How Long Before Surgery Should I Stop Eating Edibles?

Cannabis has long been regarded for its pain relieving properties. Consumers over the eras have reported that smoking, vaping, eating, and otherwise consuming cannabis have often led to short-term and chronic pain relief. 

No doubt cannabis has played a significant role in relieving pain or scores individuals over years. But did you know it could actually exacerbate issues when it comes to surgery? 

Consuming cannabis edibles, smoking, or otherwise can drastically impact anesthesia and other critical factors on the road to recovery. With quite a bit at risk, consumers need to be aware of the risks and how they should approach surgery as a cannabis consumer. 

The plant's potential healing properties are fantastic, but they can create havoc and uncertainty when it comes to going under the knife. Read on to learn more about the cannabis and surgery connection, as well as how long before surgery you should stop eating edibles or consuming cannabis otherwise.

Should You Stop Using Cannabis Before Surgery?

Yes, it's recommended that anyone planning to undergo surgery stop using cannabis in the days before any procedure. The warnings come with quite a bit of risk to patients, with some potentially life-threatening outcomes unfolding if their cannabis use isn't factored in correctly before surgery.

High Risks

Consuming cannabis two clues to surgery can lead to a number of potentially life-threatening and certainly uncomfortable experiences during and after the medical procedure. Some of the most common drawbacks experienced include:

Respiratory Complications

THC, the most prevalent cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, can affect respiratory function. Adverse effects include inflammation and swelling to the breathing tube during surgery. This effect can lead to the patient taking in a reduced amount of oxygen. Additionally, higher doses of anesthesia may be required to manage the patient's airway during the procedure. 

THC has also been linked to depressed respiratory functions, resulting in a slower breathing rate and potentially serious complications 1. This effect can cause significant concern during surgery, where the patient's controlled breathing is paramount. 

Keep in mind that while smoking and vaping are often linked to adverse respiratory effects, THC consumed by any method, edible, tincture, or otherwise, can all produce complications during surgery.

Cardiac Effects

Consuming cannabis affects heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of catastrophic outcomes. The dosage consumed creates drastically different effects.

For example, a low dose can increase heart rate and blood pressure. On the other hand, a high dose will do the opposite. In both cases, this effect can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes during a surgical procedure 2.

Blood pressure may also lower as cannabis can induce vasodilation, or the relaxation of blood vessels. This effect can lead to circulatory problems during and post surgery.

Anesthesia Interactions

Cannabis consumers face a higher chance of developing complications during and post surgery.

Cannabis has been known to alter anesthesia drugs metabolism, producing abnormal effects that could potentially complicate surgery and threaten the life of the patient. This effect has led to some patients overdose and on anesthesia while others have received inadequate dosages to keep them sedated during surgery 3.

Regular cannabis consumers typically require significantly larger doses of anesthesia to remain sedated or asleep during surgery. Depending on the person or study cited, a regular consumer may need anywhere from three to 10 times the standard dose of anesthesia to achieve the desired level of sedation 4.

Pain Management

Regular to chronic cannabis consumers have been linked to heightened pain sensitivity after surgery. This effect often results in a patient needing higher doses of medication to manage their pain 5.

In many cases, opioid based painkillers maybe prescribed. Select studies have supported the use of opioids for pain relief, with cannabis consumers requiring more medication than non-consumers. 

Recommended Timeline for Discontinuation

So, how long should you stop eating edibles and otherwise consuming THC for surgery? 

Most guidelines suggest stopping at least three days before surgery. Patience should give up all things THC for at least 72 hours before surgery. This period should be enough time for the body to clear the THC metabolites from the system 6.  

Some may not like that they can't have their THC before going under the knife. But with the intoxicating cannabinoid increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiac complications during procedures, it is strongly recommended that everyone put down the THC at least 3 days before surgery.

An Important Note About Edibles

It is recommended that edible consumers give up the THC at least a week before surgery. The extended prohibition period is recommended because of an edible's increased potency compared to other consumption methods. 

Unlike smoking and vaping and tinctures which are consumed in the lungs and under the tongue, edibles are processed in the digestive system.

This slower process is the reason why edibles typically take 30 to 120 minutes to take effect. The process also results in edibles being metabolized in the liver, where THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and intoxicating cannabinoid. 

The time away from edibles may not be enjoyable for regular consumers, but most guidelines suggest doing so to ensure that THC is cleared from the system, reducing any risks of adverse interactions with anesthesia.

The More Consumed, the Longer the Wait

Frequent or chronic consumers are recommended to give up THC for several weeks before surgery if possible.

Chronic use leads to THC building up in the body's fat tissues. Once built up, it takes much longer for the body to clear the THC from the system.

Communicating with Your Surgical Team

Honesty is the best policy. That's especially the case when you're a cannabis consumer about to go under the knife. 

Today, most medical professionals are open or at least understanding to cannabis consumption, be it edibles, smoking, or otherwise. This is particularly true for anesthesiologists, who need to factor cannabis use into the precise and adequate dosage anesthesia during the surgical procedure.

Similarly, doctors need to factor in THC consumption and its impact on pain management when prescribing post-surgical medication. 

Whenever you plan to have surgery, consult with your doctor and medical professional to ensure the smoothest and safest process possible. Be sure to address all of the following in the lead-up to any surgery.

Having a complete patient profile helps doctors identify the best treatment methods possible. With surgery, understanding how much cannabis and what type of cannabis products are consumed will help determine ideal dosages for surgery and post surgical care.

It's best to let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know about your cannabis consumption as soon as possible. Ideally, it's recommended to bring this up during early consultations. Doing so will allow medical professionals to appropriately assess the situation and make any adjustments to the surgery or treatment regimen as needed. 

Being honest with your medical professional is always the best approach. But, with cannabis, that isn't always possible.

Be it fears of law enforcement or lingering stigmas, there are plenty of reasons to be hesitant about sharing your consumption with a medical professional. While valid, not being honest with medical professionals is an extremely risky prospect, as cannabis can pose many significant adverse reactions. In some cases, these reactions can lead to fatal outcomes. 

Avoiding such outcomes is paramount, and highlights just why honesty is the best policy in the lead up to any surgery. 

When Should I Stop?

It's often recommended that patients stop consuming cannabis somewhere between three and seven days before a surgical procedure.

This time period varies depending on the frequency and consumption method chosen. More chronic consumers may be required to put down the THC for several weeks if they want to ensure that the cannabinoid won't adversely impact their surgery or recovery. 

While we have an understanding of how long a person should stop consuming THC, it's always best to speak with a professional to get a most precise assessment. 

When planning for surgery, be open and honest about your cannabis consumption as soon as possible. Doing so will allow for the professionals to assess your unique situation and determine the adequate doses required to make surgery and recovery a success.