Should you use marijuana before a surgery, read this first https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/why-you-shouldnt-smoke-cannabis-before-surgery

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CANNABIS BEFORE SURGERY
Why You Shouldn't Smoke Cannabis Before
Surgery

2. 8/2/2020 Why You Shouldn't Smoke Cannabis Before Surgery
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We all know that cannabis is healthy and bene cial in preventing as well as treating numerous conditions, but there are
the few instances when it should be avoided.
One of these is before and during surgery. If you have a surgery scheduled, you need to be upfront to your doctors and
anesthesiologist about your cannabis habit. Cannabis use can cause complications in surgery, and should be
avoided weeks before the procedure. Some people might think that smoking cannabis can be helpful in calming
down your nerves before going under the knife, but it’s not a good idea. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to open
up to your doctors if you use cannabis regularly.
Don’t Smoke Cannabis Before Going Under The Knife

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The One Time You Need To Stop Using Cannabis?
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Why You Need To Come Clean To Your Anesthesiologist
About Cannabis Use
Should You Use Cannabis Before a Surgery or Medical Procedure? (https://vimeo.com/444092422) from CannabisNet
(https://vimeo.com/user84347733) on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com).
Think its safe to smoke before going under the knife? Think again!
Should You Use Cannabis
Before a Surgery or
Medical Procedure?
from CannabisNet
01:31

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In the 1980’s when cannabis use was already prevalent, this raised red ags among surgeons who feared that patients
could be going under the knife after smoking getting high. A paper
(https://www.aana.com/newsandjournal/Documents/cannabis_1280_p526.pdf) in the 80’s was published in the Journal
of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists which said, “many anesthetists are not aware of the potential adverse
e ects which may occur if marijuana is taken prior to the administration of an anesthetic […] in conjunction with an
anesthetic, marijuana can cause severe complications.”
Yes, you read that right. With all the positive bene ts of cannabis, this is ONE serious situation wherein you
shouldn’t be smoking. In most people, cannabis has the tendency to lower blood pressure and heart rate, or
even cause a drop in body temperature which makes it act like a depressant. Anesthesia is also a depressant, and

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having these two things together in your body is a cause for alarm. It is well known that cannabis causes the blood
vessels in the body to relax, also known as vasodilation. This can greatly complicate things if your blood pressure is
already falling because of any issues with surgery or anesthesia and can also change the way your body will respond to
the anesthesia.
In 2005, a paper published in the journal Current Opinion in Anesthesiology
(http://www.anesthesiologie.nl/uploads/150/622/Artikel_Filippini.pdf) stated, “The combination of marijuana with other
sedative hypnotic drugs may enhance depression of the central nervous system,” which causes a serious reduction in
breathing. Other research (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1776719/pdf/brjpharm00538-0115.pdf)
papers also state that using cannabis can prolong the e ects of the anesthesia which means that you’ll be hit by the
drug for much longer than the anesthetist intended. In 2002, a study (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-
2044.2002.288312.x/full) discussed the case of a 34-year-old cannabis user who was administered with anesthesia for a
dental procedure to remove a wisdom tooth. The patient experienced laryngospasm
(http://www.livescience.com/51177-dry-secondary-drowning-symptoms.html), which is also known as a drowning
reaction.
Going under the knife is scary enough as it is. Don’t make it more dangerous and increase the risk that you might
stop breathing because of consuming cannabis before the procedure. Using cannabis the day before especially in
the hours before your expected surgery can lead to drastic e ects. Resist the temptation to smoke before surgery
because you can complicate what could be an otherwise normal procedure.
What To Do

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If you’re a regular user, it’s important to be honest about your cannabis habit to your anesthesiologist whether
or not pot is legal in your state. Remember that your personal safety is more important. Don’t even think about
calming your nerves with weed, or cigarettes which is just as bad for surgery. Opt for natural relaxation techniques like
meditation, slow breathing, and listening to music.
Be as accurate as possible about how much and how often you use cannabis; if you smoke or eat it, and when the last
time you used it was. Coming clean about your cannabis use probably won’t delay your surgery but it’s critical
that your anesthesiologist completely understands that you may be reacting di erently to the anesthesia than
expected. This way he/she is also prepared for any issues that may arise especially in your airway which is a common
occurrence for all kinds of smokers who undergo surgery.
After Surgery
Depending on the kind of surgery you had, you may nd relief in using cannabis to help you heal better and faster after
your surgery. If you aren’t sure and want to be on the safe side, you can speak to your doctor about it if weed is legal in
your state.

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