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Cannabis consumption is growing in the United States because of state legalization for recreational and medical use. However, many anesthesia practitioners are unaware of the potential adverse effects that may occur if cannabis is taken before the administration of an anesthetic.
Not only might cannabis users require more anesthesia during surgery than non-users, they may have increased pain afterwards and use higher doses of opioids while in the hospital.
A growing body of research shows that patients who use cannabis have higher anesthesia needs and more surgery-related pain.
With recreational and medical cannabis use increasing in the United States, it is necessary for anesthesia providers to consider cannabis’ effects when delivering care. This begins with screening for substance use while performing the preoperative evaluation.
Once cannabis or synthetic cannabinoid use is con- firmed, the anesthesia provider should assess for cardiovascular complications of the drug.
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