Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications under anesthesia, particularly non-occlusive coronary events such as myocardial infarction (Heart attack) and coronary vasospasm. Within the first hour after cannabis consumption, patients face a 4.8-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction compared to periods of non-use.[2] This elevated risk appears to decline rapidly after the first hour, with relative risk dropping to 1.7 in the second hour.[2] However, Cannabis use increases risk of heart attack and stroke if consumed by smoking, vaping, edibles or other forms. Current guidelines recommend discontinuing ANY cannabis/THC use 7 days prior to any planned anesthetic, longer if possible.
1.Perioperative Care of Cannabis Users: A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacological and Anesthetic Considerations.
Echeverria-Villalobos M, Todeschini AB, Stoicea N, et al. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. 2019;57:41-49. doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2019.03.011.
2.ASRA Pain Medicine Consensus Guidelines on the Management of the Perioperative Patient on Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
Shah S, Schwenk ES, Sondekoppam RV, et al.Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 2023;48(3):97-117. doi:10.1136/rapm-2022-104013.