How Long Before Surgery Should I Stop Eating Edibles?
With a focus on anxiety and chronic pain treatment, medical marijuana use will likely continue to increase in popularity over the next decade. As usage grows–both recreational and medical–patients are seeking information about the effects of marijuana on surgical procedures.
Patients taking edibles or consuming marijuana in any form need to be aware of the impact regular use can have on upcoming surgeries. If you haven’t yet asked your surgeon, discuss it at your next appointment. Get candid about your marijuana use, whether medical or recreational. Ask specific questions such as, “How long before surgery should I stop eating edibles?”
Should I Stop Eating Edibles Before Surgery?
Prolonged regular marijuana use can make your body produce enzymes that process certain chemicals rapidly to remove them from your system. The anesthesia required for surgery can be less effective when these enzymes are present because they break down the medicines faster. Requiring a higher dose of anesthesia can be hazardous to some patients and can cause difficulty waking after surgery or critically low blood pressure.
Disclosing your marijuana use to your surgeon and anesthesiologist is crucial to proper sedation. They may recommend stopping edibles at least 72 hours before surgery–though some will suggest several weeks, depending on the individual circumstances.
Can I Smoke Or Vape Before Surgery?
You should refrain from vaping or smoking anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks before surgery. Both smokers and vapers who continue to engage in these activities up until surgery will have a higher risk of severe complications.
The nicotine found in tobacco is a stimulant, which causes the blood vessels to constrict. This limited blood flow can be hazardous to the oxygen supply, making it hard for the body to maintain regular oxygen levels. Vaping or smoking marijuana or tobacco can lead to breathing problems and risk further surgical complications.
Can I Eat Edibles After Surgery?
Anesthesia will typically leave your body within 3 to 7 days, but some individuals will still feel the effects after this time. After 2 to 4 weeks, you can be sure the medicines have successfully cleared your system. At this point, you may be able to resume marijuana usage if you have approval from your doctor. If you are taking prescription pain medicines, you may need to wait until stopping these medications before resuming edibles since combining these with marijuana could be dangerous.
Be Open With Your Healthcare Providers
The most important part of your surgical journey is keeping an open dialogue with your surgeon. Being honest and upfront with your doctor about your marijuana use can help eliminate any fears or anxieties you may have about your procedure. Your surgical team wants you to have a smooth and successful procedure–and stunning results.
Sarasota Surgical Arts
If you are ready to take the next step on your cosmetic journey, Dr. Alberico Sessa can help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals. Call Sarasota Surgical Arts at 941-313-7746 to schedule your consultation.
