Skip to content

NUG LIFE

News and Events

November 21, 2024 11:02 pm

Cannabis Use Prior to Surgery Requiring Anesthetics

In a world where cannabis is widely stigmatized, many users are typically discreet with disclosing their use. But with medical research in legalized states rising, users are now being urged to go against their cannabis concealment specifically when having surgery. 

And why? It’s been found that anesthesia is affected by getting high. So before you or any weed loving loved ones head into a surgical procedure, read up on how THC will affect resting peacefully while under the knife. 

What can happen

When you withhold your cannabis use prior to surgery use, what can happen? Basically your worst nightmare, or something out of a movie…if you’re not given enough anesthetic to make-up for THC’s effect, you can literally awake during surgery. And due to the muscle relaxant dose…you’re unable to move, or speak to alert the surgeon. 

So, why does this occur? THC and the medicines used during anesthesia, are both stored in the body’s fat cells. Where too much THC is stored, it can overpower the variety of meds like fentanyl, midazolam and propofol, causing you to feel ‘awake’ when you’re supposed to be knocked out.

We spoke to Dr. Karyemaître Aliffe, Chief Medical Executive of ZoneIn CBD who weighed in on the topic, “Full-spectrum cannabis products have many aspects in common with anesthesia drugs, so the potential for interactions is real and safety is paramount. An effect on response to anesthesia drugs and overall requirement is also found in people who regularly consume other psychoactive substances, such as alcohol and coffee; hence, the relevant concerns for cannabis consumers are familiar, being neither unprecedented nor unique.

THC/CBD after-effects

Many may be tempted to smoke immediately before surgery to calm your nerves. But this can also have adverse effects. Cannabis use can cause vasodilation, or the relaxation of blood vessels. Causing your blood pressure to fall…which is not ideal during any medical procedure.

THC also has a tendency to raise heart rates, causing further complications. Because anesthesia causes the same effect, it can heighten issues. Like the patient staying under for longer, or have more difficulty coming too.

Cannabis can stick in your system for months…just because you didn’t wake and bake, doesn’t mean you don’t have to report that you got high weeks before. And smoking versus ingesting tinctures, or eating edibles matters too. Similar to cigarettes, if you’re inhaling your cannabis products, your anesthesiologist will need to additionally prep for potential airway issues. Even the strain type, or THC and CBD ratios can affect the balance of meds given prior to an operation. 

“It is of importance here to consider the type of cannabis product being consumed, as a CBD-dominant cannabis product tends to elicit a different spectrum of effects than a THC-dominant product. Indeed, many patients may experience beneficial effects and a decreased drug requirement (e.g., benzodiazepines.) Where there is a Hippocratic relationship between the anesthesiologist and the patient, it is surely preferable to discuss cannabis use prior to surgery,” said Dr. Karyemaître Aliffe.

Dosage Success

In a recent study, conducted by Dr. Mark Twardowski, an internal medicine specialist in Colorado, it was found that regular cannabis users required 2x+ the amount of normal anesthesia. In this case, the medicines typically used prior to surgery were increased by the following percentages – 

  • 14 percent more fentanyl
  • 19.6 percent more midazolam
  • 220.5 percent more propofol

Effects Of Cannabis Use On Sedation Requirements For Endoscopic Procedures. Twardowski Et Al. 2019. The Journal Of The American Osteopathic Association

While this one study goes to prove the importance of disclosing marijuana use, it may only be the beginning. The more research conducted on the once outlawed plant, the more we’ll discover about its’ influence on prescribed medication’s efficacy. 

Play it safe 

If cannabis isn’t legalized in your state, don’t fret over being snitched on. Doctors won’t report your use to authorities. They’ll only use the information to customize your dose as necessary. Any illegal use is covered by your doctor-patient confidentiality rights. 

 

Even more, the medical field is making adjustments internally, for the growth of marijuana users across the nation. Like, recently the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists updated its guidelines to cover potential risks for marijuana users, and the necessities of addressing use with patients. 

All in all, the research is still compiling on how cannabis affects medications, including anesthetics. While some experts recommend not smoking for a month prior to surgery, others recommend abstaining for 12 hours prior to going under. Either way, as long as you truthfully disclose your use – you’ll be playing it safe. 

THE LATEST

Nug Brand Spotlight WYLD Edibles

One of the many unique features of NUG’s lineup is the wide selection and high quality offered. Due to their intentional cultivation and production process, NUG’s products deliver consistent, sought-after product. Their strains are not only diverse but also fresh, potent and flavorful, making them stand out in the market. NUG has a great variety of strains that cater to different tastes, preferences, and desired effects. So which strain is right for you, your desired experience or a best fit for your occasion? In this new feature, we check in with some experts about what they’re smoking.

NUG LIFE | BLOG

Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberry Pancakes – A delicious indica-dominant hybrid

One of the many unique features of NUG’s lineup is the wide selection and high quality offered. Due to their intentional cultivation and production process, NUG’s products deliver consistent, sought-after product. Their strains are not only diverse but also fresh, potent and flavorful, making them stand out in the market. NUG has a great variety of strains that cater to different tastes, preferences, and desired effects. So which strain is right for you, your desired experience or a best fit for your occasion? In this new feature, we check in with some experts about what they’re smoking.

CANNABIS RETAIL TRENDS

Shop NUG’s cannabis dispensaries, online or in the dispensaries, for the widest selection of award-winning NUG Premium indoor flower, award-wining chocolate and edibles, live resin cannabis cartridges and all the best disposable and reusable pods. Browse your your favorite premium cannabis brands, including Stiiizy, Lolo, Jeeter, Trinity Reserve, West Coast Cure, Raw Garden, Seven Leaves, Wyld, Himalaya, West Coast Cure, Lost Farm, Heavy Hitters, and Fig Farms. Order online and pick up in store.

NUG Cannanbis

Shop NUG’s cannabis dispensaries, online or in the dispensaries, for the widest selection of award-winning NUG Premium indoor flower, award-wining chocolate and edibles, live resin cannabis cartridges and all the best disposable and reusable pods. Browse your your favorite premium cannabis brands, including Stiiizy, Lolo, Jeeter, Trinity Reserve, West Coast Cure, Raw Garden, Seven Leaves, Wyld, Himalaya, West Coast Cure, Lost Farm, Heavy Hitters, and Fig Farms. Order online and pick up in store.

NUG at WeedCon 2021

Events are back! After a year of hunkering down, and what felt like an eternity of waiting, we were ecstatic to finally be able to

FIRST ASIAN-OWNED EQUITY CANNABIS DISPENSARY TO OPEN IN OAKLAND​

OAKLAND, CA MAY 4 – The Nation’s first Asian-owned Social Equity Cannabis dispensary is opening its doors in the heart of Downtown Oakland, the city that piloted the original social justice program in 2017. After 4 years, pivotal late night City Council meetings, Federal obstacles, countless

TERPENES vs THC

TERPENES vs THC: The importance of terpenes, cannabinoids, their relation to each other and what to look for when trying to get the best out