel safe disclosing any relevant information to your doctors and surgeons no matter where you live.

Letting your doctors know about recreational or medical marijuana use will allow them to understand your medical background, provide tailored advice, and prescribe the most appropriate medications. All of these factors together help to ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery.