Using Cannabis Before or After Surgery: Safety Tips for Patients

If you use cannabis and have surgery coming up, it’s important to tell your medical team. Cannabis can change how your body responds to anesthesia and pain medicine.

Regular users often need much higher doses of anesthesia, sometimes three to ten times more, just to stay asleep safely during a procedure. Cannabis also affects the heart and lungs, which can increase risks like irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, or breathing problems during surgery.

After surgery, many cannabis users report stronger pain, more nausea, and even withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop. This means you may need extra support for pain control and recovery.

The good news? Being open with your surgeon or anesthesiologist helps them plan ahead. They can adjust anesthesia, monitor you more closely, and tailor pain management to keep you safe and comfortable.

Experts recommend avoiding cannabis for at least 72 hours before surgery, but even if you’ve recently used, don’t hide it. Your safety depends on honesty.

Bottom line: Cannabis and surgery don’t mix well without planning. Share your use openly, and let your care team do what they do best—keep you safe.