A Review of the Pharmacology and Anesthetic Implications of Cannabis

Cannabis is now legalized, for medical and/or recreational use, in numerous states. Although the cultural shift in acceptance of cannabis is apparent in the public, that sentiment has not necessarily translated to healthcare professionals. As anesthesia providers, we must understand the pharmacology of cannabis and its effects on physiology to provide safe anesthetic care to patients who consume it. The purpose of this article is to describe cannabis and its pharmacologic and physiologic effects and to review the anesthetic implications of its short-term and long-term use.