Why You Need to Stop Using Cannabis Before Surgery
Introduction
Cannabis use is common, both for medical purposes and recreationally. Many people use it to manage chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or other conditions, while others use it simply for fun. No matter why you use it, being asked to stop using cannabis before surgery can feel frustrating or confusing. Understanding the reasons behind this requirement can help you prepare, reduce risk, and feel more confident going into your procedure.
Cannabis and Anesthesia
Even though cannabis is often considered natural, it affects the central nervous system and can influence how your body responds to anesthesia. People who use cannabis regularly are more likely to require higher doses to stay asleep and comfortable during surgery. Cannabis can also interact with sedatives, pain medications, and other drugs used before and after surgery, potentially causing complications. Using cannabis shortly before surgery, especially THC-heavy products, can increase the risk of:
Impaired airway reflexes
Vomiting during anesthesia
Low blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms
These factors make anesthesia more complicated and require your anesthesia team to adjust medications carefully.
Post-Surgical Risks of Cannabis
Stopping cannabis before surgery helps reduce post-operative risks. Smoking or vaping can irritate your airways and increase mucus production, while edibles can slow digestion. Both of these effects may increase risks during intubation, waking from anesthesia, and early recovery. These may also increase the likelihood of other negative side effects people experience post-operatively, like constipation. Cannabis can also alter baseline pain sensitivity, which can affect pain management after surgery.
Some specific risks include:
Higher post-operative pain sensitivity
Increased need for opioid medications
Slower recovery from anesthesia
Being transparent about your cannabis use helps your surgical team plan, meet your specific needs, and provide safer care.
Transparency Protects You
It is essential for your medical team to know what you use, how often, and when you last used it. Even if cannabis is not directly linked to complications, this information allows your team to respond quickly and safely if something unexpected happens. Providers are not judging you; they need this information just as they would ask about supplements, alcohol or nicotine use, or prescription medications. Full disclosure helps them make informed decisions and keep you safe during surgery and into recovery.
Recreational Use is Valid
Many people use cannabis for fun or relaxation. Pre-surgical guidelines are focused on safety during surgery, not judgment. Being honest about why you use cannabis allows your providers to give realistic guidance and support, helping your procedure go as smoothly as possible.
Preparing for Behavior Changes
Many surgeries require temporary lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting nicotine, managing weight changes, adjusting medications, or modifying supplements. Taking a break from cannabis can provide insight into:
Your coping skills
What supports you
Triggers that increase your urge to use
The role substances play in your life
How you respond to behavior changes
How you can make changes in other areas of your life with success
These insights can also help you handle other pre- and post-surgical requirements with more confidence.
How Far in Advance Should You Stop?
Guidelines vary depending on the surgeon and the procedure. Always ask your surgeon about their specific requirements and not on word of mouth or other clinics’ policies. Most commonly, it is recommended to:
Stop THC and CBD two to four weeks before surgery
Avoid all forms of inhalation for four to six weeks
Refrain from edibles for at least two weeks
Struggling to Stop?
Temporarily stopping cannabis can be challenging, especially if you use it for anxiety, pain, sleep issues, or have used for an extended period of time. You are not alone, and you are not doing anything wrong.
It is normal to experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop, even temporarily. These can include irritability, difficulty sleeping, strange or vivid dreams, changes in appetite, restlessness, increased anxiety, and/or mood fluctiations. Experiencing these symptoms does not mean you have failed—it is your body adjusting to the change.
Some strategies to manage withdrawal symptoms include:
Gradual tapering instead of stopping abruptly
Non-cannabis coping tools, such as heat packs, grounding exercises, gentle movement, or creative activities
Sleep supports, like maintaining a consistent bedtime, limiting screens before bed, or using relaxation techniques
Hydration and nutrition, which can help with irritability and restlessness
Extra support, such as check-ins with a therapist or provider
It’s okay to ask for guidance and support during this temporary change. Remember, withdrawal is a normal, temporary part of the process, and it usually improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. It won’t last forever.
The Bottom Line
Stopping cannabis before surgery is not about judgment; it is about safety, effective anesthesia, and achieving the best possible outcome. Whether you use cannabis for medical reasons or for fun, your use is valid. Taking this temporary step protects you, supports healing, and builds skills that can help you with other behavior changes in the future.
