Effects of Cannabis Use on Sedation Requirements for Endoscopic Procedures: A Replication Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cannabis legalization in Virginia impacts medical care, particularly procedural sedation.
• Understanding cannabis's effect on sedation is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between self-reported cannabis consumption and sedation medication needs during endoscopic procedures.
• To determine if cannabis use influences recovery times post-endoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of surgical patients at a mid-Atlantic community hospital.
• Comparison of two groups: self-reported cannabis users and non-users.
• Evaluation of recovery metrics: Time to Aldrete ≥8 and Time to Meet Phase II Criteria.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in recovery times between cannabis users and non-users (p = .486 and p = .762).
• Cannabis-consuming patients required higher doses of propofol for sedation.
• Equivalent recovery times suggest comparable sedation levels were achieved despite increased medication needs.

Conclusions:

• Cannabis consumption does not appear to significantly alter recovery times from procedural sedation.
• Increased propofol requirements in cannabis users necessitate careful consideration during sedation planning.
• Open communication about cannabis use prior to procedures is vital for tailoring patient care and managing medication dosages.