Failing to disclose use of cannabis or psychedelic mushrooms to your doctors before undergoing a medical procedure could have consequences.
These drugs can affect how much anesthesia a patient needs, increase their risk of heart or respiratory issues, nausea and vomiting during surgery, and affect post-surgery pain management, according to the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists.
“Patients may not realize that these naturally derived substances affect anesthesia, so it’s important to educate patients why they must discuss this with their anesthesiologist,” said MSA President Dr. Michael Lewis in a prepared statement.
The anesthesia group recommends informing your surgery team whether you smoke or ingest cannabis and how often. It’s also useful to note if you smoke cigarettes or other products.
Substance use is taken into account when developing an individualized anesthesia plan, which also incorporates a patient’s medical history and the procedure to be performed.
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